Especially if you've just got one night on the island, the Windigo-based options kolo describes sound like a perfect way to get your feet wet and help you decide what you want more of on your next trip. (I feel like every trip to IR is partly scouting for the next one.)

+1

1. Climbing some mountains maybe Sugar or Desor. I am not trying to burst your bubble but these are not mountains in the sense that you are probably thinking. They are basically high points on the Greenstone Ridge. Much of the Greenstone is covered in trees and you would not have very good views on...

Your itinerary looks like a great trip! You are camping at some of the best places, especially Moskey Basin and Chippewa Harbor. The distances look doable, provided you are in decent backpacking shape. The first stretch from Windigo to South Lake Desor is a bit of a climb, but a mellow trail (surfac...

Back when I was physically able, I backpacked 3 mph on some of the easier stretches of the Greenstone. On the Minong, I was lucky to do 1.5 mph. Of course I wasn't racing and enjoyed the hiking. I camped at North Desor and didn't even think about bypassing it on my way to Windigo. It is a pleasant p...

Name: Brent K. Email: (at) PM here Hometown: Minot, North Dakota Arrival Date: June 17 Departure Date: June 23 Coming From/Via: Grand Portage via Voyageur II Itinerary: McCargoe>East Chickenbone>West Chickenbone>Lake Richie>Moskey Basin>to Daisy Farm Notes/Other: This is my eleventh trip; I have bee...

Sounds like you are arriving via the UP. If you were going through Grand Portage, I would highly recommend Bear Track Outfitters located in Grand Marais. They have been very good in renting what I needed on several canoe trips to the Isle.

https://www.bear-track.com/

newb2019, In trying to answer one of your questions, I didn’t want to sound like a “negative nanny.” On a positive note, you deserve some props/kudos for taking your kids to Isle Royale! We are losing a generation of young people to “nature deficit disorder.” Too many young people get too much scree...

I'm sure I saw somewhere that the spigot was for cooking, washing up, etc. To me that means washing utensils/pots is OK, rinsing off dirty feet is OK. That's just a small step from hosing off. It's my understanding that there are just two cabins, so it's not like we will be hogging the water supply...

Regarding the water spigot at the cabins: does anyone know if I would be able to connect a short hose with nozzle attachment to be able to shower/hose off? I'd rather not pay for showers for everyone after a quick dip in the lake/kayaking adventure. While I don't know if it is allowed, it might be ...

Sunset over Round Island from Pickerel Cove campsite.

Nice shot Ingo! Only a lucky few have seen that view. Thanks for sharing!

Rafiki, If you are interested in buying a radio, I have a VHF radio that I have only used once. It is in the original box collecting dust. I bought it after getting much advice (all good) on this forum before my first canoe trip to Isle Royale. I was only able to get reception/weather reports on the...

When I did a canoe trip two summers ago, I portaged my canoe from Moskey to Richie and left it overnight while I stayed at Moskey. The next day I hiked to Richie with my portage pack, life preserver, and paddles. I found my canoe just as I had left it, with no issues. As Tom said, the culture at the...

Is there any unwritten code or protocol about solo campers using shelters? All campsites are on a first-come/first-serve basis, whether it is a group or solo party. Like you, I was concerned about this because I often travel solo and try to use proper etiquette (good style) when camping. I really l...

**** any thoughts on lodge vs. cottage? does your opinion change if it's 2 or 4 people? I doubt that I will ever pay $250 a night to sleep in a bed, anywhere. But if it was a special occasion and I was so inclined, I would definitely pick a housekeeping cottage over the lodge. I had the opportunity...

I peruse two different forums on the InterWeb and this one is much more civil than the other one! I also appreciate the civil and humble conversations on this forum. Believe me the other one doesn't come close and I find myself reading it less.