HELP: Trip Planning (First Timer)

[scotty]

Hey, everyone!

I've been dying to go on a backpacking trip to the Isle Royale but since summers almost over and I'm short on cash so I'm aiming for next year. I have a lot of questions to make sure I am properly prepared and have a awesome trip! I was wondering if you guys could help me out

Background Info: I am 21 years old and will be coming from Chicago, IL. I will be traveling with my girlfriend (same age) and possibly a third. We are both physically fit and have a lot of camping/hiking experience but we have never gone backpacking.

1. What would the best way to get to the island? Driving or Flying to copper harbor?
My first choice would be driving its about 8 1/2 hours from Chicago. After driving should I head straight to the island or camp that night and catch the boat/plane the next day?

2. Should I take the seaplane or the boat?
I couldn't find a price for the plane but I assume the boat is cheaper.

3. What time of the year would be ideal to go next year? I was thinking early spring. What are some of the pros/cons of going early/mid/late in the summer?

4. Okay here's what I've had the most trouble with..planning my trip once I get on the island! I want to stay at least 5 to 7 days on the island. Whats the best possible day by day route/campsites I could do given my time frame?

*Edit* I'm pretty sure I will be arriving at Rock Harbor?

[jerry]

Welcome to the forums Scotty!

1. I would suggest taking either the Ranger or the Queen over the seaplane.
2. The boats are definitely cheaper. This means you'll probably camp in the UP or stay at a motel.
3. Usually there are less bugs later in the summer. Each season has it's rewards.
4. I'll let others give input on where to hike and stay. (I like Lane Cove for at least one night.)

[Midwest Ed]

Welcome to the forum Scotty.

I highly recommend some practice with a loaded pack. Hiking with substantial weight on your back is a very different experience, as is camping limited to using just those things that you can carry. But the freedom born from doing both at the same time can be exhilarating.

The departure and return days that best fit your schedule may decide for you whether the Ranger III from Houghton or the Isle Royal Queen is best. The travel times and expected arrival times influence some people’s scheduling. But my suggestion, especially for a first trip is do not plan things too aggressively. Leave plenty of room in the entire schedule for things to go wrong, because they will. Weather on the Island or weather affecting boat schedules are both things that can affect you along the way. (Note: Most bad weather that delays ferry departures happen later in the season. It does not happen often but be aware so it won’t be a total surprise.

As for your first steps in preparation I would simply suggest you search the multitude of posts on this forum and read posts as many as you can. Information on almost any curiosity or even unsuspected things can be found here (from bugs to favorite campsites to trail preferences to gear choices). I hate biting flies so I prefer very early spring (May) or late summer/autumn. The worst black fly season is June to mid July. (Note: The Ranger III does not start running for the public until June 1st.)

My only itinerary advice this early on, for a 5 to 7 day trip, would be to stay on the east end. It has the greatest concentration of campsites and trails (and people although trip beginning after Labor day also can result in less crowding). Thus the east end allows for a greater choice of both initial itineraries and also for changes should circumstances of the moment call for it.

I know you will have great time and planning will certainly pay off.

~Ed

[scotty]

Thanks, Jerry! I'm looking forward to hearing your guys suggestions.

[Tom]

Welcome Scotty!
To append to what others have recommended:
1.) I'd recommend driving to Houghton or Copper Harbor (if that was a question) rather than flying. For one, you can then carry your fuel with you (not allowed on commerical flights). For two, in your car you can keep a set of 'civilian clothes' to change into once you return. As to timing it out, it all depends on when you can leave your home and make it to the dock. I've done day before, stay the night near the dock trips, and I've also done overnight drives, arrive early AM at the dock trips. If you make your first night at Rock Harbor or Threemile, you'll have a chance to rest.

2.) Boat is certainly less expensive, plus you can carry your own fuel and not need to purchase once you arrive.

3.) Call me crazy, but I love mid-June. It seems everyone freaks out about the CHANCE of a black fly hatch, and so the Island can be quiet. The days are long (approaching that summer solstice) and the weather normally decent. The water temps are up. July and August tend to be the "busy" months. May is cold, as Superior is still darn cool. September can be nice, but weather can start to be an issue with waves. I did discover, however, after taking the "first boat" of the Voyageur II on May 8th this year, that the Ranger III had brought over five hikers with canoes and kayaks the Tuesday or Thursday before us... So, I think the Ranger III MAY take guests before hand, if there is room.

4.) Time and duration will jurisdict your trip, but I will say to watch the ferry schedules, and consider when 'drops' of hikers will occur. Sometimes you can predict when certain camp areas will be full based on when the ferry drops and picks up. (Applies only to Ranger III, really.)
Post your plans to the forum, and folks will comment!
Tom

[Midwest Ed]

. . . Call me crazy, but I love mid-June. It seems everyone freaks out about the CHANCE of a black fly hatch. . .

After living in the U.P and having been eaten alive by flies, it could very well be that my Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome is poking through just a little, LOL.

[sandystAR]

I am just a newbie (1st timer) but here are my thoughts:

1) I drove from Fayetteville, Arkansas this summer and only WISH my trip would have been 8 1/2 hours. I think that is the best way to go as you can carry all of your gear easily and your fuel (although you can probably buy some in Houghton, CH or on the island). I just like knowing I have what I need with me.

2) I stayed in Copper Harbor (loved it) and took the Isle Royale Queen IV to the island. The trip took about 3 - 3 1/2 hours. I arrived in Copper Harbor on a Wednesday and took the Thursday boat trip. I went in August and at that time they had 1 daily trip leaving CH at 8:30 in the morning.

3) My trip was in the middle of August. I just missed the big gale storms. The weather was fantastic on the island (60s during the day). We did have 1 day of RAIN RAIN RAIN but it just added to the magic of the island.

4) I stayed 4 nights and 5 days and would recommend a week if you can do it. I am older (52) and not super physically fit and did just fine. My first-time itinerary consisted of:

Day 1-Arrive Rock Harbor and camp at 3 Mile
Day 2-Lane Cove
Day 3-Daisy Farm
Day 4-Rock Harbor
Day 5-Day hike to Scoville Point

My next trip is going to include Moskey Basin. This thread has me looking at my books and maps again! Get yourself the Nat'l Geographic Isle Royale Map and the IRNP Foot Trails and Water Routes book by Jim DeFresne. It certainly helped me plan my trip.

I have been to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite and they are breathtaking. But Lake Superior and ISRO are magical and will entice you to return.


Sandy

[jerry]

Another thing to like about Isle Royale is no bears and no deer ticks (therefore no Lyme disease). I have never seen poison ivy anywhere on ISRO.

[robin621]

I love the Ranger III boat. They don't charge you for parking either. It stinks coming back, but doesn't the end of every vacation or trip.

[PatrickBDunlap]

If you are coming from Chicago, I would suggest going to Grand Portage, MN. You can stay the night at the Casino on the Indian reservation and take the ferry to Windigo. From there you can do a 4 night loop then another 1 night loop. You could also take the ferry around the island to other locations from Windigo.

I agree with others in that spring and fall are the best times but beware of the weather in that it could dip below freezing while you are there (same kind of preparation you need if you plan to go above the tree line on a mountain trek).

Siskiwit Bay was the most beautiful of the sites we stayed at.

[DonNewcomb]

If you decide to fly, be very sure of your stove. As I recall, on island you can only buy isobutane cylinders and white gas (Coleman fuel). You may not be allowed to fly with a previously used liquid-fuel stove, so isobutane is your best bet.