Isle Royale Forums

If you had the opportunity to backpack to only one in land lake which would it be? I have made it from Windigo to Lake Desor but my hiking partner crapped out and had to return to Windigo without seeing much of the inland lakes I was interested in seeing. During the upcoming season in 2013, would like to solo and have a one day rest day at one of the inland lakes and catch a few fish. I am going to travel the Greenstone but can switch trails to hit at least one inland lake for a rest. Any suggestions from the more experienced backpackers? I hope to stay one week and go from Windigo to RH.

Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

I hiked Windigo to RH last year. I stayed at Feldtman, and like it the best. While I didn't stay at Desor or Hatchet, I did do a quick drive by enroute to Todd Harbor. Given those three at least, I'd choose Feldtman.

If we are are limiting the choices to trail accessible then I think my favorite to hang out at would be Lake Ritchie. For fishing, it's not too bad either, especially for Northern. There is a nice somewhat high bluff on the north shore. Perfect for eating lunch (maybe a fish fry?) or sunbathing. It also has a couple of islands which adds to its scenic look.

Chickenbone would be a distant second place. Coming along the Greenstone, do not waste too much time fishing either Desor or Hatchet. Both are listed as free of fish but there have been a few anecdotal reports disputing that.

Refer to this NP chart:
http://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/u ... 0lakes.xls

Thanks so much for the recommendations Vandy and Midwest Ed

What about swimming in any of the inland lakes? Which ones are good for that?

LSue wrote:What about swimming in any of the inland lakes? Which ones are good for that?

Lake Desor without a doubt, there's a beach down towards the right at the end of the trail.

Thanks!

Be prepared for leeches in inland lakes. Even some better protected Lake Superior waters such as McCargoe Cove can also have leeches.

Thanks, I was wondering about that.

Ya...I would never swim in any of the inland lakes or at McCargoe. Leeches are lurking all around.

Is there any real danger from these leeches? I was in Chickenbone for an hour or so and had half a dozen of various size firmly attached, but i just yanked them off and went on my merry way...

I am going to say that there is no harm in leaches.the lakes and streams have them by me ...we have been pulling them off for years. We always put a little bit of salt on them ....it seems to make some of the more difficult one easier to remove.Also if I recall correctly they used to be, or still may be used for medical purposes.....something with blood clots or gangreen I think. Gangreen may have been maggots though.Any way they haven't killed me.......yet! I believe it is more of the freaky factor.....just my personal opinion, I am not a doctor, at least for people anyway.

I have also heard of them being used in medical industry... not that those ones came out of a lake. I pulled a few off last week also... not worried about it as long as the sore dosent get infected.

Those leeches are merely a nuisance, I think. Avoid them by avoiding walking on the bottom, or by avoiding stirring up any detritus on the bottom. Glide-off, or breast stroke into the water off a shallow submerged boulder. That works at W Chickenbone where I've had a needed rinse on several trips.

Lucky Chicken wrote:I have also heard of them being used in medical industry... not that those ones came out of a lake. I pulled a few off last week also... not worried about it as long as the sore dosent get infected.

Leeches are indeed used, most often after re-attaching a digit (finger, toe, etc). They are applied to the distal (farthest) point, and draw blood through the attached part, thereby increasing the bloodflow. We'd get them in little containers- just like bait containers- but from some medical supply company, and apply them on a set schedule. Let 'em gorge for a while, then detach and destroy.