Isle Royale Forums

I backpacked Isle Royale for the first time last mid-August (5 days, 4 nights). It was one of the greatest things I have ever done. I even wrote a story about it for an outdoor retail store that I work at. I am thinking of trekking up there again (I live in Arkansas) this year except I thought about doing it during the latter part of September and staying a few extra days.

Anyone been there during that time and any suggestions or comments?
Thanks!
Sandy S

It's a beautiful time. Weather can be a bit unpredictable, but it's my favorite time to be there. The moose, if in rut, can seem loud and a little crazy, like teenagers in rut. Just bring some warm clothes and you can't go wrong.

The colors are amazing as the trees change. As Kevin said, seeing 2 bull moose in full rut fighting is amazing. You need to be careful as they can get aggressive. Not many people. The chance of being on the Island an extra day due to Fall storms is real. Snow would not be out of the question.

It's fantastic! We went in October several years. The stay limits are off all the campgrounds, so you can base camp if you want. As the leaves fall the views open up.

Ice on the water bucket in the morning is a distinct possibility, but what is hardest to cope with is that it will get dark very early and if you are in a campground with no fires you will be in bed early, so bring books and a headlamp!

Bob

Sounds exciting except for the getting dark early part....unless of course it was a clear sky and a full moon! I was thinking of going the last week in September. Thanks for the comments. Keep 'em coming!

Sandy S

Hi Sandy,
When are you planning your trip? I am considering a single trip myself in the fall. Maybe I will bump into you.
Rae

Rae,
I was looking at the last week in September. I live in Arkansas and my family lives in Lower Michigan. I thought that I might do IRNP and then going down to visit my family. A lot of depends on time off from work and weather. I met some really great people when I went last year. Ya never know!

Sandy

I did a trip at the end of September last year, and a few other times. It is generally pretty nice out there, warm days and cool nights. The moose are in rut then, too, so there can be a fair amount of grunting going on in the woods. The only thing that can be sketchy is the weather, as you get closer to October there is more chance of gales. I'd say that the odds are much better for good weather, though.

My wife and I did early Sept. last year and we are doing the same this year. It was a bit rainy while there and since its cooler, the rain can make the dampness down right bone chilling. Like the others said, be prepared for the cold and ensure your personally and equipment wet weather gear is in order. You will want shells for your gloves to keep them dry as well. Might be a good idea to bring along some gaiters to keep the water out of your boots.

Being wet in the summer can be miserable, being wet in the fall can be down right dangerous.

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. I really appreciate it,

HI Sandy, me again...
I don't know what you use for a sleeping bag, but I have found on isle royale that my life saver difference between just tolerating the night and a warm sleep is a fleece sleeping bag liner. I have a great backpacking bag for women, but the simple liner from farm and fleet makes it feel like the bed at the hilton.

Thanks for the sleeping bag liner info. I have a Western Mountaineering Alpinelite down sleeping bag that I love with a waterproof compression sack. I also have some WM flash pants. I look like a charcoaled marshmallow but boy are those pants warm! The liner is a great idea as well. I work for an outdoor center and have checked them ou

Sandy