Some pretty small updates, but updates nonetheless: Murder-suicide suspected in Isle Royale National Park camper deaths (behind a paywall, but I think you get a few free articles per month).

Key points:


Deceased are a father and son.
Murder-suicide is suspected (not sure who said that, it didn ...

Slight update: https://www.nps.gov/isro/learn/news/update-deceased-campers-found-at-isle-royale-identified.htm

It did happen at South Desor (no surprise). The people have been identified and next of kin notified. No names or other information added.

Edit: The TV 6 article says that the NPS ...

A bit of a separate issue, but this article mentions that "a spokesperson said the deaths are not connected to an apparent arrest that was captured on video last week by U.P. Adventure Company." I hadn't heard anything about that.

https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2025/06/10/2-unidentified ...

Wonderful log. Makes me think twice about doing Moosewatch...

Also, from your last post, I know how to get your phone back: Get next year's teams to find it for you!

Another vote for a zero day at Siskiwit. It's a gorgeous place. If weather isn't great, you could skip the zero day there, and instead spend an extra day at Huginnin Cove. It's also beautiful and you might enjoy the rest more at that point.

Also another second for both exploring the old powder ...

*and, in some cases, bear canisters, by the simple expedient of tumbling them off of giant cliffs, then descending to where they land and shatter to eat the freeze dried chilimac.


Having experienced Ultra Red Freeze-Dried Chili-Mac, I think this is its own punishment and natural selection ...

So the 2025 Greenstone is out, and the food storage regulations are a bit beyond what I expected. Maybe it's bad writing, but check out page 3, green box near the bottom.

If I'm reading this right, if you're in a tent site you must both put food in a bear-proof canister and place the canister in a ...

Some campsites have wonderful places to explore nearby, and mostly they aren't off-trail. As Jerry mentioned, Chippewa Harbor is one of these -- there are semi-volunteer trails, well established, that take you to the old schoolhouse, to the top of a nearby bluff with fantastic views, and to Lake ...

Yes, the Greenstone, especially the west end, is much easier than the Minong. I think the west end of the Greenstone is the easiest trail I've hiked on the island.

I stayed at Island Mine once, in mid-May. It was fine. Definitely better than what I've heard from others -- the fire pits are a nice ...

By "northern route" I assume you mean the Minong Ridge trail? That's a pretty serious trail, especially in the direction you'll be traveling (where you have ~13 miles on the first day, made harder by a heavier pack). The upside would be tons of spectacular views.

"Southern route" is less well ...

How far do you want to travel? The Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula are fantastic, with tons of great loops. There are backcountry campsites and also cabins, all of which must be reserved (and often go fast, 6 months in advance, but there will be something available).

Example loops ...

The Park seems to be thinking there are solutions that are not the bulky bear canisters but are not willing to go too far out that limb. Certainly, a wolf & squirrel system, even if it were engineered certifiable, should not be near as bulky as the canisters.


Both Adotec and Ursack bags are ...

My SWD is extremely water resistant. In August 2021, I got caught in a torrential downpour in the Porcupine Mountains and didn't get shelter for more than a mile. Once I got inside, I checked and couldn't even find a drop of water inside the bag. (I had lined the bag with a large garbage bag as ...

Peak Refuel meals are my go to for dehydrated pre-bagged meals, i get them for $11 ea


I think I have one of theirs in my current cache. I'm a vegetarian so looks like I have to skip out on 90% of what they have though. I'm just glad they are almost all better-tasting than the ancient surplus ...

My SWD is extremely water resistant. In August 2021, I got caught in a torrential downpour in the Porcupine Mountains and didn't get shelter for more than a mile. Once I got inside, I checked and couldn't even find a drop of water inside the bag. (I had lined the bag with a large garbage bag as a ...