First timer looking for advice on Greenstone options

[Bernie]

My sons (ages 20 and 22) and I will be arriving from Grand Portage to Rock Harbor in the afternoon of Sat, Aug20th. We will catch the boat back to Grand Portage on Thursday from Windigo. The plan at this point is as follows: Rock Harbor to Three Mile Campground for Sat night. Three Mile to West Chickenbone Sunday night. To Hatchet Monday night. To Desor Tues night. Desor to Washington Creek Wed night.

We have done some backpacking, and are reasonably fit. I work as a carpenter building houses, roofing, etc and started walking the treadmill with a 25 pack this winter when I didn't get as much of a work out on the job. Walked daily 2 - 2.5 miles in about 35 minutes. Haven't done that for a about 6 weeks since we have been working long hours. The boys are relying on youth and vigor to sustain them.

One possible alternate route that I would like advice on (as well as general advice on the above plan) is this: Instead of Three mile up the Greenstone to W Chick., we are considering staying close to the shore line to get some more views of the shoreline and be close to the lake the first day. So, Three Mile to Daisy Farm and up to the Greenstone. Would that trail give us what we are looking for? And if so, does it make sense to backtrack a bit to the East to Mt Ojibway to check that out or to take the northwest trail up to the Greenstone?

And what are the locations of water sources between campgrounds.

Thanks in advance for the advise.

[Tom]

Your proposed route is certainly doable; a few longer days but nothing out of the ordinary. Plus, you can make your sons carry all the heavy stuff...

I personally would take Route "A" and climb the Mt Franklin Trail out of Threemile, as opposed to hiking over to Daisy Farm. Given it will be your first long day on the Isle, the trail will be easier to hike. The Greenstone in that area is more of a gravelly path over fairly gentle hills, once you're up on top. The Rock Harbor trail, on the other hand, is a fair amount of up and down on old lava flows, and can be hard on the body. Option A also lets you stop and rest (and enjoy) Mt Franklin, and then another break at Mt Ojibway. (It's worthy of a stop, since you can climb up the tower a bit and take some pictures...)
Also, while the Rock Harbor trail does follow the lake, it's not like it's exactly on the shore or anything - It does go inland in places, and through the trees. The views you do get are primarily of the harbor, and the small islands within it. It's certainly nice, it's just different...

Water, between campsites, is not highly reliable on the Greenstone. Because it's the 'center ridge' trail, all water flows off of it, and therefore you're not crossing waterways like on the other trails. In some places of the trail there are little ponds and pockets of water, but not much to rely upon. The best bet is to carry the water you need when you leave camp. The Greenstone (especially East of Hatchet) is a fairly open, arid trail.

[Bernie]

Tom, thanks so much for the info. That's exactly what I was looking for. The young, vigorous, I don't need to prepare by working out, sons will be sharing the heavier portion of the load.

I expected that there would not be much for water sources along the way. Perhaps on the long days there might be a side trail down a bit to find a water source without going too far out of the way.

I am driving up from Winona, MN and will need to camp somewhere near Grand Portage to catch the boat early. I have done some internet searching but haven't found a campground, (public or private) very close. Close is the primary concern since we don't want to drive far that morning. Primitive would be the second preference. Do you, or any other members have any recommendations?

Thanks again for the reply.

[Ingo]

I am driving up from Winona, MN and will need to camp somewhere near Grand Portage to catch the boat early. I have done some internet searching but haven't found a campground, (public or private) very close. Close is the primary concern since we don't want to drive far that morning. Primitive would be the second preference. Do you, or any other members have any recommendations?

There's only 2 campground options that I know of:
There's a campgroup near the casino. Haven't stayed there, but not too primitive I presume. But very practical and just minutes from the boat.
I have camped at Judge CR Magney State Park, about 25 miles south on 61. It's been a few years, but I remember it as a nice typical state park campground in the woods. We didn't get to hike, but I understand there's some nice trails by the river if you have the time. I'd probably allow 45 min to drive and find the dock, assuming you haven't been before.

Some may consider the rooms at Ryden's on the border to be primitive , but they're clean and cheap <$50. I stayed there on my last trip from G.P. and that will be my future preference.

[jerry]

Ingo's suggestions of the campground next to the casino (about five minutes to the boat) and the state park campground have been used on my recent trips and are okay. The one near the casino runs about $10 (a few years ago) or $15 per night. You'll be out in the open there. The state park is a little more costly and is in the woods. There are real nice trails in the state park.

[Summer2011]

One option if you've the $ is to stay at the casino. If you join the player's club before you check in, you'll get a coupon so that your night's stay is $69 vs. $95 or $105. They are only 3 miles from the marina, and you won't have to break camp in the morning. Just a thought....

[Bernie]

Thanks so much all the info. It helped so much. Not sure which option we will take on the camping. Leaning towards the $15 campsite at the Casino.

This forum is so very helpful. Thank you to the people who replied and to those who make this forum possible.

[Midwest Ed]

The vistas from the Greenstone Ridge on the north end of the Island should not be missed, especially if the weather is clear.