Hey Isle Royalers,

I'll be in Wisconsin for July 4 and wanted to do a nice backpacking thru hike in the region. I was highly encouraged to check out Isle Royale and now have a sea plane booked to Windigo and out of Rock Harbor. I tried to pick highly rated campsites, I like the idea of the minong trail. I want seclusion and views. Please be critical of my itinerary:

July 5 - Fly to Windigo arriving early evening, camp nearby

July 6 - Windigo to Little Todd

July 7 - Little Todd to McCargoe

July 8 - McCargoe to Moskey Basin

July 9 - Moskey Basin to Rock Harbor

July 10 - Fly away from Rock Harbor, early morning

Background: I'm reasonably fit computer jockey, 6'2'' 220lbs. I am slow but have good endurance. I did the LA marathon about 2 months ago. Last summer I did the JMT in 2 weeks. I've got a light-ish pack.

I know that day 1 is a big walk, but I'm not to fearful of a 18+ mile day if my guestimate is that it's low elevation gain walk in the woods. Any and all advice is appreciated.

Thank you! Happy Trails, Kyle

First time; First week of a September

Option A:Fly in to Windigo, Feldmann Loop
Day 1: Washington creek
day 2: Feldtmann lake
Day 3: siskiwit bay
Day 4: island mine
Day 5: hike back to Windigo, fly back to mainland

Option B:
Day1: Queen to Rock Harbor, Water taxi to McCargoe Cove
Day 2: W Chickenbone. (Or Lake Richie)
Day 3: Moskey, Basin
Day 4: Daisy Farm or Three Mile
Day 5: hike to Rock Harbor, Queen back to Copper Harbor

Hoping for beautiful views, solitude, and swimming opportunities. Option B is less total miles which is a bit of a bummer but might be good for a first timer. I think it’s about 20miles.

how many days does that take?

Planning to visit in late August. Can I expect to show up and get a site? Weekend vs not?

Rock Harbor Dockside store will be open on May 22nd thru June 4th from 8am to 5pm. Windigo store and Rock Harbor Dockside store will be open June 5th from 8am to 8pm every day through until fall. Will update when I find out the closing dates.

This is my first isle royale backpacking trip, but I have backpacked alot over the years. I am looking to do a 7 night backpacking trip:

1. Is there good cliff(2m to 10m) jumping at any of the sites?
2. How often are any the campgrounds full in July?
3. I enjoy peace and quiet, how often are shoreline campgrounds occupied by boaters?

Wondering if anybody has visited the island yet this year. I’m headed over on May 15th for a week. Per call to Ranger station today they have not yet been on the trails. Wondering if anyone has any updates on trail conditions this year? I will plan to report back on my return.

We had an extra day on the North Shore this July and snagged day trip tickets from Grand Portage to Windigo. We arrive at 10:00 am and board the boat at 1:45 pm. Any suggestions as to how to spend that time? I couldn’t find much info about short hikes, kayaking, or fishing. My youngest is 13 and Junior Ranger programs are now hit and miss. I’m definitely more excited about them than she is 😆 Thanks!

I realize day trips aren’t ideal! I am planning a longer 3 night trip to Rock Harbor in either 2027 or 2028, depending on availability. My backpacking days are over (cannot tolerate ground sleeping even on pads), so I thought a day trip to Windigo might be the only way we would otherwise see it!

Have seen a lot of internet hype/fear mongering about ticks. I backpacked 4 nights on the northern side of isle Royale in 2022 and didn’t run into any ticks… just a bunch of mosquitoes at points. Backpacking from Windigo to Rock Harbor at the beginning of June this year.

Should I be taking extra precautions than normal, or is it a normal year for ticks on the island?

Planning on doing the Feldtmann Loop out of Windigo, and I know there are three sites along the way, but am thinking of doing two nights at Siskiwit bay to enjoy a rest day. Thoughts? This will be my first time truly backpacking, I’ve done a one nighter and a hike in site a couple of times. Any advice or tips?

Planning to come in August and looking at potential trails to see shipwrecks from or close to a designated trail. Not looking to snorkel or dive.

I’m thinking of bringing one of those small metal square stick stoves (something like the Kuvik Titanium Wood Stove) for cooking. Are they allowed on the island? If they are allowed, what about using them for a small campfire in the evening?

Heading across now. About an hour or so more before we get to see the iconic Rock Harbor Lighthouse at middle islands passage. Excited to spend the next 6 months on Isle Royale.

As always, thanks to Captain Justin and Captain Lacy for making it all possible. Check out

U.P. Adventure Company online at upadventureco.com

Posting this for other’s awareness in regards to food storage. I have seen conflicting answers on if a bear container is necessary if the campsites you are staying at have food storage lockers, so I went ahead and emailed the park rangers to get confirmation. Based on their response, as long as the sites you are staying at have food storage lockers, you do not need a bear container.

To check if a campsite has a food storage locker, you can reference this link https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/greenstone-campground-table.htm

Hey guys, I’m a novice camper doing a four day trip in Isle Royale

In the past 5 years I’ve only done one trip—last year—for 3 days (2 nights) in the Porcupine Mountains.

This year, we’re hiking in 4 miles to the campsite and spending 4 nights in the beautiful national park.

Last year my friends and I went with basically no proper gear and survived the porcupines. This year I’d like to be more prepared and am wondering what you’d all recommend I bring. If anyone has any tips, a packing list, or anything else, that’d be helpful.

Hello! We’re planning a 1 day trip at the beginning of September. Getting into rock harbor around 11:35 am then leaving the next day at 2:45 pm.

1. What is the best campground that’s in walkable distance from Rock Harbor that isn’t super touristy.

Ideally, we’d like a shelter but not mandatory.

1. Is it worth renting a boat to get to campsites quicker?

Would love any recommendations for our situation.

Thank you all!

Re-posted with the picture.

Any thoughts on this moose-wolf report?

I'm sure this gets asked a lot, but I can't really find the information online. My wife and I are talking about making a trip to the park in summer 2027. I was looking into the lodging, specifically the Rock Harbor Lodge. If we want to book for next summer when does that become available? Thanks!

As winter finally releases its chilly grasp on the Midwest, I look forward to warmer days ahead at my favorite place in the world. Isle Royale has quickly become the place I think about daily, reminiscing on past trips, and getting excited for future adventures there. Fishing and photography fills my soul with passion and this spot fits the bill perfectly for both of those. This season is shaping up to be better than last year for trips to the island and as we dust the Hewescraft off from its winter sleep, the scenes of calm waters, loons howling, downriggers popping, and night skies dancing begin to fill my mind. This shot is from last summers trip to the far Northeastern end of the island at a secret location off of the main island. This small cove was illuminated by an amazing sunset and as we finished our Lake Trout dinner I grabbed a camera and quickly snapped this shot.

We're a group of 7, and we submitted our reservation request with our itinerary on January 2. Our trip will be from June 16 - 24, so we're getting a bit anxious! Fingers crossed we get approved and hear back soon

I’m planning a trip to Isle Royale in May and I was wondering if anyone has advice?

The current plan is to paddle along the southern coast starting at Rock Harbor.

Are there good hiking trials, sightseeing, or anything worth stopping for along the southeast coast?

Thank you!

I’m looking to bring a pole for my upcoming trip late may and can’t decide on a ultralight fly setup or ultralight spinner setup? I’ll have to mostly get a new setup either way as non of the current stuff I fish with is going to pack down small enough for backpacking. I think a spinner will be better at isle royal but I’m also planning to fish some alpine lakes in Washington later in the year where a fly rod I think would be better (trying not to buy 2 rods). What do you think I’ll better suited buying?

I see conflicting information on food storage. Is the new rule that all food must be stored in a bear canister then placed in the lock box at camp sites?

Or is it that you can do the above method OR just store your food in the lock box for food at camp sites?

Thanks