I agree with Ingo, but there are so many microclimates on the island, you may get lucky. When they do appear, thimbleberries are everywhere. Be sure to look them up so you know what they look like. I think they are delicious. Blueberries and raspberries are common too. I understand that strawberries...

I nearly forgot--I hiked down to Malone from hatchet just two weeks ago. The trail is pretty faint for part of the way and easy to follow otherwise. I can imagine it being overgrown later in the year. If you take it, go slow and watch ahead of you and you should be able to pick up where the trail is...

You will have a first timer with you and the hike from Malone to Desor is about 11 miles, up hill for most of that time. Fonixmunkee is correct that it is not overly taxing. Given the new hiker with you and this being the first day of hiking with full loads, you may want to consider a different star...

Gooseberry Falls may fit the bill. Search for it on the internet and you will find maps and more

It may be more than you wish to spend, but I really like the Osprey Atmos AG. Very comfortable. The only aspect of it I do not like is how the belt stays closed on itself; it makes it a little tricky to get it on. First the arms go in but the belt is doubled over on itself behind your back. This is ...

I head out on Wednesday (5/18) for Todd/Little Todd/Hatchett/Malone. Any early reports on weather and trail conditions?

Ingo is right. The rangers take this seriously. So do most hikers.

I would definitely prefer the Feldtmann Loop to the full Greenstone trip. Just my preference.

Welcome!

To maximize your time on the island, consider the Feldtmann Loop. You can either stay at Island Mine (might be beautiful colors then, but be sure the creek is running) or tack on Hugginin Cove. It is a great route and will give you some wonderful views and camp sites.

Check out the Sawyer Squeeze for a filter. Extremely simple to use and back flush and very affordable.

I stayed at a motel next to the ferry parking lot (King Copper, maybe?). Nothing special. A bit like travelling back to 1955. There is a small bakery on the dock and it is open early. Great for a roll and coffee.

How about a hammock to relax in? More cooking supplies for more adventurous cooking. Fishing gear.

The Greenstone is the high ridge in the middle of the island, so there is not much water up there. If you camp at official campsites, you should have no problem carrying enough water to get you to the next camp. I encourage you to consider the campgrounds--they are quite nice and usually not that fa...

Greenstone is not the most interesting trail. I think most people prefer Lake Superior sites. The answer to your question will depend on which end of the island you will be coming in and leaving from. Some options are Feldtman Loop, McCargo, Chippewa, Moskey, Todd Harbor. How you would piece those t...

That is quite a trip! The Mining Ridge--that part of the trip new to you--is considered the most difficult trail on the island. It can be treacherous in the rain, especially between Little Todd and N Desor. It would be good to have a layover day I case of wet weather. Check out the trip reports on t...