Rock Harbor Backpacking Trail

[steph88]

Hello, a few of us are planning to go backpacking on Isle Royale July 7th-9th/10th. We originally wanted to do the Minong Ridge trail but the ferry from Grand Portage does not work in our favor with those dates since the earliest we could leave is the 7th. Based on that I have been looking into the Copper Harbor ferry but since they drop off and pick up at Rock Harbor we won't have time to do the Minong Ridge trail. As of now, I think we will plan on taking the ferry to Rock Harbor Tuesday morning and then would hike Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday all day, and Thursday until the ferry pickup at 2:45 (but getting there early so we don't miss the boat). Does anyone have any suggestions for trails? As for our ability, we should be able to cover a good amount of ground on Tuesday/Wednesday, we're avid hikers that live in Colorado. Generally we do about 10 miles a day when we go on trips without an issue. I think if we do this trip it will probably be a long time before we come back again so if you suggest that we wait and do the Minong Ridge Trail another time when we can stay longer I appreciate that information too. Thank you ahead of time .

[Redbad]

You could do something like:
Day 1: Rock Harbor to Lane Cove.
Day 2 Lane Cove to Moskey Basin/Daisy Farm
Day 3 Moskey Basin/Daisy Farm back to Rock Harbor

The Minong is a good 4-5 day hike from Rock Harbor to Windigo (or Windigo to Rock Harbor). It is difficult, but it is well worth the difficulty.

The thing about Isle Royale is that once you come, you will want to come again.

[trailgoat_70]

Redbad provided you a very nice, doable route. The Minong will certainly take longer than your time allows. Save the Minong for the next trip--you'll be back.

[JerryB]

I agree with the comments about the Minong. I am planning a trip out of Copper Harbor for September, so I have looked into the available routes. One option not mentioned yet is a water taxi to near Lookout Louise and hiking from there to Lane Cove. (That is what I will be doing.)