Backpacking for 3 day on IR-need advice!

[badgerhicks]

8 of us are planning a trip to IR and we'll have 3 days total (arrive Thursday AM, leave Sunday AM). We'd like to have a good IR experience and all are fit hiker/backpackers. We are arriving from Minnesota, so are looking for advice for ferry to/from, trail and campsite options and fishing recommendations. Any help would be appreciated!

[DayDreamin]

with a group of 8, you will need to find a group campsite..That would be the first place I would start. the NPS Isle Royale website has the info on Group sites.

How are you planning on getting to the Island? Ferry, float plane?

[Blackdog]

Here’s the link to with the ferry schedule from Grand Portage.
http://www.grand-isle-royale.com/schedule.asp
The Feldtmann loop is a popular three day hike from Windigo with group sites at Feldtmann Lake, Siskiwit Bay and Washington Creek. It’s about 30 miles total. The terrain isn’t too tough, so if you want to do a few more miles you could do the Huginnin Cove also (starts near Washington Creek), but there are no group sites there. Island Mine campground is along this route too and has group sites, but I wouldn’t recommend staying there. It’s just a campsite in the middle of the woods with no view.
Here’s a link I look at regarding campsites
http://www.isle.royale.national-park.com/camping.htm

[badgerhicks]

Thanks so much for the help!

[jerry]

If you go to Feldtmann, make sure you go out to the Rainbow Cove. If you go to that Cove, mark (some type of bright color might help) where you left the woods. That way you can return to the trail with no issues and return to Feldtmann. I second Blackdog's suggestions. Enjoy yourselves!

[Blackdog]

badgerhicks..I noticed you wanted to leave for IR on a Thursday. I don't think the Voyageur II out of Grand Portage sails to the island on Thursday's. Looks like you could do Wednesday to Saturday if your trip is Sept 21st or later.


Have a good trip!