Isle Royale Forums

Hi.
Considering a bikepacking trip that would include taking a boat across the lake from Grand Portage to Copper Harbor MI. All I read is that bikes can basically not leave the dock once you hit the island but due to ferry schedules it’s not possible to get all the way across in one day. Not excited about leaving our bikes on the dock or in a bike rack with basically everything we own on them and walking 1.5 miles to a campsite.

Question one: can bikes be pushed to the Rock Harbor campground or cabins?

Question two: is there anyway to bypass the island completely by ferry?

Thank you

I've seen and read about it being done, and don't think you need to worry. And, no, there's no way to do it without spending a night. In the past the park service would lock up bikes in a storage area to ensure they weren't used, but more recently (last few years) I read that someone was told to push their bike to the campground and promise not to ride it. You should call the NPS in Houghton (906-482-0984) for their current policy and make sure there's nothing special you need to do, but in any case it will be fine. Also be sure to talk directly to the ferry folks (on both sides) since there may be some special handling required. The campground is probably about 1/8 to 1/4 mile from the dock. Sounds like a great trip!

p.s. apparently the bike rack is more recent, wasn't aware they added it. FWIW, I've left my canoe on the public rack many times and never had a problem.

Last year in Rock Harbor was the first time I saw a bike rack next to the public kayak rack (which is close to the visitor center and the marina). Signage about carts and bikes was posted at the edge of the campground.

There's a bike rack down by the docks next to the campers canoe/kayak rack, you can lock your bikes there but will have to carry your gear to a shelter or tent site for the night. I've seen a few bikers over the years and the park service is more accommodating with a rack than they used to be but its still basically a no bikes / canoe portage device island.

Seems like this has become more popular in recent years. It's made it on the FAQ page: "Can we bring a bicycle?
Bicycles are allowed at Rock Harbor or Windigo. No off-road biking is permitted in the park. Most bicycles are brought by those doing long bicycle trips in the Upper Midwest, and they use one of Isle Royale's ferry services to go from one mainland location to another by overnighting in the park. If you would like to bring your bike to Isle Royale, please contact the park for additional information."