Isle Royale Forums

Hello - Can anyone give me first-hand info on Belle Isle? Are there trails to hike? Good place to stay for 4 days?

No trails to speak of, other than around the CG and to the dock. Bushwacking is rough. But one of my favorite spots. It's an easy paddle (usually) over to Lane Cove for a hike up to Mt Franklin. And Crystal Cove on the end of Amygdaloid Island is interesting to visit. All dependent on weather, of course.

thx. I've done that hike to Mt. Franklin - wonderful. Saw a mamma moose & calf along the trail.

There is a natural arch on Amygdaloid Island. I'd have to look up the coordinates. You can do a quick search here because I know there is a old post discussing it.

Is the grassy clearing still the same as this picture taken almost 20 years ago? It leads right up to a nice but rocky beach.

Midwest Ed wrote: ↑Tue Jun 29, 2021 9:01 pm There is a natural arch on Amygdaloid Island. I'd have to look up the coordinates. You can do a quick search here because I know there is a old post discussing it.

I've never made it there--weather and timing haven't cooperated. Paddled across once and had to do a quick turn around due to approaching weather.

Midwest Ed wrote: ↑Tue Jun 29, 2021 9:01 pm Is the grassy clearing still the same as this picture taken almost 20 years ago? It leads right up to a nice but rocky beach.

Nope, it's getting more grown over. A mix of grass and small trees. Still a nice beach .

That is pretty much the way a dockside clearing also looked at Daisy Farm in the 70's.... AND full of Daisies.

Here's what I found on the Amygdaloid Island Arch.

Amygdaloid Island Arch Location

Amygdaloid Island Arch Info

Here is the old 2018 post.

thank you

Are there times that all of the shelters are in use on Belle Island?

jerry wrote: ↑Sun Jul 04, 2021 11:07 am Are there times that all of the shelters are in use on Belle Island?

I don't recall ever seeing them all full in multiple trips. Maybe once a long time ago (as my memory fades away...).

jerry wrote: ↑Sun Jul 04, 2021 11:07 am Are there times that all of the shelters are in use on Belle Island?

We have gone to Belle either before Memorial day or after Labor Day and have never seen all the shelters occupied. Don't know how it is in summer, maybe more boaters.

Thanks Ingo & johnhens. Maybe a day or two there would be nice this or any year.

I camped there for a week in September a few years ago. When I return, I plan to bring my own boat for exploration around the area. Exploring on foot is for moose, or for people who aren't all alone without any means of communication with the outside world.

Being there all alone is another matter entirely.