First timer to Isle Royale -need help with trip planning

[hikeradk03]

Good Morning and what a great forum!!

We are planning a trip to IR in August. I am 51 yrs old (female)...and have never backpacked before. I am fit and have hiked the High Peaks in the Adirondacks...but never with a pack. My husband is 47 years old and has backpacked once in his 20's ( a 4 day trip to IR). My two sons, ages 21 and 23 have never backpacked. We are all very enthusiastic about this trip...but I want to be safe and not sorry that we didn't plan accordingly.

My husband wants to "conquer" IR this time....and it is his plan to have us arrive at Rock Harbor and then take right off hiking the Greenstone Trail to arrive at Windigo 5 days later.

I would like to know if this is realistic...and I am looking for the wise input of veteran hikers! Thank you SO much!!

[Midwest Ed]

What is your planned itinerary?

For a veteran hiker it is very reasonable to travel from Rock Harbor to Windigo in 5 days, but at 56 and one 4 way heart bypass later, I am no longer in that classification. As such I would want a little longer time for myself, LOL.

If you are all reasonably fit (you only mentioned yourself) and you have no troubles it is doable, but I do not think you will have nearly as much fun as you would with a less aggressive itinerary (or give yourselves more time). Is the 5 days firm?

You mentioned your husband’s desire to take the Greenstone Ridge trail most of the way from Rock Harbor to Windigo That route is listed as 40 miles, but to take that direct route you must add several miles to reach campsites because there are no campsites on the ridge. The back tracking will add a few miles in the process. Depending on your campsite choices you may have a really long day or two.

Below is possible itinerary that keeps to the 5 day plan means you will have approximately 8 mile days with the last day being over 11 miles:

Rock Harbor
Daisy Farm 7.1 m (Not on Greenstone Ridge)
Chickenbone West 7.9 m (Greenstone Ridge route)
Hatchet Lake 7.9 m
Lake Desor South 8.1 m
Washington Creek 11.3 m
Total 42.3 miles

If possible, I’d suggest adding a day or even two.

In comparison, the route that would have the shortest days, with the most campsite stops directly along the way would be this:

Rock Harbor
Three Mile 2.7 miles
Daisy Farm 4.4 miles
Moskey Basin 3.9 miles
Lake Ritchie 2.3 miles
Chickenbone West 3.6 miles
Hatchet Lake 7.9 miles
Lake Desor South 8.1 miles
Minong Mine 5.5 miles
Washington Creek 6.6 miles
Total 45 miles

A stop or 2 or 3 could easily be skipped to shorten the total days.

Whatever you decide, I’m sure you will have a great time provided you do the proper planning and preparation up front. If you don't prepare properly, the enjoyment may be delayed until later.

[hikeradk03]

Hi - we are traveling from New York State...and will need two days to drive to Copper Harbor, and then depart on the 8 am ferry over to Rock Harbor. We have only 5 days on the Island available as we have to get back to get my son off to college.

We have to get to Windigo by Sat am for the ferry back to Rock Harbor...

I feel this is a bit aggressive of a trip...will there be time to "stop and smell the flowers" along the way??!!!

Since this is our first time here...I do want to enjoy the hiking and see the sights along the way...and not have it be so focused on getting to the next spot "or else"!!

Thank you!

[jerry]

Midwest Ed has a good idea take your time and enjoy yourselves. Perhaps day 1-Daisy Farm, day 2- Moskey Basin, day 3 - Chippewa Harbor, day 4- W. Chickenbone, day 5- McCargoe. The ferry boat can pick you up there at McCargoe and return you to Rock Harbor.

I'm 66 and I try not to do a fast trip. You should be able to do the Greenstone if you all are in good shape, but you may feel like you're training for the rangers.