Itinerary Question

[lsue63]

Hello! I am planning to hike from Windigo to Rock Harbor this Summer. I have 9 days allotted for the hike. I like to stop and draw and paint as I hike and camp. If I don’t hike along the Greenstone, would the northern route or southern route be preferable? Does anyone have any favorite campsites and trails?

This will be my third trip to the Island. I haven’t decided to not hike the Greenstone, but would like to hear others thoughts as I am planning. Thanks!


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[dcclark]

By "northern route" I assume you mean the Minong Ridge trail? That's a pretty serious trail, especially in the direction you'll be traveling (where you have ~13 miles on the first day, made harder by a heavier pack). The upside would be tons of spectacular views.

"Southern route" is less well defined. Feldtman Ridge loop? That's beautiful and well worth it. But then you'll be on the Greenstone for a while before you can turn off towards Lake Richie, after which you can follow the Rock Harbor trail right along Lake Superior. Certainly lovely, but I think some of the views from the east end of the Greenstone are worth hiking it instead.

[lsue63]

By "northern route" I assume you mean the Minong Ridge trail? That's a pretty serious trail, especially in the direction you'll be traveling (where you have ~13 miles on the first day, made harder by a heavier pack). The upside would be tons of spectacular views.

"Southern route" is less well defined. Feldtman Ridge loop? That's beautiful and well worth it. But then you'll be on the Greenstone for a while before you can turn off towards Lake Richie, after which you can follow the Rock Harbor trail right along Lake Superior. Certainly lovely, but I think some of the views from the east end of the Greenstone are worth hiking it instead.

Hi! Thanks for your response. I should have been more clear, but you read my mind exactly. I have considered hiking the Minong Ridge trail. However with that much food and weight I don’t think I’d like to do that first 13 mile day, which I have read could be difficult so I’m balking. I have backpacked from Washington Creek to S. Desor which is maybe 11 miles? It was a comfortable hike, but that trail is easier compared to Minong Ridge, is that correct? Yes, by Southern route, I’d love to do the Feldman Ridge loop, and then go on East from there. I need to study the map to see if I can avoid a night at Island Mine. Have you stayed at Island Mine? If so how is it? I appreciate your saying that the views from the East end of the Greenstone are worth doing that hike. Thanks!!


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[dcclark]

Yes, the Greenstone, especially the west end, is much easier than the Minong. I think the west end of the Greenstone is the easiest trail I've hiked on the island.

I stayed at Island Mine once, in mid-May. It was fine. Definitely better than what I've heard from others -- the fire pits are a nice bonus, water access was fine at that time of year, and otherwise it was unremarkable. I hear it's also lovely with fall colors.

Definitely check out the east end of the Greenstone -- Mt. Franklin and similar lookouts are well worth it. Plus if you are willing, you can have the best of both worlds. Hike down to Moskey and then along the Rock Harbor trail as far as Daisy Farm, then stay there. The next day, hike back up to the ridge (by either branch of the Mt. Ojibway loop) and go east, seeing the fire tower and Mt. Franklin along the way. Then cut back down at the Mt. Franklin trail and hike Rock Harbor the rest of the way.

[lsue63]

Yes, the Greenstone, especially the west end, is much easier than the Minong. I think the west end of the Greenstone is the easiest trail I've hiked on the island.

I stayed at Island Mine once, in mid-May. It was fine. Definitely better than what I've heard from others -- the fire pits are a nice bonus, water access was fine at that time of year, and otherwise it was unremarkable. I hear it's also lovely with fall colors.

Definitely check out the east end of the Greenstone -- Mt. Franklin and similar lookouts are well worth it. Plus if you are willing, you can have the best of both worlds. Hike down to Moskey and then along the Rock Harbor trail as far as Daisy Farm, then stay there. The next day, hike back up to the ridge (by either branch of the Mt. Ojibway loop) and go east, seeing the fire tower and Mt. Franklin along the way. Then cut back down at the Mt. Franklin trail and hike Rock Harbor the rest of the way.

Thanks so much for your suggestions! I love having all these options to consider.


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[aweeksmm]

We did the Feldtmann loop a couple years ago and really enjoyed it. Siskiwit Bay is a fantastic campsite right on the bay. Rainbow Cove near Feldtmann Lake is a great place to have dinner and watch the sunset. The fire tower on the ridge is also a highlight- good lunch spot. Enjoy!


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[lsue63]

We did the Feldtmann loop a couple years ago and really enjoyed it. Siskiwit Bay is a fantastic campsite right on the bay. Rainbow Cove near Feldtmann Lake is a great place to have dinner and watch the sunset. The fire tower on the ridge is also a highlight- good lunch spot. Enjoy!


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Thank you for the information. Sounds great! I’m looking forward to the trip.


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