I asked my wife this question, and she had an interesting answer you might want to consider: "I'd go to the east end. The trails are more rugged and you get a better feeling for the island's terrain. Some trails stay close to Lake Superior which I like more. There are fewer tunnels of trees."

The best views on the Feldtmann loop are along the Feldtmann ridge itself, and those views are spectacular. Similar to the Greenstone at its best, but looking the opposite direction. There's also a fire tower you can climb (similar to Mt. Ojibway), but you hardly need it. There can be some good ...

Here's a principle that I like to use: It's better to take it easy and enjoy what you experience, rather than overdo it while trying to get to "the best" and thereby be too tired to enjoy those places. So for example, I don't think it's worth doing long days just to reach Chippewa Harbor for one ...

I brought a weather radio to the island a few times for backpacking, and I leave it home now, for all the reasons Ingo mentioned. You'll be served at least as well by reading a detailed NWS forecast just before you leave.

kkrause wrote: ↑Wed Jun 12, 2024 1:56 pm @dcclark would it happen to be this view https://maps.app.goo.gl/vDaRmrTFGEGVCPUP6

Yes indeed!

Head nets are critical - I hope you have them! Long sleeves (and long pants) are also important, even with bug spray.

That would be a very nice day hike. Two bits of advice: 1. Give yourself some time to explore and enjoy the mine site. There's lots to see beyond the first big hole in the ground. 2. Go just a little farther west on the Minong beyond the mine turnoff. Shortly the trail will climb a big uphill. Look ...

I spent a week in the Porcupine Mountains (nearby Michigan mainland) and noticed the same things. The trees leafing out this early were especially jarring.

How accurate is this chart from weathersparks.com. We are planning an August 2024 visit and I’m thinking it is telling me a 35° bag will be fine. I am a cold sleeper; I don't like to be cold at all. So, I always rock a 32* sleeping bag, regardless of the month. That has always suited me just fine fo ...

Nice video! It was great to meet you guys, and I think of that visit around the Siskiwit fire ring as a highlight of our trip too. Also, I've never seen anybody make a fire as fast as you three! It was like watching a dedicated fire-starting team. I guess the cold and wind helped make that happen ...

Looking forward to it. I noticed side trips to Rainbow Cove, the Island Mine powderhouse, and maybe Island Mine itself!

I tried some long exposures last night and couldn't find anything, but I think that living in the middle of a city is a bigger issue.

I'll be camping on the shore of Lake Superior in a week and can only hope the auroras will be active then!

I think I am cursed when it comes to the Aurora. I only ever saw them once when I lived in the UP. Last night, my neighbors all claimed they could see the lights, but standing outside with a clear sky I couldn't find a thing!

You were on a boat!

OK, enough smart-aleck... Siskiwit bay?

Agree with Ingo on all counts. In addition, walkie talkies can be noisy which won't be appreciated in the wilderness.

It's expensive, but you could buy several of the satellite communicators that let you share text messages with others, and use them instead.