2nd night at Siskiwit vs Washington Creek vs Huginnin Cove

[nblake14]

On my upcoming trip (and first trip to IR), my buddy and I are hiking the Feldtmann Loop and can't decide if we she spend a second night in Siskiwit Bay or head to Washington Creek or Huginnin Cove? Any recommendations?
Thx

[Lucky Chicken]

what is the rest of your plan, and what are you looking for? If you spend a day in washington you can rent a canoe from the store, but huginnin would be more "wilderness"

we are doing a similar trip in 2 weeks! Our plan is to stay at island mine, siskiwit, feldtmann (2 nights), washington, huginnin, and washington. We are leaving it flexable and may skip island mine and spend two at siskiwit also, more fishing.

[nblake14]

Thanks Lucky Chicken. Our plan is to arrive in Windigo the morning of Wednesday, June 11. First night at Feldtmann Lake, second night Siskiwit Bay, third night is the one in question, fourth night most likely Huginnin Cove. So, I guess for that third night, the question really would be to stay at Siskiwit a second night or check out Washington Creek. We will depart from Windigo on Sunday afternoon. My buddy and I do prefer the "wilderness" setting more.

[Lucky Chicken]

From what I understand Washington creek dosent feel as much of a wilderness... but it does have shelters so if it is bad weather you would have a place to hide. (I haven't personally been there yet)

I would suggest an extra night at feldtmann or siskiwit unless you just want to keep moving and or stay at different sites every night. Another option if you want to keep moving would be to hike out to Lake Desor for your third night then backtrack a little ways to head to Huginnin Cove

We are riding the Sea Hunter over that Saturday morning we should pass you at some point on the greenstone if you end up spending your extra day on the south end! Maybe get some fishing tips since you were just there

[Tom]

Here is what I would personally do:
You have the benefit of not being a 'group', and therefore can adapt your itinerary at your choosing.
When you walk up to the ranger station in Windigo, check the outdoor board for the Isle weather forecast. (It's also sometimes posted by the biffies, or check the NWS Recreational Forecast before you leave mainland.)
It should be fairly accurate two-three days out. At least in terms of significant weather.
Enjoy your first hike on the Isle, a great trail to Feldtman. Stop and take in the views at Grace Overlook. Perhaps get lucky and score Feldtman tent site #2, a personal favorite. Spend the time after dinner at Rainbow Cove.
Day two, take your time getting up the Feldtman ridge; from there is a pretty easy walk down. Be sure to enjoy the fire tower. After you establish camp, check to see if a boater is at dock. See if they have the latest forecast off marine radio. There are just two shelters at Siskiwit, if memory serves, and the tent sites are nothing spectacular. There is, however, a community fire ring (bonus) and things to explore around Senter point. Is it going to storm, and do you have one of the shelters? If so, stay put. Wait it out. At least I would. I've hiked the Island Mine trail up to the Greenstone in that "muggy, no wind, just raining enough to annoy you" weather, and it was, umm, "memorable." There are some slick spots when it's wet. Although the Greenstone is fairly tree covered from that point to Windigo, it's still not the place to be in any type of electrical storm.
If the weather is clear, or perhaps you had a ho-hum overnight tent site, no reason to not move on. That keeps your options open. Personally, I don't find Washington Creek all that bad. It's on a beautiful stream, and the way it's situated, with all of the shelters along the linear creek bank, it's somewhat spread out and you don't always notice who else is there. As a bonus, you can hike the short .3mi to Windigo and hang out on the dock, catch a ranger talk, or otherwise enjoy the fact there is potable running water. There is a lot to "do" around there.
Hugginin is certainly nice, but if it's full, it's almost more noticeable than Washington Creek, because of it's horseshoe configuration around the cove... But I'd still spend a night.
Last, and it's a big if, but it's possible (but perhaps not probable) that Island Mine won't be fully leafed out yet. If it's not, I would consider staying there. This time of year, and based on rainfall, the water source should be streaming OK.

Anyhoo, that's probably how I would personally approach it...

[nblake14]

Thanks for the detailed response Tom...love it!!! You have given me a lot to think and it's certainly our style to wing-it based on certain circumstances (weather, tent site, etc). Can't wait!!!