Isle Royale Forums

Hi all and thanks for any wisdom and advise for some old timers (ha ha) who are embarking on their first Isle Royale trip. We are a group of 4, between the ages of 58-61. We have done a lot of backpacking, including Grand canyon, Canadian Rockies, Lake Superior trail, etc...but at least for a couple of us, it has been a few years. So here is the route we are thinking of doing. Please let me know if it is doable and/or offer suggestions. August 5-12.
Day one~arrive at RH via Houghton~ Hike to 3 mile CG
Day two~to Moskey basin (8m)
Day three~to Chickenbone West (5.7)
Day four~to Todd Harbor (9.2) Our longest day but we didn't want to stay at Hatchet Lake (although we could if we needed to) and thought it wouldn't be too difficult getting down to Todd Harbor(another 1.4) for a nicer campground and an easier hike the next day along the Minong trail.
Day five~ to McCargoe Cove via Minong(6.2)
Day six ~ to Daisy Farm (8)
Day seven~ to Lane Cove (7.
Day eight~ to RH (6.2) Dinner at the lodge (less food packing, LOL)
Day nine~ back to RH Breakfast at the Lodge

We are trying to see as much as possible but also not too, too strenuous...Does this seem reasonable? We are all in pretty decent shape and are doing a lot of hiking in and around Marquette county here to get ready. ANY and ALL suggestions would be welcome. Thanks Karen

It is a very doable itinerary. It also leaves you options for a rain day or a day off if wanted. I typically end up have one day changed in my planned itinerary. Any of the places on your route besides three-mile and west chickenbone are nice places to spend the day.

Thanks for the quick response Mike,
Question~ Is the Minong trail from Todd Harbor to McCargoe Cove (6.2) as challenging as the book describes? Karen

Welcome to the forum Karen,

The Todd Harbor to McCargoe Cove hike on the Minong is not as challenging as going from Todd Harbor west toward Windigo. I was 66 last year when I did the Minong and that portion of that trail should be okay for most folks. I averaged slightly faster then 2 m.p.h. between those 2 points. Your overall plan sounds fine. jerry

Thanks Jerry, That is good to know. I am probably the weakest hiker of the group therefore, I am the most paranoid. HA HA! It's great to hear about others who are hiking at our great ages and doing it so successfully. karen

Hello all, Another question....about my Chickenbone West to Todd Harbor leg. It looks like there was a typo (and/or I goofed up LOL) whichever....I read on the chart I downloaded that it was 1.4 miles from Hatchet Lake to Todd Harbor....this was a Camprground to campground chart. I think it is actually 4.1. WHICH makes that an 11 mile leg and not 9.2. Still doable? How is the trail coming down from the ridge to the Minong via Hatchet Lake trail? thanks anyone, everyone for any input on this, I am getting excited. Having fun with the dehydrator....and have lots of questions on that topics as well. This is a great resource. Karen

Karen, The map (ISRO Nat. Geo. Maps Trails Illustrated) I've been using for years says that it is 3.9 miles from Hatchet CG to Todd Harbor. I did that trail in '08 and found it to be kind of easy. You should be able to get to Todd in about 2 hours or less. It'll be 6.6 miles more to get to McCargoe. Add in another 2.7 to get to W. Chickenbone. I still teach accounting, so let's see, that adds up to 13.2 miles.

Thanks Jerry....here is MY math....which I flunked over and over again. ha ha
w. chickenbone to hatchet lake 7.9
hatchet lake to Todd Harbor 3.9
total: 11.8

Am I right? Am I missing anything? 11.8 is pushing it for me really, but I am hoping it isn't too strenuous. AND I am hoping my NEW math is right. Let me know. Karen

I think I see the disconnect. Karen is going clockwise, Jerry is going counter-clockwise.

I just did the Greenstone junction to Hatchet to Todd leg a couple weeks ago.
The descent from the Greenstone isn't too bad, and the Minong for that stretch is a 'walk in the woods'.

One thing I did do is get my mileages mixed up. I was thinking the 1.4 mile section was from Hatchet to the Minong Junction.
So, it felt like it took 'forever' to do the 2.3 miles it really was. The good news is that the Minong section 'flew' by.

I was lucky enough to get the Todd Harbor shelter, but the tent sites were nice as well.
And the view can't be beat. Enjoy.

Sorry Karen, You and Vandy are correct. Using the Greenstone, your math is correct. And Karen that would be a long day for me too.

Hello
If my memory serves me correct the trail down to west chickenbone is a pretty steep one, so just be careful.