Isle Royale Forums

My family and I are making our first trip to IR this August and we'll be doing the classic newbie route. On our arrival via the Ranger ship we'll camp overnight at Rock Harbor campground. Bright and early the next morning we'll catch a water taxi to Chippewa Harbor. We might camp there that night, or hike to Lake Richie. Then on to Moskey Basin, Daisy Farm, Three Mile, and finally back to Rock Harbor for a night in the Lodge. We have younger kids (ages 6 and 10) so we've deliberately chosen a trek with short mileage between sites. Now for my question ... we have a week to spend, so we'll be able to stay twice at two sites. Which of these sites is the nicest to stay at for a 2nd night? Best view? Best opportunity for day hikes?

Can't wait!!
adam

I would spend an extra night at Moskey. The bottom at the West end of the bay is sandy and the water should be comforatble enough for the kids to get in. Moskey is beautiful.
Daisy is a good choice, you can dayhike up to the tower for great views, they have sometimes, presentations there at night.
It breaks the hike up too.

I agree with John. As an added bonus, you can go greenstoning in Moskey Basin (although according to Park Service regulations you cannot keep any to take home).

Bob

I think on the two Wednesday evenings I spent at Daisy Farm, Candy and Rolf Peterson did the presentations. It usually is after your evening meal. They do a great job! They'll discuss animals that live on Isle Royale. Hopefully, they'll be there again this year.

I have hiked the majority of the trails and seen most of the campsites on the island. Here are my thoughts regarding where to stay two nights:

Chippewa Harbor: One of the few sites that I have never visited or stayed at.

Lake Richie: A bit isolated and "boring" when compared to the other sites you mentioned. Didn't ever stay there--but hiked through it and visited it. No shelters. Of the sites you mentioned--probably the least populated and most "primitive" place.

Rock Harbor: Far too "populated" and "civilized" for my tastes. You will probably see a certain percentage of "Gentlemen" and "Lady" hikers who will stay at the Lodge and do little day hikes in their nice, clean (designer label?) attire and feel like they are really "roughing it". Possible to take many little side hikes. It has a restaurant, the Lodge, Ranger programs, showers, laundry and a small store. Limit to one night of CONSECUTIVE camping in tents or shelters.

Three Mile: An O.K. place--but not a whole lot to write home about. Can still be a bit crowded at times--and there are still a few "Gentlemen" and "Lady" hikers taking day hikes--and maybe even one or two of them doing a grand overnight adventure in the great outdoors.

Daisy Farm: Nice place. Nice programs. Possible to hike (comfortably) to Rock Harbor in a day--but far enough away to discourage most of the curious day hikers from the Lodge. SOMETIMES this site has had some wolf issues and they closed or otherwise limited tent camping (or so I have been told). Some possible day hikes from here. I liked my stay there.

Moskey: Some nice views. Just a nice place to kick back and relax. I'd spend two nights there.

(I personally like the Western side of the island more than the Eastern. The Western side is a little more rugged and has a little less traffic. If I have to stay in "civilization", I personally prefer Windigo/Washington Creek to Rock Harbor. Windigo has showers, laundry facilities, a store and Ranger programs--but has a little bit smaller crowds and far less "Gentlemen" and "Lady" day hikers). Staying at Feldtmann Lake and hiking to Rainbow Cove for sunset and moonrise was awesome. I liked Siskiwit Bay--awesome sunrises. Huginnin Cove is sort of pretty. I would skip Island Mine--except for a lunch stop. Hiking to North Lake Desor --a better than average chance of encountering moose.