Wondering if anyone has backpacked Isle Royale? I am looking to go mid September, and am wondering if there are enough trees in the campgrounds to hammock camp?

Bear,
Yeah, you will be fine bringing the hammock. I spent two weeks there backpacking, hitting up a lot of the sites and they all were similar to BWCA campsites.

I would stay away from East Chickenbone Campsite though. When I was there, it was pretty open and hardly any shade, thus poor trees.

Out of curiosity, how are you planning on getting out there? You will probably be one of the only people backpacking as all the ferries to the island are not running this year.

Isle royale seaplanes are still operating, so I am going to have them fly me out of Grand Marais. This seemed like a great time to go for me since the boats are all shut down. I am hoping to be one of the only people out there. Thanks for the info.

Well, I am jealous. To have the opportunity to basically have Isle Royale to yourself is a once in a lifetime event. Have a great time!

I will, thanks again for the info.

I’m taking my first trip to IR the third week of Sept, flying into Rock Harbor from Hancock. Planning a leisurely 5 day backpack. Flights are very full according to the seaplane operator and Minong Trail is closed so that may mean seeing a few hikers on Greenstone Ridge.

In addition to the Minong closure there is a warning about not using water from Ritchie and Intermediate Lake due to an algae bloom. Be safe and have a great trip.

WIMike: "I’m taking my first trip to IR the third week of Sept, flying into Rock Harbor from Hancock. Planning a leisurely 5 day backpack. Flights are very full according to the seaplane operator and Minong Trail is closed so that may mean seeing a few hikers on Greenstone Ridge.


In addition to the Minong closure there is a warning about not using water from Ritchie and Intermediate Lake due to an algae bloom. Be safe and have a great trip. "

I am doing the same leisurely backpack. Flying in to Rock Harbor from Grand Marais on September 17th. I saw the warnings about the algae bloom, but hadn't planned on getting water there anyways. Thanks for the info. You be safe and have a great trip as well.

WIMike: "I’m taking my first trip to IR the third week of Sept, flying into Rock Harbor from Hancock. Planning a leisurely 5 day backpack. Flights are very full according to the seaplane operator and Minong Trail is closed so that may mean seeing a few hikers on Greenstone Ridge.


In addition to the Minong closure there is a warning about not using water from Ritchie and Intermediate Lake due to an algae bloom. Be safe and have a great trip. "

How was your trip? Mine was fantastic, great weather, lots of moose, saw some people but didn't have any issues with campsites.

BearBurrito:

How was your trip? Mine was fantastic, great weather, lots of moose, saw some people but didn't have any issues with campsites."

Same. Weather was about perfect, saw moose every day except the first (almost got run over by a cow and calf) including a nice bull just 300 yards from the Windigo visitor center. Loved the solitude. I met 10-12 people in the first hour of the first day as they headed to Rock Harbor for pickup but only saw 2 solo hikers on trail during the rest of the trip. Saw just a few folks in camp areas and enjoyed two evenings sharing stories with other campers. Definitely going back for future trips.

I flew into Rock Harbor on Sept 20 and camped at Daisy Farm, West Chickenbone, Hatchet, Island Mine and then flew back out of Windigo. Any chance we crossed paths?

I flew into Rock Harbor on the afternoon of the 17th, camped at Rock Harbor, Daisy Farm, West Chickenbone, Hatchet, South Desor, Island Mine, Windigo and flew out of Windigo 8 am on the 24th. So I don't think we crossed paths. I was a solo hiker with my BWCA bandana on.