hiking ir

[toddman68]

Frist time going father and son but my son want's to really hike alot we will be there 5 days could you please sugest a route we will start in rock harbor and end there thanks for any help.

[MikeT]

For a first trip out of Rock Harbor, I would suggest taking the Rock Harbor trail to Moskey then up to the Greenstone through Lake Richie and looping back as a goal. This route has a lot of options if you are unable to make the full distance and has a few trails that can be taken as day hikes if walking with a pack becomes an issue or, if your son wants to walk a distance, overnight then come back to where you are. It also offers very nice scenery.

This offers the possibility of a many mile route around, possibly to Lane Cove and back to Rock Harbor (which is a lot of miles) or, a shorter mile route of just to Daisy then up to East or west chcikenbone (west being nicer) and back down to Three Mile or out to Lane Cove.

Remember to keep in mind the weather. It is always nice to have a swing day for weather or aches and pains.

Check out the trip reports on this web board to see what others have done. You can also check out my site for more details on getting to the island, links and other info. Is it at: www.isleroyale.info

[Keweenaw]

Hi Toddman,

First time to IR or first time backpacking for 5 days? If the 2 of you are not experienced backpackers be sure to take a few day hikes (with full pack) around home ASAP so your son can assess how much he REALLY wants to hike in a day.

That said, if you are both up to it, a possible itinerary that will give you a good taste of the Island with a good bit of hiking leaving out of RH would be:

Day 1: Get off the boat and hike to Lane Cove (6.9 miles up and over the Greenstone Ridge)
Day 2: Lane Cove to West Chickenbone (13 miles)
Day 3: West Chickenbone to Chippewa Harbor (7.9 miles) and then day hike to Lake Mason or the ridge behind the CH group campsite)
Day 4: Chippewa Harbor to Daisy Farm (10 miles)
Day 5 hike to Rock Harbor (7.1 miles) and leave on boat

[DonNewcomb]

Rock Harbor Trail can be a bit discouraging to first time campers.

[Keweenaw]

Rock Harbor Trail can be a bit discouraging to first time campers.

Yep - I never hike it between RH and Threemile anymore - I always take the Tobin Harbor Trail. Easier walking, quiet, scenic, no loud boat traffic.

Bob

[DonNewcomb]

Well, when my brother and I visited IR, Rock Harbor Trail was our introduction to the island. We almost turned around and went home. On the way back in to RH we hiked over to Tobin. It was a lot nicer.

[greg]

I would watch my distances. Ten or thirteen mile days are fine for a solid hiker but may be challenging to a new backpacker. I agree that the Rock Harbor Trail between Three Mile and Rock Harbor is very rocky and root-filled but also has some great views of the lake-shore. The Tobin Harbor Trail is a much gentler landscape and does provide some beautiful views of the waterway. Lane Cove is very nice and does provide some lovely views of Lake Superior. With five days I would strongly consider camping at Moskey Basin as it is one of the more scenic places on that end of the park. The views from the shelters across the ever expanding harbor are memorable in particular if fog is rolling in. Mount Ojibway is a beautiful place for an all encompassing view of the eastern end of IR. Mount Franklin is also a place with a fine view of the north shore of the island. I think many of the suggestions in terms of itineraries are quite good but I would watch the miles and not underestimate the terrain. IR is not a high elevation park but its washboard/glaciated landscape presents its challenges. Also, on a rainy day walking on rocks is a slippery and dangerous business. Sometimes less is more and pushing miles can ruin a trip and negatively affect a first time backpacker's perspective on a place as wonderful as Isle Royale.