First visit to Isle Royale

[jmhoying]

We've always wanted to visit Isle Royale and are finally going to make the trip this year at the end of July. We are limited in time and just want to get a feel for the island. We have backpacking gear, but can only commit to two, maybe three nights. We're not sure how much the terrain/character of the island differs from one end to the other, so we'd like recommendations on where to visit. For instance, would it be best to get dropped at Rock Harbor and hike West a bit to be picked up in a couple days at Chippewa Harbor, or would it be best to stay in the Windigo area? We are in decent shape, but not exactly young any more, so we don't want to cover extreme miles. We'll be taking a ferry out of Grand Portage and assume that reservations are important for that.
Thanks for any help.

Jack Hoying
Fort Loramie, Ohio

[jerry]

Hi neighbor,

Welcome to the forums. If you go to McCargoe Cove, you could hike over to Chippewa Harbor. That's doable for a 2/3 night visit. Not too far of a hike either.

Windigo to Feldtman, to Siskiwit Bay and back to Windigo is further. I did this one clockwise in 4 days at the age of 63.

jerry

[Kevinl]

Welcome to the forums. For someone not wanting to tackle too much mileage (and why would you?) I do like Jerry's first idea there. It also offers a chance to see a lot of shoreline from the boat.

Huginnin Cove is also a nice trip from Windigo. Also, instead of doing the loop Jerry mentioned, you could also do an out and back trip to Feldtmann Lake--why not spend a couple nights there. The loop is a nice one too though.

You have so many options. Planning/daydreaming these trips are so much fun. If I were you, I would consider getting the guidebook (Isle Royale Foot Trails and Water Routes). You could also get a good feel for your options by spending time on the Trip Reports page here. No matter what you end up doing, I hope you have a great time.

[fonixmunkee]

The McCargoe to Chippewa trek is an easy, fun, and beautiful trip. I would recommend that one. I've done it numerous times, and you can really choose-your-own-adventure it with that one since there's so many stops on the way. I would highly recommend spending a night at West Chickenbone (about 3 miles from your drop point at McCargoe Cove) and then hoofing it to Chippewa Harbor for your other stay (8 miles, but relatively easy ones).

You'll pay a few extra bucks to take the Voyageur II from Windigo to Huginnin, and to get picked up in Chippewa, but as Kevinl pointed out, seeing the island from the shore is a lot of fun.

I have many a picture from this trip, but unfortunately I'm on the road and can't share them with you (I also have a few Trip Reports somehwere, too)

The Huginnin Cove loop is also an easy one that fits within your time constraints, but I unfortunately have never done it.

[jmhoying]

Thanks for the replies! We'll probably do the McCargoe to Chippewa trip. Will we need to get a permit beforehand, or can it be had while the Voyager is in Windigo for the 1/2 hour?
Jack

[Ingo]

Thanks for the replies! We'll probably do the McCargoe to Chippewa trip. Will we need to get a permit beforehand, or can it be had while the Voyager is in Windigo for the 1/2 hour?
Jack

When the Voyageur stops at Windigo, a ranger will do an orientation on the dock for everyone getting off there, McCargoe, or Belle Isle. Then you'll go up to the ranger station and get your permit. The Voyageur II waits for you to get back on . But don't go wandering around, they like to get going as soon as possible.

[fonixmunkee]

Ingo is right, you'll get your permit at Windigo after you get your LNT brief and IR orientation. And you've already paid for your Isle Royale fees when you booked your trip on the VII, so you'll be solid gold. You're going to love the trip!

I also found my old McCargoe to Chippewa pictures and uploaded some of them for you to view, enjoy:

http://picasaweb.google.com/fonixmunkee ... directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/fonixmunkee ... leJune2005#