Lakes Richie and Chickenbone seem to be the most affected in the past, but also Livermore and Intermediate. I don't recall hearing of algae blooms on Hatchet or Desor. They've occurred at least once in early June, but more often later in the summer (July-Aug). Best plan is to be flexible and have a ...

I really like Kelly's suggestion of orienting the departure location to Chippewa Harbor - has anyone successfully amended their tickets after purchasing? Just give the boat folks a call. So long as there's availability (and there will be if the same day) it's no problem. Perhaps a nominal change fe...

dcclark wrote: ↑Wed Dec 06, 2023 9:41 am Indeed, that's a fun thread! And it looks like it has had its run. Curious to see what new things we can come up with (not necessarily campgrounds) here.

Just had some fun reading through the old thread(s). Will try and come up with something new in the next day or two.

It's probably an average or extrapolation of mainland observations. But IR is sitting in the middle of a huge cold lake and the weather varies greatly, both day to day and depending on where you are on the island--you can have sunny 80s on the ridge and foggy 50s a couple miles away on the shore at ...

I think it's great just having the webcams at all! Either works for me, is there a sweet spot in between?

Rock Harbor is a very large campground, with easy access from the Ranger's dock. There's a 1-night stay limit at most times, so be sure to consider that in your planning. Like all Isle Royale campgrounds, it's actually a collection of separate tent sites (and some shelters), and in busy seasons peo...

Sweet!

About bicycles. Last june took the ranger to windigo. Paddled the north side. Got to rock harbor and next to the public canoe/kayak was a bick rack. There was a mountain bike in it. Went back the end of August, the bike was gone but the bike rack was still there. Non wilderness areas can have wheel...

Thanks, Jerry. I've been thinking about a trip to Belle Isle. Anything else to recommend it, other than access to cold water? Any trails? Nice beach? With or without a canoe/kayak? Without, yeah, I'd still spend a couple nights there, although there's only about an 1/8th mile trail between the camp...

Great report! FWIW, I agree about the MH M&C, but find the Backpackers Pantry to be pretty good.

That's sad, but inevitable it seems.

Hey Kelly, here's a trip report from a Sept canoe trip in Rock Harbor: https://isleroyaleforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=21205 . It will give you a sense of what the weather can be like that time of year. Note that weather becomes more of a potential issue the later you go, and as we experienced, can blo...

Any thoughts re: sourcing water on these hikes? Plan to carry enough for the day, 2 liters for most folks, more if it's hot. The only reliable sources around there are Lake Superior and stagnant beaver ponds (I suppose in a pinch). Even on Superior the shoreline can make it difficult in many spots.

I should also say there's absolutely nothing wrong with your plan! It's all very doable. You might also call the lodge the morning you leave and see if the water taxi schedule has opened up for that afternoon/evening--you never know. Or for that matter, check at the office when you get there--grab a...

I'm prejudiced against the climb out of Lane Cove, so that also has something to do with my preferences. Might I ask why? It's a rather long steep climb with switchbacks from Lane Cove up to the ridge. As an old paddler more than a backpacker, I'm not the best example in this case, but I've done it...