How crowded for July 4, 2012

[spirobulldog]

I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to IR for 2012. I can pretty much come any time. July 4 is on a Wednesday in 2012. By coming at that time, I could stay 2 extra days. However, if it is super crowded, I would probably prefer a different time. Is there a "best time of year" to come? I have hiked many of the tougher trails in a lot of the western US national parks. I have no backpack experience, but think I would try it. I would either rent from REI, or buy. I have been wanting to try backpacking anyway. Or can I get a good experience just staying at the lodge. I have no idea on how which routes to take at this point. I'm not even sure if I would start i Windigo or Rock Harbor. I like to save money when I can, but really expense isnt that big of a deal. I would probably take the plane to avoid the boat? Is that a good option or not? I would probably stay my last night at Rock Harbor. I am thinkin a total of 5-6 days on IR, might be a good start. If I came any other time it would probably only be for 3-4 days. Thanks for any advice.

[jerry]

If you hike/backpack in the western end or middle part of the island during the time period indicated it shouldn't be too bad regarding the crowded issue. I like taking the boats (used them all). Seeing the island getting closer gets some of us excited and really wanting to hit the trail. If you need advice on equipment, let these good folks know.

[Tom]

First, Isle Royale is a perfectly acceptable place for a person's first "backpacking" experience. As with everything, planning put in will ensure enjoyment. The number one most common problem, IMHO, is that novices plan too many miles or overestimate what they can do. I'd say, on Isle Royale, for an 'average' hiker with a well fit, not overweight pack, even a newbie can put on 4-6 miles without blinking. 6-9 is the "ok, that felt good, but I'm a bit tired..." point, 9-11 miles is the "Whew! I made it, it feels good, but I'll sleep tonight" and over 12 starts to make you wonder where the &#$^ camp is...
As for crowds, well, that's relative. Keep in mind IR is one of the least visited parks. July 4th tends to start the mark of the "busy" season but that just means you might happen to see three folks on the trail instead of one. Campsites MIGHT be full, but often you might be the only one, too. Even in a "full" camp, with the way they are layed out, you might not know anyone else is there. It can be really different that way.
Generally, the West side of the island, with it's longer distances between sites, tends to have less folks. Thru hiking the Greenstone would also be an option for you. That's a National Park "Feather" for your cap.
Personally, I think taking a ferry is another part of the entire IR experience. Sailing on Lake Superior can be quite a time, and you can enjoy making friends with your fellow passengers. It does take longer, of course. Heck, by July, water temps might be in the low 40s!
Enjoy planning your trip, and as you have questions, don't hesitate to post them to the forum!

[Keweenaw]

The boats are fun, but you will effectively gain a couple of days by taking the plane out in the morning and back in the afternoon (45 minute trip). The aerial view of the Island is pretty cool, too.

The peak season for IR is generally thought of as mid-July to mid-August.

Staying at the Lodge (actually the cabins are better IMO) would be a good experience, but not a real good Isle Royale experience as it is hard to get very far away from Rock Harbor on a day hike. If you are independently wealthy you could stay at a cabin and have the water taxi drop you off at various places and hike back to RH with just a daypack.

One possible route if you take the seaplane would be to get dropped off at Windigo and through-hike to Rock Harbor. The plane can then pick you up there.

Windigo to South Desor
South Desor to Hatchet
Hatchet to West Chickenbone
West Chickenbone to Daisy Farm
Daisy Farm to Rock Harbor

If you have a couple of extra days I would throw in Moskey Basin as well.

Bob

[skibike69]

My first ever backpacking trip was on IR last August. Had a great time!!!

Best advice I can give is to get in as many miles hiking with a full pack as you can BEFORE your trip. Better conditioning will result in a better experience.

All other important information can be found here on the forum.