Isle Royale Forums

Would like to paddle from Rock Harbor to Cemetery Island (across bay from Daisy Farm). Anyone out there have an estimate for a roundtrip time? I am also open to any other advice - Thanks

That's around 8-9 miles one way. In a kayak it would take me maybe 2 hours one way on a calm day. Canoe - more depending on the canoe and whether I have a paddling partner. Wind/waves - more, maybe much more. Headwind picks up en route - even more. Wind picks up too much - stranded (make sure you check the near-term weather forecast before starting out).

Bob

Did Rock Harbor to cemetary island in 2.5 hours in a canoe with two following the outer south islands (due to wind) on a relatively calm day at a leasurely pace. Wind kicked up on the way back but it was at our backs. Got back in 1.5 hours basically trying to keep the nose in the waves. Would have been tough going the other way. In general, the waves and wind will kick up down the harbor later in the day but are going west to east.

Thanks! Being a history buff, that is the one place I really would like to visit on my trip out this summer. Having only intermediate kayak experience makes me take all the precautions.

Being a history buff, plan on staying at Caribou. It is central to exploring Cemterary Island and spending time at the fishery and lighthouse. A whole day can be spent at the fishery, the lighthouse and along the north shore near the lighthouse. You can also hit Bergsund Cabin. I have read of a trail at one time between the fishery and the cabin. I have never tried to take it though. I went by canoe. Caribou is a beautiful place too. It can be busy depending on the time of year though.