Due to the geology of the Island, the South Shore is really uneventful compared to the North Shore. There's little/no opportunity to camp either, so you'll have to plan to go from Chippewa Harbor to Malone Bay in one day. When you come back later to do the inland route, you'll wish you had done it ...

Great trip plan. Resupply half way through is a treat!

The North Shore is beautiful and those portages are easy with the notable exception of the Duncan Bay/Tobin Harbor portage, which takes you up & over the Greenstone Ridge. It's a man maker. The alternative paddle around Blake Pt. is possible ...

Are you staying in a motel in Copper Harbor? If so, the nice folks at the Bella Vista would likely hold a bag for you until you return.

I'll be at the Island canoeing from June 13 to June 26, departing from Copper Harbor. Maybe I'll see you there!

Rob

I just checked with the Park Service & they have no problem with the twig burning Zip Stove on Isle Royale. I was asked about its' performance by an inquisitive ranger when I called. It's great to have fuel waiting at every campsite rather than carry it, especially on longer trips. You can boil ...

The Park Service informed me that there is seaplane service to the Island this summer. They said it's the same people that have done it the last few years.

After Labor Day is a great time to avoid "crowds". There are more significant weather events the later you wait though. This site gives you some historical data. High winds can create hazardous conditions on inland lakes too. I like to plan one non-travel day for every 4-5 days when paddling. That ...

... In the interest of my less experienced canoeists, we'll be cheating & taking a water taxi to Malone Bay & around Blake Pt. One trip, we tried for 3 days to get around Blake Point with no luck. It's been a while, however, the memory of that portage from Duncan Bay to Tobin Harbor remains fresh ...

Name: Rob Parks
Email: crparks(at)fuse.net
Hometown: grew up in MI, living in Loveland, OH
Arrival Date: June 9, 2009
Departure Date: June 21, 2009
Via: Copper Harbor

Itinerary: Rock Harbor, Malone Bay, Intermediate Lk, Lk Ritchie, Chickenbone Lk, McCargoe Cove, Birch Is, Pickerel Cove, Lane Cove ...