Isle Royale

[Quetico]

Has anyone been out to Isle Royale? I am organizing and starting to plan my first trip out there. Advice? Tips? My entire group will be fairly experienced backpackers.

Thanks

[OnAFly]

A couple buddies of mine went last fall. They were there for 4 days and 3 nights. Every night they had to share campsites with large groups and the only only wildlife they ended up seeing was a bunny. They fished the shores of one of the lakes and caught nothing.

I wasn't along for this trip, so I really can't say how far in they went or how far off the beaten trail they went. I guess my advice would be to try to get as far as you can away from the entry points if you want a lot of solitude.

This was just one trip, so don't base an entire opinion on this. I don't know if it could be better depending on where you go on the island.

[Quetico]

When were they up there? We're planning on going for at least 5 days and likely hiking end to end.

[OnAFly]

This was a late summer trip. I believe it was around Labor Day...which would explain the amount of people.

[Quetico]

Yeah most of my group says going after Labor would work best for them. We haven't yet set a date. We are leaning toward late August or early September. I'd prefer after labor to avoid the crowds.

[JBMasterAngler]

Does rock harbor lodge have campsites? If so, how many?

[Quetico]

I dont think you can camp at Rock Harbor. I know they have a few rooms for rent. I have been told those rooms book early.

[JBMasterAngler]

I just wish they weren't so expensive I don't mind camping at all, I just don't want to hike 5 miles to do it, especially if I end up having to do it amongst a group.

[Transporter]

There is plenty of camping at Rock Harbor, look up the isle royale HSOforum from the national park service. Then contact the boat people from Minnesota listed on the site. They have all the information you need and when and where to go to avoid crowds.

[JBMasterAngler]

Thanks for the info. Another reason I'd like to stay close to the harbor is because I'd like to rent a boat for fishing, a canoe for a nice little paddle, and possibly a ride out in a charter So yeah, we'd probably do some hiking, but the main focus would be fishing.

[Quetico]

Yeah my focus out there will be getting away from the crowds and seeing the serene wilderness. That's also why we are leaning toward heading up after Labor Day Weekend. We might head out to Isle Royale on Labor Day to start our 10 day trip after the summer crowds leave.