Isle Royale Forums

I'm setting out on my first ever solo trip next week: Rock Harbor to Windigo in 6 days. Isle Royale (also Rock Harbor to Windigo) was my first backpacking trip in high school back in '95, and although I had an epic blister experience such that I could hardly walk, that trip made me a backpacker for life. I'm excited to finally return, and I have a pretty good idea of what I'm getting into in terms of terrain, but I'm having a terrible time second (and third) guessing various route tweaks around my second night out. I found the "best and worst" campsites thread very helpful, but I also noticed that my Greenstone Trail itinerary involved a bunch of sites on people's "worst" lists and none of the "bests." I know it will be amazing regardless, but I still want to make the best of this trip.

My original itinerary was as follows:
Day One: Ferry to Rock Harbor (from GP, arrive 3pm), camp at Three Mile
Day Two: Mount Franklin Trail to Greenstone, camp at E Chickenbone
Day Three: to Hatchet Lake
Day Four: to South Desor
Day Five: to Washington Creek
Day Six: day hike and catch 2 pm ferry back to GP

I'm not seeing a way around days 3-6 if I'm going to make that ferry. I remember the S Desor to Windigo hike is a cakewalk, but if I made S Desor my last night, I don't think I'd sleep at all for fear I wouldn't make the boat.

So here are my questions:
Rock Harbor Trail or Tobin Harbor Trail to Three Mile? I seem to recall the first day (probably on Rock Harbor Trail) being hours of hiking with my ankles slanted about 30 degrees toward the lake. Nevertheless I love Lake Superior like nothing else in this world and wouldn't mind a shoreline hike. But then I read that Tobin Harbor might be more scenic/more wildlife. Thoughts?

Which option for my second day? Here is what I see, but I'm open to other suggestions:
1) Day Two: Threemile to Moskey Basin via Rock Harbor trail (8.3); Day Three: Moskey Basin to Hatchet Lake (13.4 miles).
2) Day Two: Threemile to McCargoe Cove (12.6); Day Three: McCargoe Cove to Hatchet Lake (10.7)
3) Day Two: Threemile to W Chickenbone via Mt Franklin/Greenstone (12.5); Day Three: W Chickenbone to Hatchet Lake (7.9)
4) (original plan) Day Two: Threemile to E Chickenbone (10.5); Day Three: E Chix to Hatchet Lake (9.3)

I'm a strong and steady hiker, but not lightning fast, and I'm anticipating a heavier pack for solo. And I'd like to take a photo or two along the way. Knowing that IR can be tough going, some of the long mileage days (that 13.4 mile day in particular) are intimidating so I'm wondering if anyone can attest to the terrain on some of the longer days I've proposed. I'm not afraid of hiking all day, but I don't want to get in over my head.

I'm open to a totally new six-day itinerary too, but I don't think I want to take on Minong on my first solo.

Also, if folks have suggestions for the best dayhike options around Windigo, I don't think I've seen much discussion of that here.

Thanks so much for all the help I've already gotten from this forum - I'm anxious to hear your recommendations!

Given how late it stays light out this time of year, you could easily make Daisy Farm on day 1. That would open up all kinds of new routes.

I was going to make the suggestion to hike to Daisy Farm first day off the boat, so I will second Vandy advice.
Taking the less root/rock-pathed Tobin Harbor would be easier on the legs as well.

I believe you could easily make the boat at 2PM from S. Desor on your last day, but getting in a day
earlier would certainly remove any concerns about geting up early/pace/and any other issues. Isle Royale
should remove stress, not invoke it.

Tobin Harbor trail is much less technical than the Rock Harbor Trail between the dock and the Three Mile campground, so you should be able to make good time. If you can get to DF (Daisy Farm) the first night, I advise making W Chickenbone the 2d night. The rest of your itinerary is quite doable.

A first night at DF really does open up your possibilities (Night 2 at Moskey Basin, Night 3 at Hatchett Lake...). Once you are on the Greenstone, the trail is not very technical and you can make good time here as well.

Enjoy your trip and wear a pair of good boots so you don't get blisters this time.