Anyone been to Isle Royale?

“It won out as opposed to the White mountains in New Hampshire for our high adventure this year. We're probably gonna do a combination of backpacking and canoeing, just wondering if anyone had ever done a trip there and their opinions on it, more specifically the eastern half of the island, thanks.”

“Many of us have been there. I've only been backpacking there once and it was on the Eastern end. I liked Lane Cove best and thought it would be great to go back out there with kayaks! Those finger islands would be neat to explore and navigate around.”

“nope... it's just across the lake, but i've never been there.”

“Been there by power boat and camped on the perimeter. Went on the inland trails backpacking twice. Going back July 5, 2004. A magical place for backpackers. With a kayak, you can camp in some really good campsites available only by boat.”

“Never been to Isle Royale but I've done the White Mountains.
Either place is a winner.”

“Been there three times a few years back. What's your question?”

“I have been there 3 times and am going back this summer.
I have done the west end loop, the Minong Ridge and most of the Greenstone.
This year I am going to do the east end.
It's a great place and no matter what trails you do it will be a great experience.
The Minong is kind of tough but the views are wonderful.”

“IR was my first backpacking trip. It was awesome! Didn't get past Daisy Farm, but someday I'd like to go back and explore more of the island.”

“Check out the Isle Royale bible by James (?) Defresne. Pick your hikes depending on how many days you plan to be on the island. I haven't paddled there but the southeast side of the island looks like a nice paddle and is more protected than other spots. For hiking try to get to Moskey Basin (If I'm remembering right you can paddle there from Rock Harbor) and McCargo Cove. Beautiful.”

“here's a trip report from last summer's trip there: Enjoy!

And if you have any specific questions fire away, there's loads of folks who've been there and can help out.”

“Been twice in 80s -- first was a figure-8 hike from Rock Harbor to Daisy Farm up over the ridge to McCargo Cove then Chicken Bone, Lake Ritchie, Moskey Basin, Daisy Farm, Rock Harbor. Second was the Greenstone Ridge from Windigo to Rock Harbor. See several pics on Phil's Photo page under my name.

And take dhutch's advice to get Jim DuFresne's guide.”

“hmm I'll see if i can find that book somewhere. We're planning the trip right now, its not until July (i can't wait that long!), but it's our first trip there so it'll be a new experience. i'm sure i'll be back with some specific questions later thanks everyone”

“Howitzer, a natural history book that I recommend highly is "Wolves of Minong," a very readable account of the wolf-moose research studies that have been going on for decades. It was written by the original researcher whose student, Rolf Peterson, I believe, carries on the research to this day. The book covers not only the wolf-moose relationship but the whole island ecological structure. Gives a good look at how such research is conducted as well as the ups and downs of doing research on an isolated island. The info in the book really added to my Isle Royale experiences.”

“I live next to Minong and in that town they're reading "Women who run with Wolves."”

“Rolf Peterson has several books out. I've posted on another Isle Royale thread things here and there about his research.

Here it is:

http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/11475,999,1.php”

“Yes and it the bomb!!!!!


8)”

“been there 4 times and have hiked almost every trail as well as canoed through and around the island. You won't find a bad spot on the island. Fire away with any specific questions. Like was said, many people on this board can answer your questions. Also, you can always call the ranger station and ferry service for current costs and reservations.”