Isle Royale Forums

A couple of questions for the experts here. I doubt I’ll ever have the courage to do this, but on my fall trip coming up I will be in the Washington Harbor area with some swing days around Grace Island and, looking at the distance (4.5 miles), the thought crossed my mind to go to Rock of Ages. I know, it is all open water and the lake can kick up etc. But, I have a VHF weather radio and it would have to be an absolutely perfect forecast for me to go and, even then, like I said, I most likely wouldn’t. But, just in case…
1- Has anyone here done it in a canoe or kayak?
2- Is it possible to land there?
3- Is it legal to land there?
4- What will you find when you land there?

Thanks in advance.

I can't speak much on the first 3 questions, but if I were a betting man, in regards to question number #4, I'd be willing to believe you might find a lighthouse on the island. Don't quote me on matters as I have never been there myself, but that would be my guess

I too have thought of it particularly when stopping there I think with the Wenona once. I would go early on a day I thought there was a better than not chance of calm weather.
I have also thought of doing this at Passage Island.

This says "Open to the public". Not sure what that means. http://www.cr.nps.gov/maritime/park/rockages.htm
Also may be of interest: https://sites.google.com/site/rockofageslighthouse/Home

Ingo wrote:This says "Open to the public". Not sure what that means.

If you follow that link it will take to a longer description which for Rock of Ages, the access is listed as:

Open to the Public: GROUNDS ONLY
Access: PRIVATE BOAT

I interpret grounds only to mean everywhere except inside the structure.

Ed is correct. You can visit the lighthouse, but you can't go inside the structure. I've only approached it once, in my own boat. The water around the light is scary, so I avoid it.

Honestly, there isn't much to see. The light is nice, albeit a bit run down, and you can see the lens at Windigo.

If I were a kayaker with time to kill in this area, I'd paddle to the beach in Rainbow Cove.

Thank you for all of the input! I seriously doubt I will attempt the light unless the lake is predicted to be totally flat the night before and we can take off at dawn. I did not consider the water around the light, but it makes sense. If we do go, we might not be able to land.

Rainbow Cove is already on the itinerary as part of the trip if nature cooperates.

Also, as part of the trip is a day trip to the North Gap / America Shipwreck and Washington Island.

If anyone has any other suggestions or, knows further info on visiting Washington Island, I would appreciate it.


Thanks!

I've always wanted to take my Zodiac to Menagerie Island. That's my plan for next year. (Not the same area, I know, but equally remote).