Isle Royale & Keweenaw Parks Association ( https://www.irkpa.org/ has the best collection of books and guides, including ones specific to I.R. They supply the gift shops in the Visitor Centers at Rock Harbor, Windigo, and Houghton, so you should be able to get the same there if you're concerned ...

homebase_lonestar wrote: ↑Thu Jun 02, 2022 10:14 am we are taking the Ranger II coming to Windigo on an off-day, one of the special sailings of the summer. We will be returning via the Ranger II as well.

Ahh, obviously I made a false assumption. Forgot about those special Windigo trips by the Ranger III.

The hike to Island Mine is relatively easy--uphill, but gradual and decent trail. I'm much older, slow, and not in particularly great shape and got in around 4 I think. Although you should feel better when you get into camp than I did :D . Some even push on to Lake Desor. As far as camp spots, just ...

If you desire some privacy, the far western shelter (I believe #1) is kind of off on it's own. I watched moose feeding across from this shelter years back. Concur! My favorite. There is a tent site between #1 and #2 which gives it extra space--until the tent site is taken, but nice even so. But all...

Regarding campsite overcrowding, I think it's time to bite the bullet and institute a reservation system. while sacrificing the capacity to revise itineraries on the fly would be a crying shame, I agree! For paddlers in particular, this would create some serious safety issues. As many times as not ...

Thanks for the great read, as always! It seems that impressions of ECB and Island Mine are correlated with the season. I found IM to be quite pleasant this time of year, but I can see how being there later with everything grown in, 80 deg, and swarms of skeeters could sour that impression.

It's really a matter of personal preference. A properly set tarp and bug "tent" will keep you dry, and you're obviously used to sleeping under a tarp, if not on the ground. I have a 2p Tarptent that works great in wet weather and allows more ventilation options then a traditional freestand...

Double bag everything in ziplocks and you'll be OK. Once had a squirrel go thru tent netting, and thru a pack. Once had a mouse get into food in a shelter during the night. Both times it was trail mix that was not properly double sealed and put away (by a companion, for the record :D ). I put everyt...

But there's a good bushwhack to the east end of the island where you could try and cross the Keyhole to the mainland. I was intrigued but wasn't brave enough for it.

I wouldn't suggest it. I've experienced currents that were strong enough to make paddling through it challenging.

dcclark wrote: ↑Mon May 23, 2022 9:28 am One question: What sort of photography are you interested in? I'd give rather different advice if you'd like to carry your 600 mm and photograph moose, than if you want to do astrophotography.

Good point!

Hopefully it's a little warmer but still no bugs when I do something similar the end of July .

I'd lean toward Option 2: (a) E Chickenbone is just a spot in the woods and a good downhill hike to the lake for water. Lowest rated campground on the island. W Chickenbone is right on the lake--I got some very nice sunrise pics with fog rising off the water. (b) Although Lane Cove is a nicer campgr...

Second Bobcat's advice. In Windigo, wandering down to the campground (1/4 mile) may yield a moose sighting, they like to hang out in the creek along the campground. Or rent a canoe or kayak for a little paddle. You could also spend your last night at 3 Mile if you have a later flight out.

A bit of the dream, yes :D. But don't stress, just bring the dope! In general, June to mid-July they're the heaviest, but it really depends on the recent weather and if there's been a hatch. Some trips I hardly notice (even that time of year), others quite a bit (even later). A headnet is cheap insu...

That time of year, regardless of the winter, I prepare for the worst. Always bring Picaridin and a headnet any time. In June, will also treat clothes and toss in a small bottle of 100% DEET for a last resort. Rarely used, but worth it when you need it.