Lake Superior’s largest island has a bit of something for everyone and wilderness lovers will find a great number of activities on Isle Royale. The waters are inviting to boaters, the lakes welcome fishermen, and the forests provide good shelter from the storm for weary hikers. But be aware, if you’re heading into the hinterlands of the park, be aware, this place can be rugged.
Here are some of Park Junkie’s favorite activities in Isle Royale.
Guide to Isle Royale
Hiking in Isle Royale
The hiking in Isle Royale National Park is among the most rewarding in all of our parks. The island is bisected by a system of trails that provides access to an array of coves and ridges, along with a few remote lakes where hikers can feel free to toss their clothing aside an dive into the refreshing water after a long day slogging through the Michigan wilderness.
“More”It should be noted that hiking here is not for the meek. Trails on the island are rugged, and often seem besieged by mud and puddles that remain long after frequent rains. Sometimes, hikers will find no alternative than to just wade on in and soak their shoes, which can cast a cloud on an otherwise enjoyable trail experience. Just make sure your shoes are laced when you head into such a mess, as you don’t want to leave a shoe behind in there…
Rock Harbor Trails
The trails that surround Rock Harbor are the busiest and most traveled trails in the park. These trails are generally the most well maintained trails in the park and provide a great opportunity to combine trails to make either dayhiking or backpacking circuits from Rock Harbor.
| TRAIL | LOCATION | LENGTH | Difficulty & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tobin Harbor | Rock Harbor, near seaplane dock | 3 miles one-way | E – Nice trail leads along Tobin Harbor shoreline |
| Stoll Trail | Rock Harbor | 4.2 miles – varies | E – Trail system leads to Scoville Point – Great views |
| Lake Richie | Rock Harbor to Lake Richie | 13 miles – one way | M – Trail leads along Lake Superior, past Three Mile & Daisy Farm to remote lake. |
| Suzy’s Cave | Rock Harbor | 4 mile – loop with Tobin Harbor | E – Rock Harbor Trail leads to spur trail & cave with small thru-passage |
| Lookout Louise | NE terminus of Greenstone Ridge Trail | 1 mile | S – Short but steep trail leads to quiet, but excellent lookout to the north. Canoe to trailhead. |
| Greenstone Ridge | Runs along ridge from Windigo to Lookout Louise | 43 miles | S – Excellent trail for a proper introduction to Isle Royale. |
| Mott Island Loop | Mott Island | 2.6 mile loop | E – Quiet, seldom traveled trail around small island, just south of Three Mile Camp. Access by boat |
| Mount Franklin | Three Mile Camp | 2 miles one way | M – Hike leads to top of rock bluff with fab views |
| Lane Cove | North from Mount Franklin | 2.4 miles one way | S – Small cove provides access to Five Fingers |
| Daisy Farm & Mount Obijway | Daisy Farm Campground | 5.1 miles one way | M – Loop leads from Daisy Farm to Greenstone Ridge & Ojibway Tower |
Middle Island Trails
Trails in the mid region of Isle Royale are removed from the common ports of entry, although they can be accessed by drop offs at McCargoe Cove and Malone Bay via the Voyager II out of Grand Portage, Minnesota. This boat can also pick up at Rock Harbor and Windigo. Generally these trails are only traveled by backpackers, or those with boat access along the remote shoreline.
| TRAIL | LOCATION | LENGTH | DIfficulty & NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Chickenbone | 0.5 miles from McCargoe Cove | 1.6 mile one way | E – Trail connects McCargo Cove to Greenstone Ridge Trail. Passes lake. |
| Indian Portage & Lake Mason | McCargoe Cove to Chippewa Harbor | 10.6 miles one way | M – Remote trail leads across Isle Royale from north to south. Southern region receives very little traffic |
| Hachet Lake | Connects Greenstone & Minong | 2.6 miles one way | M – Short connector trail with access to lake |
| Ishpeming | Malone Bay to Greenstone Ridge | 7 miles one way | S – Trail leads steadily upward, arriving at the Ishpeming Fire Tower, and the park’s second highest point |
Windigo Trails
The few trails in the Windigo area see less traffic than those in the Rock Harbor area and require a bit more mileage to get to your destination. Most visitors will consider these to be backpacking trips.
| TRAIL | LOCATION | LENGTH | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minong Ridge | Spans from Windigo to McCargoe Cove | 26 miles | S – A more rugged alternative to the Greenstone Ridge for cross-island hikers |
| Windigo Nature Trail | Windigo | 1.2 mile loop | E – A great post-dinner stroll |
| Huginnin Cove | Washington Creek Campground | 9.4 mile loop | M – Trail provides access to an old mine, passing through wetlands and forests |
| Feldtmann Lake / Island Mine | Windigo | 23.5 mile loop | S – Leads from Windigo to Grace Creek, Feldtmann Lake, Siskiwit Bay, Island Mine & returns to Windigo on Greenstone Trail |
Backpacking in Isle Royale
If it is not totally obvious to the casual Park Junkie, let me be clear: Isle Royale is a backpacker’s dream! With over 160 miles of rugged trail, this place is absolutely off the chain, and there is simply no way to really access most of the park’s backcountry without backpacking into the wilderness of the largest island on the world’s largest freshwater lake.
“More”The island is crossed by two main trails: the Greenstone Ridge Trail, and the Minong Ridge Trail. These trails allow cross-island hikers to wander through the wilderness for more than 40 miles between Windigo and Rock Harbor. Other trails, such as the Feldtmann Lake Trail provide an opportunity for shorter loops that originate and end in one of the park’s main areas.
Isle Royale’s backcountry is home to 36 campgrounds, which have sites available on a first come, first serve basis. All sites provide a number of tent sites, outhouses and a water source. Many of the larger campgrounds offer small screened shelters with picnic tables. These wilderness structures feel incredibly luxurious during times of inclement weather, during which their minimalistic yet cozy confines resemble a five-star hotel.
Backpacking on Isle Royale requires a permit, which is available for groups smaller than 6 persons upon arrival at either the Windigo or Rock Harbor Visitor Center. Larger groups will need to secure their permits before arrival, which can be done on the Isle Royale’s NPS site.
For those who want a more rugged adventure than can be attained on a system of maintained trails, cross-country hiking and unimproved backcountry camping options can provide a solid wilderness experience. Check with the NPS to facilitate such an adventure.
Kayaking in Isle Royale
The open water paddling opportunities in Isle Royale are unparalleled in our national parks. Visitors who bring their own kayak to the park will be able to access and explore a multitude of remote and rarely visited coves, bays and campgrounds that simply cannot be reached by foot.
“More”Inland lakes can be explored as well, but the portages involved in reaching such waterways require a significant effort. A strong set of shoulders can do the job, but a kayak cart will be a real life saver for most waterborne adventurers.
Numerous routes can be planned, including a complete circumnavigation of the island, or a simple trip from Rock Harbor to the Five Fingers. Other options exist on the park’s eastern side, which allow journeys that lead from the south shore of the island into the interior, where a series of portages and paddles deliver a competent paddler to the north shore. From there, a paddle to either McCargoe Cover or back to Rock Harbor will provide an pick up from the Voyageur II if planned in advance.
Bringing a kayak to Isle Royale requires transportation of your vessel aboard one of the ferries that service the park. Inquire with the ferry to obtain costs and information regarding bringing your vessel to Isle Royale. The Voyageur II out of Grand Portage, Minnesota offers boat transportation from their docks to the park, with stops at Windigo, McCargoe Cove, Rock Harbor and Malone Bay.
For the day trippers who want to get some paddling, both the Rock Harbor and Windigo Marinas rent canoes and kayaks. This provides an excellent opportunity to explore Grace Harbor in Windigo, or Tobin Harbor and the area around Scoville Point for those in Rock Harbor.
Fishing in Isle Royale
With all this water, it just seems natural to toss the ol’ line in the water and see what happens. Fishing in Isle Royale can be quite rewarding, and the park’s lake trout population is reported to be the most productive and genetically diverse in all of Lake Superior’s waters.
“More”There are approximately 200 inland lakes, many of which are teeming with walleye and northern pike, which are an absolute blast to catch. Lake Superior offers a chance to reel in lake trout and salmon from its frigid waters, although this may be easier to achieve with a boat and a down-rigger system if you’re hoping to haul in those lake trout.
A Michigan state fishing license is required to cast into Lake Superior, but no license is required for those who head into the park’s inland lakes with a pole and a hunger for fresh fish. Guide services are available at the Rock Harbor Lodge, so if you’re spending a few days on the island, this may present a fabulous outing.
Scuba Diving in Isle Royale
Most visitors don’t know that Isle Royale is actually an archipelago, formed by a collection of more than 400 islands. Nor do most folks understand that the park boundary stretches far into the depths of Lake Superior, as the park holds all terrain within 4.5 miles of the Isle Royale shoreline.
“More”The waters of Lake Superior are notoriously rough during storms, and this fact has proven unfortunate for more than 25 ships which lie strewn about the reefs which coast of Isle Royale. These sunken relics of the past are prime targets for those in the SCUBA world.
Mooring buoys mark nine different shipwrecks within the park, including the 183-foot America, which sunk in 1928 and is the park’s most well-known wreck. Other wrecks include some massive ships, such as the 525 foot Emperor and the 532 foot Chester Congdon, which sunk more than 100 years ago, in 1918.
Boat Tours
One of the best ways to get an overview of the island and gain access to some more remote sections without hiking for days, is to jump aboard the M.V. Sandy on a nautical sightseeing tour.
“More”Four different tours are available, each of which is scheduled on specific days. Destinations include Lookout Louise, Passage Island, and Raspberry Island, as well as the Edisen Fishery and the Rock Harbor Lighthouse.
All trips require tickets, which can be purchased at the Rock Harbor Lodge Office.
Ranger Programs
One of the more educational undertakings during a visit to Isle Royale is attending one of the numerous ranger programs that are scheduled during Michigan’s long summer days.
“More”In addition to the guided tours on the MV Sandy, and the ranger programs aboard the Ranger III ferry during its passage to Rock Harbor from Houghton, Michigan, the NPS provides a complete array of day and evening programs. Twenty minute dock talks are giving every afternoon in Rock Harbor, and evening programs examine the island’s natural and cultural history, while numerous programs highlight the diverse array of wildlife found in this unique national park.
Guide to Isle Royale
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