Isle Royale Forums

what is the preferred route from McCargoe Cove to Hatchet Lake?
And, what would the regulars prefer for a pick up point: Malone Bay or Chippewa Harbor?

thanks for any input.

For a hiker, there is either a long hike down into Malone Bay or a relatively short leg to Chippewa Harbor. For a canoeist, it’s the other way around. If I was hiking, it would depend on how much time I had. McCargoe to Chipp is an easy 1.5- day hike with an overnight at Lake Ritchie. I’ve seen a family with a toddler do this hike, with a baby backpack for carrying the youngster, a daypack for a 5-year-old and one parent carrying a big backpack with most of the family’s stuff. They were obviously experienced and the kids were having fun.

McCargoe to Todd Harbor to Hatchet Lake to Malone Bay would be a nice 3-day hike, with kinda short day TH to HL. You could put together several routes to get from McCargoe to Chippewa, just take your pick depending on how much time you have. That first day on the Minong, the trail is well-traveled and not rough in terms of ups and downs. South of the Hatchet Lake Cut-off is where the Trail is rougher.

I plan on getting on the ferry at either Chippewa or Malone, I'm kind of wondering which way to go.
and I hope to go via Hatchet Lake just to make the hike a little longer.

thanks

It's hard to go wrong with either Malone Bay or Chippewa Harbor.

How much time do you have?

I am coming from Grand Portage on Wednesday. Back home Sunday.
I did RH to DF to Chicken bone east to 3 mile many years ago.
I want to see something different.

OK, if you are ok with one longer day, I would get off the ferry and head straight to Todd Harbor. Easy 7 miles. Next day would be a long one - Todd Harbor to the Hatchet Lake cut-off, and back on the Greenstone to West Chickenbone. About 14 miles. Third day, WCh to Moskey Basin via Lake Ritchie. 4th day Moskey - Chippewa Harbor. This route gives you Todd Harbor and Moskey Basin, two of my favorites. Plus the east-bound traverse of a spectacular section of the Greenstone Ridge between Hatchet Lake and Chickenbone Junction. Don't confuse East Chickenbone (least-liked campsite on the island) with West Chickenbone (beautiful lakeside sites)

If that looks a little ambitious, or if you arrive tired and want to take it easy, you can spend the first night at McCargoe. Grab a campsite when you get off the ferry, then hike to the mines and explore for the afternoon, and enjoy the evening on the dock. Next day, hike to Lake Ritchie for one or two nights. Dayhike to Moskey Basin for the spectacular views down Rock Harbor. Then go to Chippewa Harbor for one or two nights. I've never been to Chippewa Harbor but I've heard it's nice and you can explore around - there's an old schoolhouse.

If you just want to log some pretty high mileage, avoid the crowds at McCargoe and Moskey, consider Todd Harbor - Hatchet Lake - South Lake Desor, then backtrack and down to Malone Bay.

thanks

When I hiked down to Malone Bay, the grass and plant life in spots had grown above my shoulder (sometimes head). Be careful, but I would love to do that hike again (someday).

good to know, thanks

This year's trip will be my first to Chippewa, but I loved Malone. It was a great last stop.

hooky wrote: Fri Mar 20, 2020 4:50 pm This year's trip will be my first to Chippewa, but I loved Malone. It was a great last stop.

Always liked Chip. Once there, take some time to hike up the hill directly east of the shelters. Mostly rock, easy to climb, with little chance of getting lost. On top, you get stunning views of Chippewa Harbor.

Nice picture! My next canoe trip will include Chippewa Harbor, so I’m glad to have these ideas.

Chip is one of our favorites. Love that place.