How to Visit: Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale
Things to know
Isle Royale National Park is open every year from April 16 through October 31. It is closed in the winter because of extreme weather conditions.
While some people may enjoy a weekend trip to Isle Royale, staying at the lodge in Rock Harbor... this is a backpackers' National Park. I highly recommend you plan this trip carefully to make it successful and fun!
There is no cell service on the island.
Running water is only available at either end of the Island (Windigo and Rock Harbor). You will need to filter and treat your water anywhere else.
Getting to Isle Royale
Choose your Port City
Voyages to Isle Royale National Park happen from only a handful of port cities, which makes it that much more special.
I started in Houghton, Michigan, which is where the park is headquartered.
Select your Transportation
Isle Royale can only be reached by seaplane or boat. There are merits to both. The seaplane is much faster and gives you a unique perspective of Lake Superior and Isle Royale, but it is significantly more expensive.
The ferry is a longer voyage, but it is more cost effective and your get to spend more time taking in the beauty of Lake Superior.
I took the Ranger III ferry from Houghton to Isle Royale, which took approximately 6 hours. To put that in perspective, the seaplane only takes about 35 minutes from Houghton.
Determine your Starting Point
There are two starting points on Isle Royale - Windigo and Rock Harbor. This may depend on the backpacking route you choose, or it may depend on the port city/transportation type that works best for your schedule.
Rock Harbor has more amenities (including lodging), while Windigo is more wild and remote. I landed in Windigo and backpacked to Rock Harbor.
Sample Backpacking Routes
I created four sample backpacking routes to get you started, but please only use them as a launching point for your own trip planning. Consider factors like: fitness level, number of days you would like to spend on Isle Royale, your starting point, etc.
The Greenstone Newspaper has so much information about Isle Royale, including maps, mileage between campsites, and other things to do on the island.
Short Rock Harbor Loop (4 days, 14.2 miles)
This is the perfect beginners backpacking route. With low mileage per day and staying close to Rock Harbor, this is a well trafficked route that does not skimp on the beauty of Isle Royale.
Three Mile (2.7 miles)
Lane Cove (4.6 miles)
Rock Harbor (6.9 miles)
Rock Harbor Loop (7 days, 31.9 miles)
This route is for those that want to disconnect for a week and immerse themselves in the magic of Isle Royale, but don't want high mileage.
Three Mile (2.7 miles)
Daisy Farm (4.4 miles)
Moskey Basin (3.9 miles)
Chickenbone W (5.9 miles)
Daisy Farm (7.9 miles)
Rock Harbor (7.1 miles)
Windigo - Rock Harbor (5 days, 44 miles)
This is the route I took on my first trip to Isle Royale. If you would like to hike the island from point to point and you enjoy longer mileage days, this is a great itinerary.
Island Mine (6.6 miles)
Hatchet Lake (13 miles)
Moskey Basin (13.4 miles)
Rock Harbor (11 miles)
Northern Trail (7 days, 57 miles)
Significantly less hikers venture to the north side of the island, so this route is perfect for those that enjoy variable mileage days, as well as some solitude.
Huginnin Cove (4.0 miles)
Desor N (14.4 miles)
Little Todd (5.7 miles)
McCargoe Cove (13.5 miles)
Moskey Basin (8.4 miles)
Rock Harbor (11 miles)
Other Things to Do
Paddling
Isle Royale has numerous inland lakes, bays, and small islands. So, there are miles of waterways that await experienced canoeists and kayakers.
Lake Superior is not forgiving and is well-known for its cold waters, fog, and sudden squalls. Small, open vessels are encouraged by the National Park Service to use interior lake waterways.
Explore several campsites that are only accessible by paddlers for a unique Isle Royale experience.
Fishing
Choose from the reefs and bays of Lake Superior or the numerous interior lakes and streams on Isle Royale for recreational fishing.
A Michigan fishing license is required for fishing on Lake Superior, but no license is required for fishing the inland lakes. See the park website for local fishing regulations.
The Comforts of Home
If backpacking is not your thing, Rock Harbor has lodging (Lakeside Lodge Rooms and Housekeeping Cabins), a gift shop, a dockside store, a marina, and a restaurant. Book your accommodations early and enjoy day hikes and leisurely exploring the island.
Windigo has less amenities, including two rustic cabins and a small general store.
Houghton
As the launching point for many Isle Royale adventures, Houghton is a cute, small town that is worth exploring.
Trails
Things to Do
Places to Stay
Campgrounds
For van-lifers and car-dwellers: there is ample parking on side streets in Houghton. Additionally, most of the city parking areas allow overnight parking from April - November.
Hotel Options
An Anecdote
Isle Royale holds a special place in my heart. I always hope to meet amazing people and make new friends when traveling, and there is no place where that has been truer than during my adventures on Isle Royale.
After a restful night sleep under the parking deck, I brushed my teeth in the public restroom and went to the National Park headquarters. I boarded the Ranger III and settled into my six-hour voyage across Lake Superior. I had flashbacks to my time on the Yankee Freedom, but thankfully the lady of the lake was generous and we had a smooth ride the whole way.
I stepped out to get some fresh air and I met Dan, a retired teacher and avid birder. We talked for the remainder of the ride and ended up sharing a campfire the first night.
Once we docked and took our first steps on Isle Royale, I took off alone. I had almost 7 miles to cover and I was anxious to get on the move. As I approached Island Mine campsite, I fell into step with five guys, who were hiking together. Turns out we had nearly identical itineraries, and after sipping whiskey around the campfire the first night, we decided to keep hiking together.
The "Live Laugh Love" boys ended up transforming my Isle Royale experience in the best way. What I thought would be four days of solitude and self-reflection became four days of laughter, self-timer pictures, stories (both real and fiction), and taking in the stunning surroundings together. I was sad when we parted ways, but so grateful to have crossed paths in the first place.
In the morning, I packed up my things and went to the Ranger III, thinking I would be alone for the journey back. As I waited for the boarding process to begin, I began talking to another solo hiker named Kevin. We ended up chatting and playing Bananagrams the entire ride back.
Once we got back to Houghton, I waved goodbye to Kevin and started reflecting on all the wonderful people I met over the last few days. My heart was full when my phone dinged that I had a match on Hinge, asking if I wanted to go for a celebratory dinner when I got back form Isle Royale.
That is when I met Beau. He had lived in Houghton for the last 10 years, so he showed me around town and took me to get vegan pizza. We talked for hours, while sitting along the Portage. But, as was the nature of my current lifestyle, I left that night with a flimsy possibility of "maybe we will see each other again someday."
Fast forward a few months.
I spent Fourth of July that year with Dan and his family in Colorado.
Kevin and I have backpacked/camped in Banff and Pictured Rocks (Michigan) over the last year, and we are always inspiring each other to do the next big adventure.
And... Beau and I are dating. We've been together ever since and I currently live in Houghton. But, I will save that story for another time.
So, keep your heart open to meeting new people when traveling. You never know the people that will walk into your life.
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