Backcountry with children

[nicole]

Our family is looking at a quiet, off road, backcountry trip with our children. We are looking at flying in and having 4 full days and 5 nights. Any suggestions on where to fly in and what trails to take. The kids are only 7 and 9 however we really don't want to be on the main route... would it be easier to rent a canoe and travel that way?

[johnhens]

How much canoing have you done?

[Keweenaw]

Hi Nicole,

If you have the $$ I know a guy who used to take his kids to Isle Royale every year. He would rent a boat/motor from concessions and stay at the various campgrounds in the Rock Harbor/Moskey Basin area. There are some neat island campgrounds and lots of dayhiking opportunities from the campgrounds on the main island.

Bob

[Ingo]

Nicole,

I like Bob's idea of renting a boat. Or if you do rent canoes, I'd also recommend staying in Rock Harbor (the body of water) and avoid portaging. But I can't recommend canoeing unless you're pretty experienced, especially with young children. Here's the link for boat (and canoe) rentals. Note that the boat rates are without the motor, so add those together. Close to that same as 2 canoes.
http://foreverlodging.com/foreverinfo.c ... ntKey=2610

The only practical option for flying is into the Hancock/Houghton airport. From there you can take the Ranger II or the float plane out to the island. There is also transportation to Copper Harbor available where the I.R. Queen IV sails from.

As far as being "on the main route", that area is the most used on the island, but relative to most other places you may go, that's not saying much. It's the one of the least visited Nat'l Parks. If you have more questions as the planning progresses (you will), let us know

John