Rock Harbor to Little Todd and back in 4 nights

Questions about trails and campsites on the island.

Moderator: MikeT

Post Reply
brownshoes
NewbieCake
Posts: 16
Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2013 4:06 am

Rock Harbor to Little Todd and back in 4 nights

Post by brownshoes »

Is this possible/enjoyable, or am I dreaming?

I'm thinking:

Day 1 - Rock Harbor to Moskey Basin (half day)
Day 2 - Moskey to Hatchet Lake
Day 3 - Hatchet to Little Todd
Day 4 - Little Todd to Chickenbone West
Day 5 - Chickenbone to Rock Harbor (half day)

Doable?? Worth it??

Thanks everybody!!
User avatar
jrwiesz
May actually live on IR
Posts: 353
Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2011 3:42 am
Isle Royale Visits: 3
Location: Michigan

Re: Rock Harbor to Little Todd and back in 4 nights

Post by jrwiesz »

brownshoes wrote:Is this possible/enjoyable, or am I dreaming?

I'm thinking:

Day 1 - Rock Harbor to Moskey Basin (half day)
Day 2 - Moskey to Hatchet Lake
Day 3 - Hatchet to Little Todd
Day 4 - Little Todd to Chickenbone West
Day 5 - Chickenbone to Rock Harbor (half day)

Doable?? Worth it??

Thanks everybody!!
Yes/No, REM sleep.

I'm thinking?

1 - Run
2 - Run
3 - Run
4 - Run
5 - Run

Yes. No.

You're welcome.

JMHO, HYOH.
"And standing on the the crest of the Greenstone Ridge, I suddenly had this desire to retreat north to where I just come, to stay in the backcountry, to spend another day in a place where the only deadline I had was to pitch the tent before dark."
Jim DuFresne
User avatar
Ingo
Forum Moderator
Posts: 1944
Joined: Wed Sep 12, 2007 1:11 pm
Isle Royale Visits: 14
Location: Hillsborough, NC
Has thanked: 257 times
Been thanked: 158 times

Re: Rock Harbor to Little Todd and back in 4 nights

Post by Ingo »

Yeah, I'm more a paddler than backpacker, but my initial thought was if you're asking the question, you probably "No" the answer. I know some folks who would think it fun, but plenty more who would probably break down on the trail. Take your time and enjoy, more is less, etc., etc. :).
22: BI-PC-BI-RH, 21: RH-ML-DF-MB-DF, 18: MC-PC-BI-DB-RH-DF, 17: WI-IM-SB-FL-WC, 16: RH-CI-TI-RH, 14: BI-ML-CI-CH-MB, 13: RH-PI, 12: MC-CB-HL-TH, 11: WC-HC-WC, 09: MC-BI-DN-RH, 05: MI-CI-MB-DF-RH-TM-RH, 02: MC-LR-WL-CH, 01: BI-DB-RH, 79: worked RH
slosteppin
NewbieCake
Posts: 14
Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2011 7:08 pm
Isle Royale Visits: 3
Location: Grand Traverse County, Michigan

Re: Rock Harbor to Little Todd and back in 4 nights

Post by slosteppin »

I would agree with INGO. OTOH, I'm more of a hiker. I would want five FULL days. Little Todd is not the greatest place to camp. I would suggest Todd Harbor instead - and a little more time.
Tightlines01
May actually live on IR
Posts: 320
Joined: Sun May 08, 2011 9:19 pm
Isle Royale Visits: 7
Location: Kentwood MI

Re: Rock Harbor to Little Todd and back in 4 nights

Post by Tightlines01 »

I tend to like little Todd a lot but I think you have some VERY long days there.

Rock harbor to Moskey after the boat is a pretty long hike. I've done Moskey to Hatchet and I was pretty well spent doing the last 1.9 from Ritchie to Moskey. West chicken to Rock is doable if your not taking the boat the same day, otherwise you'll have to leave very early.

I don't know how many miles you like to hike a day each persons different. On Isle Royale I tend to like most days around 8 to 10 with a few longer days mixed in. To each their own, I know some like 12-15 avg.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
brownshoes
NewbieCake
Posts: 16
Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2013 4:06 am

Re: Rock Harbor to Little Todd and back in 4 nights

Post by brownshoes »

Thanks everybody..

Here's a new itinerary, opinions would again be appreciated...


Day 1 - Rock to Lane Cove (half day)
Day 2 - Lane Cove to McCargoe
Day 3 - McCargoe to Chippewa
Day 4 - Chippewa to Daisy
Day 5 - Daisy to Rock (half day)

How does that sound?

I was thinking that subbing Daisy for Lane Cove on the first night might be a little more manageable, however that would mean backtracking on the last day, which I would like to avoid.
User avatar
jrwiesz
May actually live on IR
Posts: 353
Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2011 3:42 am
Isle Royale Visits: 3
Location: Michigan

Re: Rock Harbor to Little Todd and back in 4 nights

Post by jrwiesz »

I will say, you are very ambitious. :)
Go light.
Consider weather in the planning.
Slow down to eat some Thimbleberrries. 8)
"And standing on the the crest of the Greenstone Ridge, I suddenly had this desire to retreat north to where I just come, to stay in the backcountry, to spend another day in a place where the only deadline I had was to pitch the tent before dark."
Jim DuFresne
Tightlines01
May actually live on IR
Posts: 320
Joined: Sun May 08, 2011 9:19 pm
Isle Royale Visits: 7
Location: Kentwood MI

Re: Rock Harbor to Little Todd and back in 4 nights

Post by Tightlines01 »

I did almost the identical route my first year. It's very doable. Just remember to get an early start and pack lots of water on the day from lane to McCargoe. Don't forget to take a break at Mount Franklin. The view is spectacular , my favorite view on the island
brownshoes
NewbieCake
Posts: 16
Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2013 4:06 am

Re: Rock Harbor to Little Todd and back in 4 nights

Post by brownshoes »

thanks everybody!

setting our sites on itinerary #2
brownshoes
NewbieCake
Posts: 16
Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2013 4:06 am

Re: Rock Harbor to Little Todd and back in 4 nights

Post by brownshoes »

we went with itinerary #2 however reversed the loop to save the only tent-only site (lane cove) for (fingers crossed at the time) better/drier weather than what it was upon our arrival. the weather cleared after day 2 and it was an incredible trip.

I would highly recommend the loop for anyone looking to see a lot in 4 nights without backtracking.
User avatar
Ingo
Forum Moderator
Posts: 1944
Joined: Wed Sep 12, 2007 1:11 pm
Isle Royale Visits: 14
Location: Hillsborough, NC
Has thanked: 257 times
Been thanked: 158 times

Re: Rock Harbor to Little Todd and back in 4 nights

Post by Ingo »

Looking forward to the trip report :)!
22: BI-PC-BI-RH, 21: RH-ML-DF-MB-DF, 18: MC-PC-BI-DB-RH-DF, 17: WI-IM-SB-FL-WC, 16: RH-CI-TI-RH, 14: BI-ML-CI-CH-MB, 13: RH-PI, 12: MC-CB-HL-TH, 11: WC-HC-WC, 09: MC-BI-DN-RH, 05: MI-CI-MB-DF-RH-TM-RH, 02: MC-LR-WL-CH, 01: BI-DB-RH, 79: worked RH
zims
Trailblazer
Posts: 180
Joined: Tue Jun 15, 2010 11:10 pm
Isle Royale Visits: 17
Location: Blanchardville Wi

Re: Rock Harbor to Little Todd and back in 4 nights

Post by zims »

Here's a new itinerary, opinions would again be appreciated...Day 1 - Rock to Lane Cove (half day)
Day 2 - Lane Cove to McCargoe
Day 3 - McCargoe to Chippewa
Day 4 - Chippewa to Daisy
Day 5 - Daisy to Rock (half day)
How does that sound?I was thinking that subbing Daisy for Lane Cove on the first night might be a little more manageable, however that would mean backtracking on the last day, which I would like to avoid.
There is a difference between cramming in as much as you can and actualy enjoying your trip. You will miss some of the great things to enjoy if you push your self this hard.
brownshoes
NewbieCake
Posts: 16
Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2013 4:06 am

Re: Rock Harbor to Little Todd and back in 4 nights

Post by brownshoes »

actually it was a great trip and itinerary for my friends and I. but thanks for the (substantially delayed) concern.
User avatar
Rafiki
IR Expert
Posts: 541
Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2010 11:11 am
Isle Royale Visits: 7
Location: Chicago, IL

Re: Rock Harbor to Little Todd and back in 4 nights

Post by Rafiki »

brownshoes wrote:actually it was a great but thanks for the (substantially delayed) concern.
:lol: :lol: :lol: Give Zims a break...it was only delayed by 8.5 months. Gosh what a stickler. Remind me not to throw you a smile on the trails :P
343.1 Miles Hiked: 2004 (3 Days), 2010 (11 Days), 2011 (13 Days), 2012 X 2 (8 + 12 Days), 2013 (9 Days/Paddling), 2019 (30 Days/Paddling)
Post Reply