West Side Itinerary suggestions?

[munk79]

Hello everyone!!

Some friends and I visited IR a few years ago and have been looking to go back again in 2013. Last time we visited the east side of the island and enjoyed it (except the dozen or so times we had to cross the Ridge. (RH->Lane->Daisy->McCargoe->Richie->3M->RH) This time we're going to try to check out the west/central part of the island. I have a few questions...

We're considering traveling up to Grand Portage and taking a ferry from there to either Windigo or get dropped off @ McCargoe and heading west rather than a loop (or getting picked up @ McCargoe). We are coming from WI, so it's an extra 3+hr drive to GP, but I believe a shorter boat ride to Windigo (unless we get dropped off @ McCargoe). We rode the Queen last time and enjoyed it. I know the Voyageur drops off at sites, but I believe the Ranger does as well? Thoughts on which is preferred?

If we land in Windigo and would like to spend 6 or 7 nights on the island...what would be a good itinerary from that starting point? We're decent level backpackers...last time we averaged about 6.5-7.5mi a day and were ok w/ it.

Any good lakes in that area to fish from for a tasty meal? Desor/Hatchet/Harvey?

Thanks!!!

[JerryB]

I have only hiked the western end (and middle) and you have a lot of options. One is the Feldtman Loop, which will take up 3-4 days. Beautiful views from the Feldtman Ridge and a nice walk along L. Superior. Another is to be dropped off at McCargo. From there, I have taken two trips. McCargo-Todd and then to the Greenstone on back to Windigo. The other route was McCargo/Chippewa and Moskey. All great hikes. Given the time you plan on spending, you would want to combine a few routes. Another option is the Minong.

[Ingo]

8 miles is about all I'm good for myself. This summer our plan was to do McCargo -> Windigo via the Greenstone, but it got cut short due to an injury in our party and we ended at Todd Harbor instead. In any case, I loved the views from the ridge between Chickenbone and Hatchet, and doing the Feldtmann Loop is on my list, so with that amount of time my trip would be something like:

Voyageur II to McCargo
1 Chickenbone W
2 Hatchet
3 S Desor
4 Island Mine
5 Siskiwit Bay
6 Feldtmann Lake
7 Windigo
Sea Hunter back (faster and leaves later)

I know others will suggest skipping Island Mine, and spending an extra night at Feldtmann or Siskiwit Bay--you could play that by ear depending on how you are feeling. Doing the Huginnin Cove loop at the end instead of the Feldtmann loop would shorten the distance if you wanted, and it's a beautiful campground on the lake. Lots of possible variations on this theme, but you really can't go wrong

[Ingo]

I know the Voyageur drops off at sites, but I believe the Ranger does as well?

Nope, the Ranger just goes to Rock Harbor.

[Keweenaw]

I know the Voyageur drops off at sites, but I believe the Ranger does as well?

Nope, the Ranger just goes to Rock Harbor.

Actually you can get dropped at Mott Island, which can be convenient if you are paddling to Chippewa Harbor or Moskey and don't want to paddle all the way from Rock Harbor. Just make sure you have Mott Island on your tickets and make DOUBLE sure that your gear gets on a Mott cart.

Bob

[munk79]

Great, thanks for tips Ingo/Jerry!

Kew...some day we'd like tod o some paddling. not enough experience or gear yet for us...