Minong ridge tentative itinerary (input wanted)

[countryboy556]

This is my first time to Isle Royale and i am looking to take my girlfriend on this trip. is this itinerary doable? We are both very fit but this will be her first time backpacking. She has done allot of Kayak camping but never backpacked.
Day 1- Depart Grand portage MN to McCargoe cove- hike to todd Harbor
Day 2- Todd Harbor-Lake Desor N.
Day 3- Lake Desor N- Huginnin Cove
Day 4- Huginnin cove to Windigo before 1230- depart Windigo to grand portage MN

Thank you

[tree rattt]

Just a thought, yes very doable. That being said, keep in mind that the Minong ridge trail is the hardest trail in michigan.I would be more inclined to pick a little easier trail. The Minong will try you both . If you can't get her to pack light on her first trip out .....this will be a rough one. Just my buck twenty five for ya ......Feldtman loop is gentle, a better first run. At least a better shot at getting her to try it again.

[JerryB]

I just did a very similar trip, skipping Hugginin and going straight to Windigo. Take a look at my trip report in that section of the forum.

You can certainly make Todd Harbor on your first night, but you will miss out on McCargo Cove, which is a very nice site. You are also skipping Little Todd on this trip, which will give you several longer and harder days in a row. Little Todd is also a nice site and a shame to miss.

I agree your trip is doable, but if you are tied to this length of a trip in days, I would encourage you to consider something from McCargo to Moskey and Chippewa Harbor. More great sites. Again, look through the trip reports for a lot of options.

[tree rattt]

I agree with jerry b on Little todd harbor . This is a true gem....an absolute beauty of a spot....if you do the Minong and skip this spot ......well,

[philranger]

The Minong is a beautiful hike. Little Todd is a very nice camp with a long scenic beach. The last day can be hard, especially if the sun is out. Don't burn the girlfriend out with such an ambitious hike. Slow down, enjoy the scenery and beauty of Isle Royale. She'll likely stick around with you and want to go camping more often.

[Redbad]

The plan is doable. Day 3 will be a major hike -- the trail between LDN and the Windigo/Huginnin Cove trail intersection is the most difficult section of trail on ISRO and you are looking at a full days hike.

I fully agree with the other comments about Little Todd. It is a very intimate campground and one of my favorite campgrounds on ISRO.