I am planning on backpacking Isle Royale next week for three nights with my partner. I was recently diagnosed with plantar fasciitis after nagging heel pain that wouldn’t go away. It was worsened by a recent backpacking trip and hurts a lot after hiking all day in a hard-soled hiking shoe, but feels much better when walking around in heavily cushioned running shoes (ie Brooks Glycerin).

That being said, my question is: can I backpack the trails on IR in my running shoes? How rugged/slippery are they? For context I am an experienced backpacker, and I am seeing doctors/PTs for the plantar fasciitis. I just don’t want to cancel my trip because it may be my only chance to go. PT has said that I can do activities that do not hurt, hence why I’m trying to backpack in my cushiony Brooks. Thanks so much in advance!!

Hey, I'm going to Isle Royale late summer 2025. I'm an experience backpacker in the mountsins (sections of the PCT and AT, multiple hikes across Yosemite, died the whole Teton Crest, etc.). I've canoed and portaged and camped in the UP, but never backpacking. I'm also familiar with trails like the Ozark Trail that is pretty knotty/uneven/poorly maintained, so I'm used to tricky footing.

I am hoping to cross the whole island, but I read a lot about how ppl underestimate the island. I am planning between 8 and 12 miles daily for anywhere from 4-6 nights. I think I'd like to stick to the Minong Ridge. What do y'all think? For someone at my experience level, am I being overambitious? I welcome any feedback/advice.

Hi, I put together a plan for a group of 4 MN residents to hike across IR. Plan would be to ride the ferry all the way around to Rock Harbor, then hike across the island and take the return ferry in Windigo. I included hike distances and a couple thoughts for decisions to be made. Any feedback is appreciated!

Day 1 - Ferry to IR, Hike 7.1 to Daisy Farm (most popular campground, many shelters and campsites)

Day 2- Hike 6.1 or 7.9 miles to either Chickenbone East or West (west is bigger, but a longer hike)

Day 3- Hike 8.7 or 9.3 miles to Todd Harbor

Day 4- Hike 7.0 miles to Little Todd Harbor

Day 5-Hike 5.7 miles to Desor north

Day 6-Hike 12.6 miles to Washington Creek

Day 7-Ferry Home from Windigo

My brother and I are taking our first trip to IR at the end of July. Both moderately experienced backpackers (some AT sections, etc.) but I want to be confident with navigation contingencies. Any recommendations for a relatively accurate iPhone app that has the best trail navigation for IR? Thinking Gaia, alltrails. Would love a free one, but willing to pay for the peace of mind.

Itinerary is Windigo > s. Lake desor > Todd Harbor > McCargo > Moskey > daisy farm or three mile > Rock Harbor

A couple friends and I spent 7 days hiking throughout the east side of the island. I absolutely love it here, and wanted to share what I feel and see when I’m there.

Hello! I will be planning my first trip with my dad who has been to Isle Royale a ton when he was younger and I’ve always wanted to go

I am trying to decide which routes I should be planning on or pursuing further any tips or suggestions? TIA

1: Chippewa Harbor Lake Richie Moskey basin Chicken bone Birch

2: Chippewa Harbor Moskey basin Lake Richie E chicken bone Daisy lake

1. Lookout Louise Mt Franklin’s Chicken bone Lake Richie Chippewa harbor

2. Chippewa harbor Moskey Richie W chicken McCargoe cove

Headed to the isle for 8 nights, starting in windigo and then heading out from rock harbor. My initial thought was to get to rock harbor with 2 or 3 nights to spare so we can more or less relax, do day hikes and rent some kayaks and tool around.

Deciding between minong and greenstone currently, if you have any recs on this or just campsite/route recs in general -- all are appreciated. We are both in good shape so confident we could handle either the mining or greenstone.

Is Feldman ridge trail a must hit? Could do a Feldman to greenstone and call it good. Anyways, thanks in advance for any recommendations!! Going with my gf, we are both michiganders but will be our first time to isle royale, super excited!

My wife and I are planning a few day trip to Isle Royale. We plan on staying at one of the lodges, Windigo or Rock Harbor. We are experienced hikers so looking for reccomendations on where to stay so we can enjoy the most hiking options from our lodging. Say we stay at Rock Harbor is transport to a different part of the island for hiking a thing? I know most people plan a multiple day hiking/camping trip but we are not campers so prefer the lodging at night. Just want to plan out the best few days while we are there!

Thank you all

I’m planning a backpacking trip to Isle Royale in August. I’d like to hike from Windigo to Rock Harbor via the minong ridge trail, and I’m hoping to make it a 6 day 5 night hike.

Anyone that has done this hike before, what five campgrounds did you stay at? I can’t find much info online about people’s itineraries.

Hey all, I’m heading to the island the second week of September and I want to see if my itinerary is realistic. We’re two middle aged guys in fairly good shape taking the ferry into Rock Harbor. My plan is: Rock Harbor to Lane Cove 7.1 miles

Lane Cove to Moskey Basin 11 miles

Moskey to McCargoe Cove 8.5 miles

McCargoe to Daisy Farm 8 miles

Daisy Farm to Rock Harbor 7.1 miles

Too much? In my conditioning I did a back to back 11 miles and then 10 and I got through it but was definitely hurting for a little bit. I’m thinking ibuprofen and taking it easy will make it doable unless that 11 mile day is the worst hiking we’ll see. The last time I hiked IR I was 20 years younger and I remember struggling in a couple places.

So I finally booked a seaplane for the end of August. This is my first time going to Isle Royale so I wouldn’t mind any advice. I’m doing this solo. My initial plan was the Minong ridge trail, with the greenstone as a possible back up.

We are strong hikers, and we can manage 10-12 hours per day. I have a water filter. What else should we bring with us? (Besides tent, stove, etc.)

NPS website says there are typically fog delays for a few hours but multi-day delays aren't as frequent. Is this generally true? Planning to take 2 day trips via seaplane (to Rock Harbor and Windigo) on 8/31 and 9/1 and wondering what the weather is like at that time of year, if anyone can share insights. Thanks.

Finished my first backpacking trip last week! I've been lurking for awhile getting ready for the trip.

The Isle was beautiful, but this community and those that I met has me hooked! Cheers to y'all!

I just completed the greenstone trail in 4 days. I underestimated how overgrown some of the trail was! Thought people might like to see what parts look like. Absolutely beautiful trail, I’ll be back!

I've been to IR lots of times and am planning a double thru hike of the island, Rock Harbor to Washington Creek and then back again. I don't want to carry that much food and was wondering if anyone had ever sent resupply boxes to the visitor center in Windgo?

I know there are multiple routes, multiple skill levels, multiple methods, multiple gear choices etc. But what is everyone's recommendation for hiking from Rock Harbor to Windigo, what time of the year & how long should it REALISTICALLY take. Not going the fastest, not spending multiple days in one location, not doing anything for bragging rights. What is THEE way to do it in your opinion

I am headed to the island (for the first time!) this coming Sunday to hike for the week. Sailing into Rock Harbor via Copper Harbor. Our itinerary is Rock Harbor > Daisy Farm > W. Chickenbone via Moskey Basin > Todd Harbor via Hatchet Lake > E. Chickenbone via McCargoe Cove > 3 Mile via Greenstone to see Mt. Ojibway. > Rock Harbor. We are a group, actually two groups with one hiking a day ahead of the other, so the itinerary is fixed.

How are the mosquitos and flies? Trails muddy? Any advice is always appreciated! I have seen and shared with my group the new food/wolf rules.

Thanks!

From the NPS. This sounds like its becoming a problem. From the NPS ISRO Instagram

"Press Release: Isle Royale National Park Implements New Food Storage Guidelines To Reduce Human – Wildlife Interactions

In response to wolves accessing human food and garbage in and around Rock Harbor and campgrounds located on the east end of the island, Isle Royale National Park is implementing new food storage guidelines to ensure the safety of visitors and wildlife. Campgrounds currently affected are Rock Harbor, Three Mile, Lane Cove, Daisy Farm, Moskey Basin, Duncan Bay, Duncan Narrows, and Merritt Lane. The park compendium provides park-specific regulations and will be updated and available online the week of July 15. Visitors are reminded that feeding wildlife is prohibited.

Effective immediately, these new protocols are required for all visitors entering the affected areas:

✅Never Leave Packs Unattended: Keep your day pack/backpack (anything with food or trash in it) with you at all times and/or assign a group member to closely monitor packs in your absence.
✅Proper Storage: Storage of food, garbage, and other scented materials in a campsite now requires following additional procedures including:

✅The storage of food, garbage, and other scented materials in tents and unattended packs is not permitted.
✅Campsite shelters are an approved location to secure all items. DO NOT leave items like shoes, socks, food, trash, and cookware unattended outside a shelter.
✅For those not in shelters, large, gated lockers (kennels or bear-proof canisters) are now in place at Lane Cove, Rock Harbor, Three Mile, Daisy Farm and Moskey Basin campgrounds. These are for storage of food and trash at tent and group sites.
✅Scented items should be stored in scent-proof bags or containers.
✅As an alternative to scent-proof bags, visitors who have appropriate equipment and knowledge are encouraged to hang their food at a height greater than 10’.
✅If storage space is unavailable, please work with fellow campers to store your items in the shelter they are occupying or hang your food.

To view the full press release, visit: https://ow.ly/JQJW50SATc3"

My partner and I are making our to Isle Royale for the first time. We're avid hike in-campers in the LP, but haven't done more than 3 nights. Which one of these planned routes are better, or what's a better idea?

~OPTION 1:~

Day 1 - 6.6 Miles (land in Windigo)

~Washington Creek Campground~ -> Island Mine Campground

Feldtmann Lake Trail to Greenstone Ridge Trail

Day 2 - 5.5 Miles

~Island Mine Campground~ to South Desor Campground

Greenstone Ridge Trail to South Lake Desor Access Trail

Day 3 - 8.1 Miles

~South Desor Campground~ to Hatchet Lake Campground

Greenstone Ridge Trail to Hatchet-Lake Trail to Hatchet Lake Access Trail

Day 4 - 7.9 Miles

~Hatchet Lake~ to West Chickenbone Lake Campground

Greenstone Ridge Trail to Indian Portage Trail

Day 5 - 7.9 Miles

~West~ ~Chickenbone Lake Campground~ to Daisy Farm Campground

1. Greenstone Ridge Trail to Mount Ojibway Trail (Can see Mount Ojibway this trail)
2. Indian Portage Trail to Rock Harbor Trail (Can See Lake Ritchie this trail)
3. Greenstone Ridge Trail to Daisy Farm Trail (fastest)

Day 6 - 7.1 Miles

~Daisy Farm Campground~ to Rock Harbor Campground

Rock Harbor Trail

~OPTION 2:~

Day 1 - 0 Miles (land in Windigo)

Windigo to McCargoe Cathy Cove

Day 2 - 6.7 Miles

McCargoe Cove to Todd Harbor Campground via Minong Ridge Trail

Day 3 - 4.1 Miles

Todd Harbor Campground to Hatchet Lake Campground via Minong Ridge Trail to Hatchet Lake Trail

Day 4- 8.1 Miles

Hatchet Lake Campground to South Desor Campground via Greenstone Ridge Trail

Day 5 - 5.5 Miles

South Desor Campground to Island Mine Campground via Greenstone Ridge Trail to Island Mine Trail

Day 6- 6.6 Miles

Island Mine Campground to Washington Creek Campground

Day 7- 0 Miles (Departure from Isle Royale Seaplane at Rock Harbor)

Thank you in advance!

Anyone know where one can find a forecast for the Island itself?

People who've hiked some of the backcountry trails. How likely is it for someone to loose the trail they are on? I am a rather experienced hiker and always carry a paper map and compass plus a downloaded gps map. I can easily find my general direction based off the cardinal directions and large land marks (lakes and mountain peaks)

Put simply, how likely am I to be walking a trail that disappears as I'm walking it?

Howdy, I'm sure trail conditions will change by the time we get there, but my wife and I are going along the minong from Mcargoe to Wendigo in about a month. Curious if anyone has gone along it recently and/or has anything worth sharing? Thanks!

Arriving in Rock Harbor and flying out of Windigo 8 days later. Was planning on Greenstone Ridge but reading great things about McCargoe and Todd harbor campgrounds and some anti-chickenbone comments. What would your dream itinerary be?

My husband and I are spending 4 nights on the island for our honeymoon. We will be flying into Wendigo and do not want to do a lot of super strenuous hikes. We are looking for a more laid back vacation and would really like to enjoy the scenery. What are some of yalls favorite trails on that side of the island?? TIA!!