Isle Royale Trip

Was there for a week last summer.  We left from Grand Portage, took the IRQueen to Windigo for permits then up to McCargo Cove.  Hiked down the Minong to the Hatchet Lk trail then over to Greenstone for a bit then the Feldtman Loop back to Windigo.  Overall a nice trip – the scenery was not “big” like out west but it was very diverse.  We had great weather in July but the mosquitoes were worse than the worst places Ive been in the Boundary Waters – cannot imagine doing it without a headnet and long sleeves.

There are some threads here on BPL with good info, but most of my info came from the IsleRoyaleForums and an ebook from isleroyale.info

Definitely check out the Isleroyal forums. They can tell you which campsites are less spectacular than others

Three years ago I was there for a week. Took the second boat over in May, went 49 hours without seeing another person. No bugs either however the stores were not open yet (as expected). It was time to leave when I ran out of coffee and was down to a pack of oatmeal and some almonds for food.

If you are staying a night at Feldtmann Lake hike the mile over to Rainbow Cove and catch the sunset if the weather is nice.

Filter your water, filter filter filter. Looks like you have a Sawyer Mini on your equipment list. Bring the back flush kit, and maybe a second mini as backup. And a second container for dirty water in case the bladder that comes with the mini springs a leak.

Could just be that I am paranoid about tapeworms laying eggs in my brain.

Seems like a good plan to me.  The western Minong is my favorite hiking on Isle Royale, though it’s all good.  It is relatively strenuous so doing it with a lighter pack is logical.  Todd Harbor and Little Todd are both excellent campsites.

I’ve always missed peak bugs by going later in August, but they can still be oppressive at times.  My next trip will either be super early or super late.  I think catching the fall foliage would be gorgeous.

I was there a couple of years ago, late in the season (September). We did the Feldtmann Lake loop and I don’t recall seeing any insects, except for caterpillars that climbed on to us as we walked through the 8 ft. high grass on the low points of the Feldtmann Lake trail. Also, we only saw a total of three people on the trail.

If you do this loop at the right time, the beginning of the trail from Siskwit Bay to Island Mine (before it climbs) is BURSTING with blueberries and raspberries. It took us a long time to go the ~2 miles because we pretty much ate our way through the berry patch.

Jay is correct that the scenery is not “big” in the western sense. But it is serene and still and very beautiful. So much so that my brother and I are heading out there in May for a week to do the Minong Ridge Trail.

Are there any ancient copper mines visible along the trails. Any clearly marked as “Point of Interest”

Thanks for the feedback.   Certainly would love to hit it during wild blueberry season.

Looks like you’ve picked an excellent route.  Very similar to what I did a couple years ago but I started in Windigo.  One potential addition is the Stoll Trail.  For being so close to Rock Harbor it is unlike any other trail on the island.  I was even able to find an arch carved by mighty Lake Superior.

You’re using most of my favorite campsites except for Moskey Basin which would be difficult to reach after getting off the boat instead of Daisy Farm. An option, on the first day you could try something like hiking the Stoll trail and then to Three-mile. Day 2 to Moskey Basin (considering you’ve already got a few extra days). Try to stay away from camping at East Chickenbone. West is much better! Isle Royale is a special place!

http://ericshikes.blogspot.com/2014/10/isle-royale-national-park-grand-tour.html