Greenstone Ridge in 3 Days (crazy?)

[backpackingZombie]

I'm planning a trip to IR for June, and the itinerary so far is we will set off from Windigo and hike to Lookout Louise via the Greenstone Ridge

Day 1: Windigo --> S Lake Desor
Day 2: S Lake Desor --> W. Chickenbone Lake
Day 3: W. Chickenbone Lake --> Lookout Louise
Lookout Louise --> Rock Harbor via Water Taxi

I have not been to the island before, but I've been looking over topo maps and to me this doesn't seem that outrageous, but for those that know the terrain please let me know if I'm crazy.

[Keweenaw]

Hi Zombie,

Day 1 - ho-hum - my usual out of Windigo and I get the senior discount. The trail is a walk in the woods at that end.

Day 2 - slightly strenuous but not crazy. 15 miles with some awesome bare ridgeline as you approach the descent to Chickenbone.

Day 3 - pretty crazy and might not be feasible as you cannot camp at Lookout Louise. There is no cell phone coverage so I don't know how you will arrange the water taxi pickup unless you can pre-schedule it for evening, to ensure that you will be at the dock for the pick-up.

In any case you will need to be an experienced, fit backpacker for this itinerary.

Bob

[head2north]

There have been even "crazier" hikes on the island. Three years ago we crossed a couple traversing from Rock Harbor
to Windigo and back to Rock Harbor in 4 DAYS!!!! and they made it too.

Back in '93 a couple of college buddies and myself hiked from Lane Cove to McCargoe in a day and that would
be comparible to your third day. We were tired at end of day, but I couldn't say it wasn't enjoyable.

So it all depends on load in backpack, your stamina, and experience with long hikes.

[backpackingZombie]

Good to hear. And yes, I was planning on scheduling a water taxi prior to going.

I will check and double-check with my pack-mates about if they feel up to it. I think I'm up for it.

Thanks again!

[Ingo]

When I worked in R.H. in '79, two girls "dayhiked" R.H. to Windigo. They did bring flashlights, and used them, back before headlamps were popular.

[Midwest Ed]

Back in the mid 70's, rangers told me stories (so fairly reliable I think) of people making the Windigo to Rock Harbor trek in a day. Although with just a day pack if I remember correctly.

The longest trek I've made is the 15 miles from Malone Bay to Todd Harbor. I planned on stopping at Hatchet Lake but when I arrived I was out of water. Before the days of filters, the thought of drinking boiled/hot Hatchet Lake water inspired me to press on to Todd Harbor. LOL