Backpack 5 Nights on the East Side of Isle Royale

The trip starts with a ferry trip to Rock Harbor. Depending on where you are coming from there are a few options. The ferries generally run from May through September and they are weather dependent. Other options include chartering a plane or private scow.

Ferries come from Copper Harbor, MI, Houghton, MI, and Grand Portage, MN. Once to Isle Royale (Rock Harbor), you will receive a short orientation from a Ranger. Afterward, you will pay for your permit and then get on your way. Make sure you have a map!

Day 1: Rock Harbor to Lane Cove. Take the Tobin Harbor Trail to the Mount Franklin Trail. Go right at the intersection. Hike up to the intersection with the Greenstone Ridge Trail and continue straight to descend down to Lane Cove on the Lane Cove Trail. Distance: ~ 7 miles. Lane Cove does not have shelters.

Day 2: Lane Cove to Moskey Basin. Take the Lane Cove Trail back up toward the Greenstone Ridge Trail. Turn right on the Greenstone Ridge Trail. Once to Mount Ojibway (where there is a dilapidated lookout tower), turn left onto the Mount Ojibway Trail. This will take you to Daisy Farm. Once to Daisy Farm, you will go right on the Rock Harbor Trail. The Rock Harbor Trail will take you to Moskey Basin. Distance: ~ 10.8 miles. There are shelters at this site along with a campfire ring.

Day 3: Moskey Basin to McCargoe Cove. From Moskey Basin, take the Lake Richie Trail. Once to the intersection with the Indian Portage Trail, go right. The Indian Portage Trail will take you all the way to the other side of the island to McCargoe Cove. *Optional: Instead of going straight on the Indian Portage Trail, once you reach the Greenstone Ridge Trail you can go right on the Greenstone Ridge Trail. Then take a left at the first trail intersection to take you down to McCargoe Cove. Distance: ~ 10.1 miles. There are shelters at this site. The Minong Mine is a fun place to explore after camp is set up. It is 0.8 miles from McCargoe Cove on the Minong Trail.

Day 4: McCargoe Cove to Chippewa Harbor. Take the Indian Portage Trail (or the optional other trail to the Greenstone Ridge Trail and then to the Indian Portage Trail) back across the island. The Indian Portage Trail will pass a couple other campsites but ends at Chippewa Harbor, arguably one of the most beautiful campsites on the island. Distance: ~ 13 miles. There are shelters at this site.

Day 5: Chippewa Harbor to Daisy Farm. Take the Indian Portage Trail back toward the Lake Richie Trail. Go right on the Lake Richie Trail, pass Moskey Basin, and continue on the Rock Harbor Trail. Take the Rock Harbor Trail to Daisy Farm. Distance: ~ 9.6 miles. There are shelters at this site.

Day 6: Daisy Farm to Rock Harbor. The journey home begins with a scenic trail along the shoreline of Isle Royale. Continue from the day before on the Rock Harbor Trail and keep an eye out for Moose. Pass Threemile campsite and continue to Rock Harbor. Distance: ~ 7.8 miles. If you leave early enough, you may have time to explore Scoville Point or grab breakfast at the lodge before the ferry departs.