First IR visit, planning on doing the Greenstone Ridge Trail

[MetalMan390]

I am planning a backpacking trip on Isle Royale this summer. I'd be staying the night in Copper Harbor and taking the Queen IV to Rock Harbor the next morning. I want to do the Greenstone Ridge Trail, from Rock Harbor to Windigo. From what I've read, I can take the Voyager II from Rock Harbor to Windigo, and I can do this even though I didn't take the Voyager II from Grand Portage to Windigo, correct?

Also, for those who have done this, when did you take the Voyager, at the beginning or end of your trip on IR? What I mean is, did you arrive at Rock Harbor and spend the night nearby and take the Voyager in the morning to Windigo and hike back to Rock Harbor, OR, did you arrive in Rock Harbor and hike towards Windigo, taking the Voyager II back to Rock Harbor... I've read that the Voyager arrives II arrives at 3:30pm in RH, and the Queen IV leaves RH to go back to Copper Harbor at 2:45pm so you'd miss it and end up staying almost another 24 hours in RH just waiting for the next trip back to Copper Harbor.

Hopefully that made sense. Basically, I just want to know how others have done it and how it worked out for you.

[Keweenaw]

Yep, you can take the Voyager between any of its stops on the Island.

Either way is good. Going from Windigo to RH means that you end up in a place with more amenities. Personally I would go that direction because the Greenstone on the west end is, IMO, an easier walk than on the east end, so you will have some break-in time and your food load will be lighter when you hit more rocks/roots. You also don't have to worry about a weather delay messing up your return from RH to Copper Harbor in case the Voyager is delayed out of Grand Portage.

Bob

[vitz]

Yes you can take the Voyager II from Rock Harbor to Windigo, or many other points on the island. Just make sure you make reservations so you’re on the Voyagers roster. They can often have a full boat from Rock Harbor to Windigo.

I have always traveled from Minnesota, so never worry about the Queen. However you mention staying on RH for 24 hours. Just remember you can only stay one consecutive night in the RH campground. Do not expect the boats to always be on time. I have been delayed because of weather.

[jerry]

Love your name MetalMan390.

You need to check the V2's schedule. During the summer it usually leaves the Rock Harbor dock at 8 a.m. (Minnesota time) which is 9 a.m. ISRO (Michigan time) on Sun., Tues. and Thursday mornings if there are no weather issues. vitz is correct make a reservation, I don't know if they take on someone who doesn't have a reservation. I've carried a full pack up the Greenstone toward Island Mine from Windigo when I was 62 without a problem. I believe that if you're in shape that shouldn't be an issue for you. If you take the V2 to Windigo you have to stay at someplace like Rock Harbor on the day of your arrival.

[Ingo]

A couple thoughts...
Consider leaving from Grand Portage if you can. If time is an issue, the extra driving is probably more that made up for, compared to the boat schedules. You could take the Voyageur II or Wenonah (new one?) to Windigo, hike to R.H. and the Voyageur back.

If you do come out on the Queen, the scheduling works best from Windigo to R.H. 1st night in R.H. then Voyageur II to Windigo in the morning. The Voyageur makes 3 trips a week in prime season, so the days have to work for you though. This is assuming you aren't enamored with the idea of 24 hrs in R.H.--although that's not so bad. If you do end with some time there the hike out to Scoville Pt is really nice and offers shoreline you won't see on the rest of your trip.

Weather can be an issue with the boat schedules, but usually only once or twice (maybe) a year. So don't worry about--just be flexible if it causes problems. Of course you don't have much choice about it

[MetalMan390]

Thank you everyone for your input. I think I had the right idea then, taking the Voyager to Windigo and then hiking back to RH. I was also wondering how difficult it is finding drinking water along the greenstone ridge trail. Judging by one of the maps of IR I have been studying, it looks like there will be a lake or river within 1 mile of the trail for the majority of it but wanted to hear first hand from those who have hiked this trail.

[jerry]

When you get to Windigo load up on water. Last water spot before you hit the Greenstone is at the Washington Creek campgrounds. Island Mine is not always dependable. The next good water hole is L. Desor, then Hatchet Lake, and then L. Chickenbone or L. Livermore. If you stay on the Greenstone you'll have to bush wack to a lake after those. If you head down to Rock Harbor or L. Rickie (Lake Sage is available too) you'll be okay.

[RDellar]

MetalMan, I too am planning a beginning season trip with friends to IR end of May, June. I have researched the schedules closely, and found that depending on when you get to IR, is when you can possibly find a trip on the Voyageur II to go around the island. Unfortunately for me, I am arriving on Friday the 27th of May, and the next voyageur II to Windigo isnt till Sunday. Rather than wait 2 days for the ferry, or pay Exorbinate water taxi fares, we are heading west on greenstone to windigo right away. We will then catch the voyageur II ferry on wednesday, to take us back to Rock Harbor. That gives us 5 - 6 days including a night in Windigo to get there. There is a possibility of weather delay doing it this way, but we can allways hope! Try staying at Fort Wilkins state park in copper harbor your night prior to leaving for the Queen IV. $31 cost. Also, Voyageur II ferry told me they start taking reservations FEB 1, and it is recommended to make one to assure you get a spot. Good Luck!!

[DaveH]

The seaplane will drop you off at Windigo and pick you up in Rock Harbor or vice-versa if you wish. Saves travel time as well, flight is only a half hour each way. Regarding the one night limit at Rock Harbor camground, you can stay more than one night depending on the date of your stay, the limit is only in place June 1-Labor day.