Welcome to the Isle Royale Info site. This site is dedicated to providing information about Isle Royale National Park located in Lake Superior. It is meant to be a central point of reference for anyone wanting to go there, or just know more about Isle Royale.
About the Trip Packages
By far the most frequently asked question once someone decides to go to Isle Royale is "What route should I take?". "I am going for four days and arriving at Rock Harbor via the Ranger, what should I do?". I am asked something like this over and over. These "Trip Packages" were created to provide information on a few of the most common routes people take on the island with options along those routes. Each route is detailed with various itineraries based on days available and miles hiked in a day.
As said, these are "packages". To plan a trip with all of the various options and possible routes, the itinerary generator program is a powerful tool with most every option possible.
Each package includes the following sections:
Sample Itineraries - A listing of possible schedules on the route showing destinations, days and miles.
Trip Maps - Topographic maps at 1:24,000 or 1:12,000 scale (depending on the length of the trail) on individual pages for the entire route.
Route Descriptions - A detailed description of the entire route with detail maps, trail profiles, statistics and pictures.
Campground Descriptions - Complete layouts, individual site descriptions and pictures of all of the campgrounds along the route.
Points of Interest - Descriptions and pictures of some of the points of interest along the route.
Contacts - Contact information for the park and all of the transportaton services.
The packages are compiled from details in the book. If you order the book, you get essentially the same information except for the sample itineraries and trip maps. Also, if you order the "Ultimate" package, any two of these packages are included for free.
Note: The packages are described ONLY going the direction noted. If you are going in the opposite direction, you will have to reverse the description.
Select from one of the packages listed below or scroll down to review all of the available packages.
the feldtmann ridge loop
the greenstone ridge trail
the minong ridge trail
the rock harbor loop
washington harbor area - paddling
The Feldtmann Ridge loop counter-clockwise from Windigo. This is a great trail to do in 4-7 days and offers a good representation of the island. It is the trip I usually recommend for a first trip to the island if it is possible to come from Minnesota, or via the float plane. It is relatively easy and the trail is very easy to follow.
This loop features a beautiful inland lake, a spectacular campground on a bay on Lake Superior, a campground in the forests of the interior and a hike along the famous "Greenstone Ridge Trail" to end.
To order this Trip Package, click here and you will be redirected to the Isle Royale Info Store and the "Trip Packages" section.
The Greenstone Ridge trail from Rock Harbor to Windigo. This is the longest and perhaps, the most popular trail on the island. It runs almost the entire length of the island on a ridge that forms the backbone of the island. Being that it runs along the highest points on the island, it offers magnificent views of Lake Superior and the island to both the north and south. The time of year you go determines how often, but you can see both shores at various points along the trail. It also features several inland lakes where most of the campgrounds are. It basically follows the ridge then you go off the ridge to go into campgrounds along the way. It is a good trail to do in 5-7 days and can be done when coming on any of the ferries and scheduling a return trip to your arrival point or, scheduling the seaplane at both ends. This description and itinerary starts from Rock Harbor.
To order this Trip Package, click here and you will be redirected to the Isle Royale Info Store and the "Trip Packages" section.
The Minong Ridge Trail from McCargoe Cove to Windigo. This is a great trail to do in 4-7 days. It is the least traveled trail on the island and offers the best wilderness experience. This trail can be hard to follow and it is recommended for experienced backpackers only.
The trail runs along the entire length of the northern most ridges on the west side of the island, called the Minong Ridge. It stretches from McCargoe Cove Campground to Washington Creek Trail, and is considered by most, to be the hardest long trail on the island. It can be extremely hard in wet conditions, due to slippery rocks and leaves, and when hot, the sun can be warm due to the height and lack of shade. It has a lot of ascents and descents with exposed rock surfaces in between the two. It passes over a minimum of two major beaver dams, and can be wet throughout the lowland areas.
This trail features a popular, yet peaceful campground on a beautiful cove, two campgrounds along the north shore of Lake Superior, a serene inland lake campground and spectacular views for most of its length.
To order this Trip Package, click here and you will be redirected to the Isle Royale Info Store and the "Trip Packages" section.
The Rock Harbor loop counter-clockwise from Rock Harbor. This is a good section of trails to do in 5-7 days and covers the entire eastern end of the island and the entire "Rock Harbor Trail". It is a good first trip to the island if coming over from Michigan or, via the float plane. It is relatively easy and the trail is very easy to follow.
This loop features a wilderness lake along the north shore of Lake Superior, a beautiful inland lake with good fishing, a "picture postcard" campground on a bay on Lake Superior, a large campground with a rich history on Lake Superior and another on the lake with a view of the outer islands. It includes a hike along the eastern side of the famous "Greenstone Ridge Trail".
To order this Trip Package, click here and you will be redirected to the Isle Royale Info Store and the "Trip Packages" section.
This route takes in the area and campgrounds in Washington Harbor and the entry of the harbor at the western end of the island. It is relatively well protected from the open waters of Lake Superior and the shorelines in this area are accessible if there is the need to go to shore in case of dangerous conditions or an emergency. It should be done by those with intermediate level experience or better because it does take in the Lake Superior waters and there are a couple of short open water sections. It is a good route for those with no open water experience to learn and practice before doing long open water routes.
The area this route covers is relatively busy with boats coming in and out and fisherman may dock overnight at both of the campground docks. It features two campgrounds on islands and many historical structures on Washington and Barnum islands along with the "America" wreck which is visible from the surface.
To order this Trip Package, click here and you will be redirected to the Isle Royale Info Store and the "Trip Packages" section.
This site is not affiliated with Isle Royale National park or any official or commercial organization.
All information presented is to the best of my knowledge.
All photographs and text are Copyrighted and may not be used in any form without permission.