Overview
Lake Superior’s Isle Royale National Park is an island of wild creatures, unspoiled forests, refreshing lakes, and rugged scenery. Hike trails known for moose sightings, amazing stargazing from reduced light population, and visit one of the least frequented National Parks as you can only reach the island via boat or plane. Discover this US Biosphere Reserve known for its isolated population of wolves and moose. Trip fee includes a round-trip ferry from the mainland.
Itinerary
Expand All FieldsDay 1: Spend the evening camping in Judge C.R. Magney State Park. Get to know your trip mates over a delicious meal.
Drive from Minneapolis to Grand Portage, MN. Camp at Judge C.R. Magney State Park that evening. Get packs ready to go meet the ferry in the morning.
Day 2: Take the ferry to Windigo to pick up your permit and then onto McCargoe Cove where your Isle Royale adventure begins.
Get up early to meet the morning ferry for the 3-hour ride to Windigo on the western end of the island. Pick up permits at the ranger station then you’ll continue on to McCargoe Cove to start your hike and set up camp for night 1 on the island.
Day 3: Make the trek from McCargoe Cove to Chickenbone Lake
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before breaking camp and setting out on your way to Chickenbone Lake. Your first full day on the Island!
Day 4: Hike the stunning Greenstone Ridge Trail toward Daisy Farm
Your longest trek on the Islands starts today. You’ll spend a good portion of the day walking on a 1.2 billion year old lava formation that is the very reason there is a land mass in the middle of Lake Superior.
Day 5: Break camp and head towards Three Mile camp
After a day of elevation climbs and topping out on Isle Royale. Today’s trek is a recovery hike by comparison. Enjoy following a trail never too far from Rock Harbor in case you want to cool off.
Day 6: Enjoy one more hike bright and early to catch the ferry back to Grand Portage
As the campground name implies, you're still about three miles from Rock Harbor where the Voyageur II will be departing in the early morning to take our group back to where we started in Grand Portage, MN. Enjoy one last circumnavigation of Isle Royale before arriving back in Grand Portage that afternoon to depart and head home
What to Expect
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: Isle Royale is rugged, with rocky terrain, and significant elevation changes. Isle Royale offers a wide range of route options that offer incredible views of Lake Superior, neighboring islands, and wildlife.
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do we meet?
Standard Meeting Places and Times
Start: Judge CR Magney State Park at 5:00 PM (local time)
End: Grand Portage Isle Royale Lines at 3:00 PM (local time)
Transportation
This trip begins in Copper Harbor, MI the evening of the first day of the trip. Detailed meeting place instructions will be sent to you when you are confirmed for the trip.