Isle Royale Forums

I've got this down as 13.3 miles. Early July. Know it would be a full day. And understand the need to pack water as up on the ridge. But how miserable will I be? I have two much shorter days after this one. Lane to Three. And the Three to Rock harbor. Thanks. GP.

Sure, it’s longer, but it's not too rough. The trail to East Chickenbone is nothing special (nor tough) and the most difficult part is the hike up to the ridge. However, once up there, it's a pretty easy hike over to Mt Franklin, and then just down and over to camp. I figure the Minong from Desor North to Windigo is over 12, and much harder on the body, but many do that just fine, too...

Definitely doable, I did it a couple of weeks ago. It's a long day, but lots of great views!

Sure, it's do-able, but I wouldn't say it'll be fun. The trail isn't that hard except for the ascents up to Ojibway and Franklin, followed by the two-mile dead-end descent into Lane Cove. The nice part is all the downfall has been cleared out the whole way (I just hiked this trail last week and the trail crew was cleaning it up behind us).

Keep in mind that daylight may be at a premium if you are starting from McCargoe, as in getting off the boat Voyageur II there. You'll get dropped off at 1400, be on the trail by 1430 after gearing up, which leaves you about 7.5 hours of daylight. At the nominal pace of 2 MPH, you'll get to Lane Cove with an hour to spare.

I wouldn't wish that 13.3-mile hike on any one...true, that starting with fresh legs for what may be your longest trek of the trip seems like a good idea, but it's also a morale-destroyer if you aren't UP FOR IT. I'd recommend applying for a cross-country permit when you get to IR and staying somewhere along the trail, either on Angleworm, Wagejo, or Sargent. It's a relatively easy bushwhack to these locations if you are in the mindset of a 13.3-mile first-day hike being feasible.

Thanks. Sorry I was not more clear. My journey actually begins at Moskey on day 1. Taking sandy there from RH. No miles that day. Day 2 is Moskey to mccargoe. Day 3 would be the 13 miler. So I would have all day.

gwpruitt wrote:Thanks. Sorry I was not more clear. My journey actually begins at Moskey on day 1. Taking sandy there from RH. No miles that day. Day 2 is Moskey to mccargoe. Day 3 would be the 13 miler. So I would have all day.

This changes my view a bit. Yeah, still do-able. Your hike is much easier than the other 13.3-miler I've done on Isle Royale, which is the death march from North Desor to Windigo. Just pace yourself, take plenty of breaks, and bring lots of water. There's only the trifecta of lakes (Sargent, Wagejo, and Angleworm) about 4-6 miles into your hike to filter more water.

I definitely enjoyed it!