Isle Royale Forums

Hi! I am an avid backpacker in Washington State. I am visiting some friends in June in Wisconsin, and I want to spend at least one night in the backcountry. I want to leave from Houhgton anytime between June 16 and June 20th. My main goal is to see a moose in the wild and listen to wolves howl at night. I am thinking of backpacking from Windigo to S Desor CG. The mileage appears to be around 11 miles with gradual elevation gain. We will set up camp, hopefully hear wolves at dusk/dawn, wake up in the AM take it easy while breaking down camp, and hike back for the last night at Washington Creek Campground. Yay/Nay?

Thanks so much!

Also, from my research, wildflower season seems to start around that time (I know every year is different), so that is a bonus for sure.

If your main goal is to see a moose and you’re planning to go into Windigo, I would consider heading towards Feldtmann Lake. Moose are pretty prevalent in Windigo and toward Feldtmann Lake. You can also do dinner at Rainbow Cove, which is gorgeous at sunset if the weather is nice. If you have a couple more days, you could continue on the loop towards Siskiwit Bay and then back to Windigo.


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Moose are prevalent in Washington Creek (I've seen them at dawn and dusk while staying in a shelter there). It you only have two nights, consider an easy hike to Huginnin Cove, enjoy a night there among the moose, loons, otters, mergansers, and eagles, then hike along the lakeshore and back down to Washington Creek. While staying there a few summers ago, my wife and I had the good fortune to have wolves run directly in front of our shelter one night.

For an experienced backpacker, I'd also suggest Feldtmann Lake (~8 miles). Lost count of how many moose I saw there a few years ago at the beginning of June. It's a short walk to Rainbow Cove (great sunsets and beautiful in itself) and if you have the time and need more, you could hike a couple miles up the Feldtmann Ridge for a panoramic view. And for a more relaxed trip, agree that Huginnin Cove is also a great spot, although probably less likely to see moose. As for S Desor, it's a nice walk in the woods, but I think most would agree is less interesting than the other options.

+1 on Feldtmann Lake (and side trips up to the ridge, so you can look back on the lake and see even more moose, and to rainbow cove). If you can eke out an extra night, do the whole Feldtmann loop!

ps where in Wisconsin? The Voyageur (from Grand Portage MN) is more convenient to the Feldtmann loop than the Ranger from Houghton.