Planning Advice

[donjuansw]

I'm planning my first trip to I.R. and would like some input from the group regarding my trip.

I am looking to plan my trip to take in the solitude and beauty of the island, and I also do some freelance photography work and am hoping that I will be able to get some beautiful prints as well. As far as physical shape, I'm 30, run and hit the gym several times a week, but this will be my first experience with multi-day hiking. I've done some day hikes but the most weight I've carried is my photography equipment.

My questions for the group:
When in the year do you suggest going?
What parts of the island do you recommend photographically?
What trails should I consider/avoid based on hiking ability?

My initial thoughts based on reading this forum extensively are to do about a 5 day hike from McCargoe Cove to Windingo in late May, but if you have better suggestions I'm open to other options!

Thanks for your input!

[Tom]

There is nothing mystical or magical about making Isle Royale your first backpacking destination, but like all trips, you need to do your planning. Starting here is an excellent beginning!

From the hiking capacity alone, I would say you could tackle any of the trails, physically. I might recommend refraining from the Minong Ridge Trail if you're new to backpacking, just because you probably should be comfortable with your trail skills before taking on something that has greater risks of getting off trail and a little more experience in case you develop an injury, etc. Other hikers can be few and far between on that trail.

Time of year and destination vary greatly depending on what you want to shoot. What are you hoping to capture? Historic structures? Probably hang around the East side any time of year. Sunrises? Moskey Basin in June... just wake up at 4am.. Fall Color? Island Mine in Sept. Moose? Any time of year is a great time to get a picture of a moose, but in late May/early June the bulls will still be mossy and growing antlers; in late summer and fall they'll be racked out.
Personally, perhaps my favorite picture of Isle Royale is one I snapped years ago walking along the Feldtman trail through a birch grove. The fog and mist coming off the big lake was just perfect. I have it setting on a bookshelf next to me, and while there is nothing specifically "Isle Royale" about it, it brings me back everytime I see it.

So, what would you like to capture?

[donjuansw]

Tom, thanks for making the point about trail skills, that made me think of another question I should be asking: Is there anything I should do ahead of time to prepare in the skills/knowledge department, seeing as I'm a first time backpacker?

Photographically, I had originally thought mostly landscapes because I don't have much experience photographing animals/wildlife, but this might be an opportunity to sharpen my skills. I did figure on getting some really good sunrises and sunsets, so anyplace you could recommend for those would be great.

The inland lakes intrigued me, I just was under the impression that reaching many of them might be beyond my abilities.

[Keweenaw]

I'm planning my first trip to I.R. and would like some input from the group regarding my trip.

As far as physical shape, I'm 30, run and hit the gym several times a week, but this will be my first experience with multi-day hiking. I've done some day hikes but the most weight I've carried is my photography equipment.

You definitely NEED to do as much practice hiking with a full pack plus camera equipment as you can. Multi-day hiking with a 45 pound pack is tough on the shoulders, knees, hips, etc.

My questions for the group:
When in the year do you suggest going?

Early or late is probably best and I would recommend Spring over Fall due to (potentially) better temperatures and more daylight.

What parts of the island do you recommend photographically?

I can't think of a bad place to take pictures on the Island. As Tom said it depends on what you want to photograph.

What trails should I consider/avoid based on hiking ability?

As Tom said, the Minong would be the toughest. McCargoe to Windigo along the Greenstone is very nice. You would start out in the woods, but would ascend a spectacular open ridge with great views after leaving West Chickenbone. After that you would be forest-bound for the rest of the hike.

My initial thoughts based on reading this forum extensively are to do about a 5 day hike from McCargoe Cove to Windingo in late May, but if you have better suggestions I'm open to other options!

Thanks for your input!