Isle Royale

Isle Royale was a true delight. It took me a long time to write this for various reasons but here we go. First things first, wow how remote and delightful. All you read about it is true. Go, just go. You won’t regret it!

This hike challenged me but at no point did I think I couldn’t make it. Some well timed breaks along with a non-negotiable stop time helped to push onward. Highlights include all the beautiful vistas from up the stairs of the fire tower to the many openings along the way. Things like being ‘sniffed’ by what I assume was a wolf at Chickenbone Lake West in the middle of night and seeing moose scrapings reminded me how unique this island truly is. Unfortunately, I did not see any moose but the evidence they were around were plentiful. Below is a breakdown of the itinerary followed by a menu for 2.

Itinerary

Day 1: Wednesday: Ferry to Washington Creek (Wendigo) to Lake Desor (13.5 miles)

• Island Mine (7 miles) – status checked and decided to continue on
• Sugar Mountain or Mount Desor (1394’ highest point) – Lunch?

Day 2: Thursday: Lake Desor-to Chickenbone Lake West (15 miles)

• Ishpeming Point (1377’), Hatchet Lake (6.5 miles)
• Mount Siskiwit (1205’-3 more miles to Chickenbone)

Day 3: Friday: Chickenbone Lake West to Three Mile (13 miles)

• Mount Ojibway (fire tower), Mount Franklin

Day 4: Saturday: Three Mile to Rock Harbor (3 miles)

• Secured a shelter, snacks, and a pile of beer from the shop

Day 5: Sunday: 7:15am ferry station back to vehicle

 

Foooood!

 

Day 1

Breakfast: Before/On Ferry – fast-food/gas station (trading post)

Lunch/Snacks: bagel, 2 bars, candy

Dinner: Knorr Thai, meat packages, carrots

Day 2

Breakfast: 2 bagels, peanut butter

Lunch: 2 tortillas, meat, cheese

Snacks: trail mix, 3 bars

Dinner: couscous, space ice cream bar

Day 3

Breakfast: Pop tarts

Lunch: 2 tortillas, peanut butter, trail mix

Snacks: 4 bars, dried fruit

Dinner: Peppered Beef with Rice

Day 4

Breakfast: Huevos Rancheros, bacon bits, 2 tortillas

Lunch: 2 tortillas, peanut butter, trail mix

Snacks: 3 bars, whatever is left: trail mix, dried fruit, peanut butter, candy

Dinner: mashed potatoes, bacon bits

Day 5

Breakfast: Lodge breakfast

Lunch: Store/On Ferry

Snacks: Leftovers or Rock Harbor store

Dinner: Stop on drive back

We pushed pretty hard and party equally hard in Rock Harbor. We could have spread out one of the days and did the last hike early but decided to push and have extra time at the lodge to relax, wander around, shower, and have breakfast before the 8 hour ferry back to the vehicle. Don’t do what we did and put all your snacks in the bag. You will be starving by the time that hella long ferry gets back.

 

Thanks for reading. Up next some random hikes I’m doing in preparation for my Superior Hiking Trail thru hike summer 2023!