That's spectacular. Also scratches the itch for a hike I've always wanted to do - up to Mt. Ojibway at night!

There's also the question of how, or whether, visitors to the Visitor Center in Houghton are being counted. I'm not sure what the categories mean, but "Recreation Visitors" might or might not include mainland-only visits too.

That is totally something an ultramarathoner would try. I have a friend who regularly does the 100 mile ultra on the Superior Hiking Trail and would love the chance to do all of Isle Royale in ~24 hours. It's not my style, and probably not the OP's either, but I bet we do get those folks on Isle Roy...

Huginnin Cove is one of the gems of Isle Royale -- if I only had one night, I'd probably do that. Likely to be fewer people, too!

I agree that the Greenstone does not have the type of terrain that could lead to a major fall. The only thing even close is Mt. Franklin, but the trail avoids the "cliff" part of that -- you have to go out of your way to get near the edge. But if the thought of it causes anxiety, you could...

Welcome! I'm assuming you are arriving at Rock Harbor (not Windigo) based on mentioning the lodge. If that's correct, then here's a pretty good match for what you want: 1. Arrive at Rock Harbor, register, and hike to Three Mile (3 miles :). 2. Hike to Daisy Farm and set up a base camp (4-ish miles)....

Thanks for the trip report - I enjoyed it! I swear I've read similar stories about that spot with the flagging tape many times this year. Seems like the wrong path gets twice as much traffic: Once on the way in, again on the way out!

I agree with everyone above. One thing to consider though: Have you hiked these kinds of distances, with a loaded pack, on Isle Royale-type terrain? Even if you're regularly doing 8-10 miles in other parts of Michigan, the island can surprise you. You know yourself best, of course! But for myself, I...

Lots of new details, including ferries and water taxi info, are posted at the Mt. Franklin Fire FAQ page.

Surprised I'm the first to post this. From the NPS current conditions page : "A ten acre wildfire near Tobin Harbor and the Mt. Franklin Trail continues to develop. Hikers are being routed to Rock Harbor and Daisy Farm Campground. Rangers are assisting and planning transportation adjustments. R...

I agree with torpified: Looks doable, but you also need to work in some slack. I'd highly recommend a zero day: It lets you stay somewhere you really like for an extra day, but it also lets you rest if you're injured, an avoid making a minor injury into a major one. It also gives you flexibility in ...

I've learned that there's a difference between a water purifier and a water filter. A purifier has much smaller pores that can remove viruses. Filters remove bacteria but generally not viruses. The park's official recommendation is to EITHER use a purifier, or use both a filter and chemical treatmen...

It being a beautiful day to stay inside and read a trip report, I read yours and thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the phrase "the freedom of wet feet" and now I have a name for that. I'm also pinning for the island and reading your report has me planning next year's trip already.

We will be leaving in less than 2 weeks!! My question is: where in Windigo do I get my permit? I have a National Park season pass. The NP website says fees can only be paid 1030am-2pm. Is this different than obtaining a permit? We will arrive via seaplane at 4:30 and hope to be on the trail the nex...

My only concern is that your schedule doesn't leave you with an "out" if anything goes wrong. In particular, if you discover that the island is a bit rougher than you expect, or somebody gets a minor injury, you won't be able to take a break or slow down. But this is hard to fix, since you...