Isle Royale Forums

My wife and I are planning to backpack the Greenstone. What is the best map?

The National Geographic topo map is a good one. You can get it from the Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association website:

http://irkpa.org/images/trailsillustratedmap.jpg

I second this recommendation. Most everyone would recommend this map. Also, this forum is a gold mine of information on the island.

Cheers,

ETB

Actually, it's a copper mine!

jrwiesz wrote:Actually, it's a copper mine!

That too!!!

I personally felt that all the information I got from the forums prior to actually visiting was invaluable.

Thanks, we do actually have that map. Now the big question, historically, how bad are the bugs at the end of May-start of June?

tphanson wrote:Thanks, we do actually have that map. Now the big question, historically, how bad are the bugs at the end of May-start of June?

It depends on Spring, how much rain and temps. I have been there in late May-no bugs. The same time the following year, bugs were horrible. Hope that helps. They usually are worse inland also.

I grew up in the U.P. I don't go anywhere north of Iron Mountain, Michigan before the end of June. Black flies will eat you alive!

This is a good map by national geographic. But i have a question for all of those in the know.has anyone ever taken the time to look up the quadrangle survey maps that are noted on the 1994 copyrighted map.it refers to a 7 1/2 minute index .I would assume these show super detail.just for study purposes, I certainly would not want to carry aroud The 14 maps that it shows.for the map in question though,it could use a bit more detail though.for all of the rescources available to nat geo it could have a few more land marks on it.personally i am an ounce counter and dont l ike to carry a gps to keep track of my progress.i guess that was the only thing i didnt like about this map. Oh and by the way magic marker wipes off of the finish.......put your notes on a seperate piece of paper. I missed the mining equipment on island mine because of this .......still very bummed about that......anyone have a picture of them?

For more detailed on-line topo maps check out http://mapper.acme.com. I use these for study/planning purposes.

I have used Topo Zone in the past to make custom 7.5 maps that cover parts of Quads so that I did not have to carry more maps than I needed. I am sure there are other alternatives now.

Plug: There are some Trip Packages available on my site for a reasonable price with "printable" detail maps included in the package. You can check out the samples at the site below. Just select "Trip Packages" from the menu. They are pretty compact and give you a lot of information on the route and you can select what you want to print and bring with you. They also include some Points of Interest so you do not miss them

Plug2: Mike's book is the best guidebook for Isle Royale (my opinion). I own 3, and Mike's has the most complete information. Only thing I would like more information on is the paddle routes, but you still have more than most already.

Only thing I would like more information on is the paddle routes

We are still paddling them, they should be complete soon.

Used Mike and Nancy Ts guide on the Feldtman Loop last year. Best guide I have ever used on any trip. Will be ordering the Greenstone package soon.