That settles it. I was leaning clockwise anyways. Based on what I’m hearing from both of you, I feel pretty good about sticking to that plan. We’ll actually get back to Washington Creek the night before our flight, so we won’t be in a rush. We may, however, push on the Hugginin and sleep there on our ...

Oh one last question (yeah, right)…It seems most of what I’ve read about Feldtmann has people going counterclockwise. I’d really prefer not to end by hiking from Island Mine to Windigo. Any strong reason not to reverse the route?

Thanks for all the feedback. Ultimately, I think I’m going to see what I haven’t yet seen. I think we’ll do the Feldtmann Loop, and possibly sneak in Hugginin Cove. I appreciate all the advice.

Feldtmann sounds like it has a strong following. Definitely something to consider. Firetower would definitely be climbed if we opt for that route. So much to think about...

Thanks for the great feedback. I think we both kind of enjoy getting a decent number of miles each day, so my guess is we're shooting for something a little longer than the first suggestion. That said, as you've mentioned, a day trip out between campgrounds wouldn't be out of the question. Feldtmann ...

Hey all, I've been to IR twice before, so I'm familiar, but in no way an expert. I'm going to bring a friend next summer, which will be his first trip. We'll fly in first thing on a Friday morning in June, then fly out Tuesday morning. Anybody care to offer a "Best of IR" 4 day route for me? I've ...

My first backpacking trip ever was almost exactly as you're planning, in late June 2021. Like you, I tried for almost a year (two, really, thanks to COVID...). I was 43 and reasonably fit. I found the trip to very manageable. I also thought it was amazing. In fact, so much so that I returned the ...

Apologies…reading too fast. I volunteered for the Moosewatch during the summer. You’re correct; they don’t have volunteers as part of the winter study.

As someone that participated in the study last year, I can’t say enough about the experience. I learned so much about the process, the island, and backpacking, in general. If you’ve ever been on the fence about participating, consider this your proverbial push.

I just wanted to give a big thank you to all who actively participate in this forum. I took my first trip to IR last summer and hiked the GRT from Windigo to Rock Harbor. Without your help, I’m not sure we could have pulled it off. I had such a great time that I wanted to find some way to get back/g ...

Those are all pretty breathtaking. I’m wondering if those Milky Way shots look like that to the naked eye, or is some of that photographic black magic?

I just went from Windigo to RH last summer (first trip to IR). I just wore a mid-level hiking shoe from Columbia. They were waterproof and rugged enough to handle the terrain. Worked great for me. I definitely appreciated having my Birkenstock’s in camp, though.

I feel like I could have written this same thread a month ago. I recently completed the exact same route as you. It was my first trip to the island. I wear my Birkenstock’s anytime there isn’t snow on the ground and was wondering the same thing as you. I elected to wear some Columbia Trail shoes and ...

I’m not a canoer (canoeist?), but I was on the Isle in June and we were able to take a water taxi over to Raspberry Island. Not a far distance, but it was running.

I recently completed my first trip to IR (trip report coming). No way we could have done this without your help.