Given all of the parameters and limitations (the Rock Harbor end of the island, loop route, only four nights, 8-12 miles per day) the itinerary suggested by dcclark is probably about as good as you will get. HOWEVER, I "disagree" with the route in several ways also. 1) I am one of the few people who ...

For what it is worth, my wife doesn't like hiking. So, when my wife comes along on the trip--she stays on the North Shore for a few days and enjoys herself while I hike on Isle Royale and enjoy myself. We also spend days together on the North Shore before and after my time on the Island. All of the ...

Toilet paper is ONLY provided in the outhouses at campgrounds along LAKE SUPERIOR that are easily accessible by boats. Campgrounds on inland lakes DO NOT have toilet paper. Plus, it is not uncommon for outhouses to have run out of toilet paper. Thus, it is always best to bring you own toilet paper.

Sleeping pad liners help to keep the inside of your bag clean (and they add a FEW extra degrees of warmth). However, if warmth, low weight, and low "volume" are your goals--a low weight sleeping bag (rated for colder weather) is usually better than a liner. Liners usually add far fewer degrees of ...