Isle Royale Forums

Going to be there the first week in August and the end of our trip will be with the paddle from Moskey Basin Campground to Rock Harbor. I know it is sheltered a little from the full effects of Lake Superior but the question I have is, will 3 Canoes hugging the west shore or East side of the Island be able to make it to Rock Harbor with out extra efforts? I know weather dependent is the factor that will be the deciding factor but just wondering if anyone has paddled it before?

As everything on the water, you're right that's all weather dependent. The first factor is the most obvious, a NE wind. If it hasn't been blowing steady for a while, then it's mostly 'just' the pain of paddling into choppy whitecaps. If it blows for a period of time, rollers can build. The second factor is that the lake swells can come through the gaps in the islands and cross paths with the waves in the harbor creating a washing machine effect with waves from seemingly opposite directions. This is mostly limited to the Middle Island Passage (lighthouse) and Tookers Island gaps, but also a bit before you get into Snug Harbor (aka "Rock Harbor"). It is most significant when winds have been from the south, and then switch around.

That said, most of the time it will fine that time of year. I'd highly recommend a weather radio and be flexible. Sometimes it's just a matter of being patient and waiting. Last year we made a difficult paddle from Caribou Island to Edison Fishery--if we had waited a few hours it would have been fine. And if you're lucky you'll have a gentle steady breeze at your back the whole way up the harbor .

Time of day will work with you too. My last and bitter sweet paddle each year is from Tookers to Snug harbor is done soon after sun rise to see the lake at it's most peaceful.

Agree, get going early. Not guaranteed to be calm, but there is a pattern. Also, my last 2 trips that included canoeing on Rock Harbor were in Sept, and there's definitely a noticeable change in weather patterns--windier and longer blows. End of July/beginning of Aug is probably the calmest time of the year on average.
(great pic Base654)

As others have said, it all depends on the weather. That being said, this is a pretty safe, even boring paddle. To add a bit of variety, try the narrow channel immediately south of Tookers Island. Sheltered water and visually interesting.

Awesome info all, Thank you. I'm looking forward to whatever Mother Nature and the big lake sends our way. Let me be clear, I am not challenging Mother Nature nor Lake Superior in any way, we will just adapt and deal with what is given to us on that day:)