Family Trip this August

[lewiada]

Hi all, first time posting for me.

Each year my family goes on a 1-2 week camping trip someplace in the country; this year we're considering Isle Royale. My children (ages 10 and 6) are veteran campers, but we still try to keep our hikes between sites on the shorter side (because they are still ages 10 and 6). I'm thinking about taking the boat to Rock Harbor and then hiking to Three Mile. From Three Mile we would hike to Daisy Farm, and from Daisy Farm we would hike to Moskey Basin. I would like to spend two night at each site (my understanding is that this is allowed on IR). These distances are 3-4 miles each, which is perfect for my kids, who like to make many stops to play in nature (isn't that the point? )

My questions ...

* Is this route a good usage of IR? Or are there better hikes which are recommended?
* My understanding is that sites cannot be reserved, but that if they are occupied we can double up, is that correct? Any chances of arriving at one of these sites and finding a "no vacancy" sign?
* How are the bugs typically this time of year?
* Any suggestions from IR veterans?

Tx!
adam

[IncaRoads]

Welcome to the forum.

You have chosen a good route; many first timers to the island take that same route. You will be traveling during the busy season at Isle Royale. The campgrounds could fill up later in the day so an early trail start is always advised. The bugs tend to be winding down in mid to late August.

Check the following NPS link that lists the consecutive nights you can stay at any one campground. FYI, Three Mile campground has a one night limit.
http://www.nps.gov/archive/isro/camping.htm

[Ingo]

Hey Adam, welcome to the forums!
I agree that's a good option for short days with small kids, esp if you're coming from Michigan. While bugs aren't as big of an issue in Aug I consider a headnet for a couple bucks to be good insurance about any time of the year. The Tobin Harbor trail between R.H. and Three Mile is much easier than the Rock Harbor trail.

If you take the Voyageur II from Minnesota, there's a couple other options. First, basically the trip you have planned, but continue on to Chippewa Harbor and have them pick you up there for the ride home. That way you don't backtrack to R.H. for the boat and you get to one (another) of the island gems. But you don't get showers and ice cream bars either.

Finally, you could start at McCargoe Cove and do West Chickenbone, Lake Richie, Moskey Basin, and Chippewa Harbor. This trip has been discussed in length and I think would be the favorite of most veterans. Again, you have to take the Voyageur, so if you're fixed on a U.P. departure it's a moot point. In any case, they're all good trips and you'll have a great time!

[Midwest Ed]

Hello Adam,

If you stay at Daisy Farm for a couple of nights it can make a good base camp. It has several shelters (16) and can be a busy place. For this reason some people seeking solitude would rather be elsewhere but I've always enjoyed meeting with the variety of interesting people I bump into.

I'd suggest a day trip up to the Greenstone Ridge. The trail to Mt. Ojibway is less than 2 miles one way. There is an old fire tower there. The uppermost section of the tower is closed but you can still go most of the way up. From there and from most of the ridge you will have very scenic views of the north side of the Island and Canada. Return the way you came or take the route southwest and back to Daisy Farm along the triangle route (less than 6 miles I think).

Here is a sample of the view north from the Greenstone Ridge courtesy of Steve’s National Park Blog.
http://slmullen.blogspot.com/2010/04/is ... -park.html



I know you will have a great time.
~Ed