Isle Royale

Your Guide to Isle Royale National Park www.nps.gov/isro National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior A Legacy of Partnerships The view from Feldtmann Fire Tower has a way of inviting you to sit down and stay awhile. Here, hikers pause to enjoy the scenery— a mixed-forest cascading to the Lake Superior shoreline. This lookout is not just a destination on a map, it’s also a symbol of the past. The year is 1935; Company 2699 of the Civilian Conservation Corps arrives on Isle Royale. This arrival set in motion a lasting legacy: between 1935 and 1941, 400 CCC enrollees, supervised by the Army and directed by the NPS, built the bones of the Isle Royale we know and love today. Evidence of this past partnership is everywhere—trails and campgrounds were established, docks installed, and buildings constructed—such as the original wooden Feldtmann Fire Tower located close to the modern structure. This legacy of partnership, imprinted by the CCC, propels Isle Royale forward today. Each year, numerous researchers, nonprofits, and governmental and tribal agencies make invaluable contributions to the park. In 2022, WisCorps repaired 400 feet of boardwalk, Old Northwest worked to preserve the historic integrity of the Dassler, Siefert, and Stack-Wolbrink cabins, and researchers completed the 61st year of the well-known wolf-moose/predator-prey study. These partners, inspired by their first, second, or many visits to the island, saw an opportunity to support the park for future generations. Your visit to Isle Royale is the latest collaboration in a long line of partnerships. What legacy will you leave? Bridget Byrne, Park Ranger Welcome to Isle Royale National Park Your national park is supported by many partners. Some of these partners are individuals, some are organizations, and some are advocates, artists, or academics. All started with a single visit. Whether you realize it or not, your visit contributes to the stewardship of Isle Royale. Maybe your contribution is sharing stories and photos back home with friends and family. Maybe you are interested in donating your expertise as a future volunteer or in a career opportunity. Each experience we build here, in this island wilderness, binds us together as partners. Let the legacy of partnership in this edition of The Greenstone, along with your adventures, inspire how you’ll engage with Isle Royale after your own “island time.” With gratitude for your partnership and support, Denice Swanke, Superintendent Printing courtesy of Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association. Printed by Christensen Printing & Publishing on recycled paper using agri-based inks. Please recycle. Partnerships: #YourParkStory..................2-3 Paddling, Diving, Fishing...........................9.. Your Safety Is Your Responsibility.................4 Visitor Centers, Programs, Lodging..........10.. Protect Your Park.........................................5 Transportation Services...........................11.. Map, Campgrounds,Trails........................6-7 Contacts, Fees, Park Store........................12.. Camping, Boating........................................8 Partnerships: #YourParkStory Partners in Sustainability Looking at Lake Superior from Isle Royale, it’s easy to feel like we’ve “gotten away from it all.” But it is clear that climate change is already impacting our remote island. One of the world’s fastest warming lakes, Superior’s cold-water fisheries are declining, water levels rise and fall dramatically, and powerful storms batter recreational, cultural, and historical resources, such as docks and lighthouses. Starting in 2023, National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF) is collaborating with multiple sources to promote decarbonizing all five Lake Superior national parks and increase climate resiliency. For Isle Royale, that means trading fossil fuels for renewable energy solutions. Together, we can help visitors, real and virtual, understand what is at stake and what is possible. Tom Irvine, National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation, www.nplsf.org Partners in Heritage Partners in Conservation Members of the nonprofit Isle Royale Families & Friends Association (IRFFA) work to preserve over 100 years of the history, culture, and community of this remote island. Honoring a tradition of community reliance, IRFFA members work together on maintenance projects, such as opening seasonal cabins, painting, fixing roofs, and repairing docks. The contributions of IRFFA, in partnership with the NPS, help maintain nationally significant historic camps. Next time you're out for a hike or paddle, if you happen upon a rustic wilderness home, stop in for some local history—you are sure to be transported to another moment in time. In memoriam: Isle Royale lost three community members in 2022: Grant Merritt, Howard Sivertson, Mary Merritt Scheibe WisCorps is a youth and young adult conservation organization that promotes land stewardship through service. Each season, WisCorps works with Isle Royale trail crews on projects like building bridges and enhancing erosion control. Said WisCorps alumni Mary Hanson, "Serving for WisCorps fostered a love for the island and ignited a passion for conservation that led me to become a National Park Service ranger." WisCorps www.wiscorps.org Isle Royale Families & Friends Association irffa.org Partners in Recreation For 27 years Isle Royale Boaters Association (IRBA) has sought to represent the interests of power and sail boaters, sport fishermen, paddlers, backpackers, and all who enjoy Isle Royale. Over the years, IRBA has partnered with the NPS on numerous maintenance projects, such as restoring infrastructure on Belle Isle, painting the Daisy Farm Campground pavilion, developing and constructing the Windigo pavilion, and building the Windigo finger docks. Not only does IRBA improve island facilities, we also work to combat invasive species in Lake Superior and support historic preservation. IRBA is always interested in promoting Isle Royale projects that support sustainable visitor use. Dave Hand, Isle Royale Boaters Association www.isleroyale.org 2 Your Guide To Isle Royale National Park – 2023 Partners in Research Isle Royale is home to many scientific studies, the most wellknown being the wolf-moose/ predator-prey project, now in its 62nd year. With between 20-30 research permits issued annually, scientists from universities, federal, state, provincial and tribal agencies study a broad range of environmental topics. Through sound, scientific data, research partnerships between the park, the scientific community, and the public, advances our collective understanding of the natural world to support resource management decisions. Mark Romanski, Biologist / Natural Resource Program Manager www.nps.gov/isro/learn/science-and-research Partners in Research The Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network is one of 32 NPS networks around the country that bring enhanced scientific capacity to parks. Our focus is on nine parks in the Lake Superior and Lake Michigan region, including Isle Royale. Our primary mission is to conduct inventories and longterm monitoring on key park resources, which we call “vital signs.” Staff focus on forest vegetation, water quality, and landscape dynamics. We also help with climate, landbird, bat, and amphibian projects. Information we gather helps park managers understand the landscapes within their parks. Alex Egan, Great Lakes Inventory & Monitoring Network www.nps.gov/glkn Partners in Preservation My first glimpse of Rock of Ages Lighthouse came from a small boat, navigating slowly through thick fog. The radar and chart plotter agreed…it was right in front of us. It was not until we were 20 yards away that the 10-story beacon revealed itself in the mist. This inspired the formation of Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society, a volunteer group working to restore the lighthouse and open its doors to the public. I have returned now for 15 summers, bringing volunteers who also have a passion for this place. I may have traveled to Isle Royale in search of solitude, but what I found was community. David Gerth, Rock Of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society rockofageslps.org Partners in Preservation 2023 marks the 23rd year Old Northwest has recruited and led cultural resource volunteers for service on Isle Royale. These volunteer crews began in 1997 as an opportunity for high school students to complete community-service hours, and evolved into an adult volunteer program. Each year crews of 5 to 7 individuals spend weeks in June repairing roofs, shoring up foundations, refurbishing doors and windows, painting building exteriors, clearing brush, and repairing docks. These are self-funded efforts. In addition to their generous donations of time and skills, each volunteer makes a monetary donation to pay for the materials, supplies, and tools needed to accomplish each season’s projects. John Dunn, Old Northwest Historic Preservation Partners in Art With assistance from the Copper Country Community Arts Center (CCCAC), the Isle Royale Teen Artist Exploration allows artists ages 13 to 18 to develop their craft through wilderness experience. Previous teen artist Allison Clarke recalls: "By stepping back from the stressors of everyday life and taking part in the program of my wildest dreams, I left Isle Royale having a newfound identity and feeling invigorated to create the art I wanted." Copper Country Community Arts Center (CCCAC) www.coppercountryarts.com "Untitled" artwork by Allison Clarke, 2021 Isle Royale Teen Artist How Will You Partner With The Park? Find out more about partnership opportunities at www.nps.gov/isro/getinvolved/partners.htm. Photos Courtesy: Tom Brown, Nelson Decker, Janet Dunn, David Gerth, Kaitlyn Knick, Mary Hanson, Valerie Martin, Annalisa Visco, & NPS 2023 – Your Guide To Isle Royale National Park 3 Your Safety is Your Responsibility 4 Lake Superior and the island’s wilderness present challenges and hazards to the inexperienced or ill-prepared. Always check current conditions prior to your trip. Play It Safe Know Before You Go Make a Conservative Trip Plan. Plan your adventure with the least experienced person in mind. Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or use sanitizer. Use soap at least 50 steps away from water. Be First Aid Ready. A first aid kit is a must. Be trained, experienced, and equipped to deal with common injuries. Emergencies Plan Ahead Plan for Problems. What will you do if someone gets injured or lost? How will you self-rescue? Prep Your Gear. Bring supplies needed to handle delays and weather. Test your gear prior to your adventure. Wear sturdy, well-broken-in boots with ankle support for hiking. Assess Risk Watch the Weather. Conditions deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly. Huddle Up. Start each day discussing expected conditions and potential safety issues. Practice Backcountry Hygiene Basic emergency services are available on the island, but contacting rangers can be difficult. Emergency response and evacuation take time, requiring you to rely on your own skills and equipment. Most private boaters have radios and may be able to contact rangers in an emergency. Cell phone service is unreliable; do not depend on it. To contact the park in an emergency: 440-546-5945 Drinking Water Potable water is only available in Rock Harbor and Windigo. Early and late season visitors should plan for no potable water anywhere on-island. Lake Superior and interior waters should be considered non-potable. Care for Your Companions. Monitor health and energy levels of party members. Purify Water: Use one of these methods: Be Flexible. When issues arise, evaluate. Should you keep going, take a break, or change your trip plan? • Physical Purifier: Use one that is rated to remove viruses • Water Filter (0.4 microns or finer) + Chemical Treatment Use tablets or bleach • Water Filter (0.4 microns or finer) + UV Treatment Use a UV purifier • Boil: At a rolling boil for at least one minute Travel Smart Stick Together. Divide gear to lighten the load of a slower or injured hiker. Don’t leave slower party members in the dust. Rest Often. Enjoy frequent short breaks: drink water, munch snacks, relax and rejuvenate. Travel during cooler times of the day. Stay Hydrated. Drink upon waking, along your route, and at your destination. Water is life. Watch Your Step. Footing is uneven. Rocks and roots are trip hazards. Boardwalks and rocks are slippery when wet. When Things Go Wrong • Take a breath • Assess the situation • Make a plan Self-Rescue = Best Rescue. Self-reliance is the only immediate option in an emergency. Park response is limited and even if you are able to contact rangers, help could be hours or days away. Are there others nearby who can assist or go for help? If you are not equipped to deal with your emergency: • Call on marine radio, or • Use a satellite phone, or • Activate an emergency device with texting capability Cellphone service is unreliable. Any device may fail in adverse weather. 4 Your Guide To Isle Royale National Park – 2023 Toxic Water Alert Algal blooms have occurred in interior lakes and can be toxic. Purifying does not remove toxins from the water. Avoid drinking, swimming, and fishing if water has a cloudy blue cast or looks like “pea soup.” If algal blooms occur, advisories will be posted. Respond to Your Symptoms Dehydration is a factor in most medical problems. You tire quickly, do not think clearly, and are more prone to falling. Water is scarce between campgrounds, especially along ridges. Carry a minimum two quarts of water per person; drink and refill whenever near water sources. Watch for mild signs of dehydration: thirst, fatigue, headache, and dizziness. Hypothermia: Shivering, apathy, and coordination loss indicate mild hypothermia. Best defense: Stay warm and dry. Dress in layers and don raingear before you get wet. If someone shows these signs, warm and dry the person, add more layers, climb in a sleeping bag, and sip warm liquids. Protect Your Park Minimize your impact to protect the park’s wilderness character for use and enjoyment by all. Help Isle Royale Stay Wild Adventure and simple living are important components of an Isle Royale visit. To ensure these experiences, you should be familiar with skills and habits that foster a Leave No Trace ethic. Visit www.lnt.org. Quiet, Please Most visitors come to Isle Royale to hear the sounds of nature in a wild setting. Be aware of your volume so others may enjoy peace and solitude. Quiet Hours are between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am eastern time. If people in adjacent campsites can hear your activities, you are being too loud. Audible use of electronic devices such as stereos, televisions, radios, cellphones, and tablets is not permitted except in the developed areas of Rock Harbor and Windigo, and on Lake Superior waters outside of designated quiet/no wake zones. 5 Leave What You Find Removing, possessing, or disturbing park resources is prohibited. Antlers, plants, driftwood, cultural or archeological objects, rocks/minerals including those in Lake Superior, must be left where found. Fishing and picking small quantities of berries/mushrooms is allowed. Graffiti and the building of cairns (rock piles) mar the park for other visitors. Leave the park as you find it. Minimize Use of Fires Campfires are permitted at a handful of campgrounds (see page 6). A backpacking stove is highly recommended. A metal fire ring or grate is provided where campfires are allowed; never build your own ring. Use Dead and Down Wood no bigger around than your wrist. Do not break branches or strip bark from standing trees, live or dead. Trash has no place in a backcountry fire. Do not import firewood; insects and pathogens from infected wood could devastate Isle Royale’s forests. Portable Generators are prohibited in most areas of the park. Be Safe With Fire: Keep your fire small and burn down to ash; be sure the fire is completely out before leaving it. Keep the Island Clean Park Regulations Practice Proper Food Storage: Keep a clean camp. To protect your food from wildlife, seal it in scent-proof containers and secure. Hardsided containers are preferred, but using doubled zip-lock bags is appropriate. Animals will steal unattended food and other items. Trash: All trash and leftover food (including peels, cores, and nutshells) must be packed out. Do not burn, bury, or place in outhouses. Carry a zip-lock bag for securing small pieces of trash. Human Waste Disposal: Use outhouses. Never defecate within 100' (at least 50 steps) of lakes, streams, or campsites. In areas without outhouses, dig a cathole 6" to 8" deep; after use, cover with soil. Urinate on durable surfaces, like rocks or bare soil, away from water sources and campsites. The regulations of Isle Royale National Park are intended to protect park resources and appropriate visitor experiences. Regulations place strong emphasis on preserving wilderness character and values. Visitors are responsible for adhering to park regulations. For detailed information on park regulations visit www.nps.gov/isro/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm. Wheeled vehicles (except for non-motorized wheelchairs) or other mechanical transportation are not allowed outside developed areas at Rock Harbor and Windigo. This includes bicycles and portaging devices. No Drone Zone: Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft on lands and waters of the park is prohibited. Cookware Cleaning: Wash dishes at least 100' from water sources and campsites. Even biodegradable soap takes a long time to degrade. Use a strainer to remove food bits and pack them out with your trash. Disperse remaining water away from water sources and campsites. Weapons, Traps, & Nets: The use or possession of weapons, traps, and nets is prohibited. Weapons include any implements designed to discharge a projectile or missile in the air or water and include slingshots, blowguns, and bows and arrows. Fireworks are prohibited. Bathing: Get wet, then move at least 100' away from all water sources and campsites to lather and rinse. Use soap sparingly, if necessary. Exception: Possession of firearms within the park is regulated by Michigan law. The discharge of firearms within the park is prohibited. Share the Space Marijuana Prohibited: While recreational and medical marijuana are now legal in many states, marijuana remains illegal on federal lands including Isle Royale National Park. Show Respect. Observe, photograph, and enjoy park wildlife from a safe and respectful distance. If an animal changes its behavior, you are too close. It is illegal to feed, touch, tease, or intentionally disturb wildlife, their homes, nests, or activities. Moose are large and potentially dangerous animals. Always give them a wide berth because they may kick in any direction or charge. If you encounter a moose, step behind a tree, and wait for the moose to move on. Throughout the spring and summer, female moose are rearing young and are very protective. Never get between a cow and her calf. During fall rut, bull moose are often aggressive. Loons may abandon their nests when approached too closely. From May through mid-July (loon nesting season) you must stay at least 150' away from small islands and from shoreline nests. If a loon cries out, you are too close. Mosquitos & Black Flies peak in June or July. In wet summers, mosquitos continue into August. Bring repellent, netting, or other skin barriers. Wasps: Dry summers often result in an abundance of wasps. Bring an epinephrine kit if allergic to stings. Wolves Pets If you see a wolf: Do not approach. If the wolf comes closer, encourage it to leave by clapping and yelling. Dogs, cats, and other mammals are not allowed, including pets on boats within park boundaries, which extend 4.5 miles into Lake Superior from the outermost land areas of the park. Visitors bringing pets to the park will be required to leave immediately. Pets disturb wildlife and can transmit diseases. Special conditions apply to service dogs. Visit www.nps.gov/isro/ planyourvisit/service-dogs.htm. If a wolf does not leave: Maintain eye contact and slowly back away until you are out of sight, continuing to clap and yell. Do not run or turn your back to the wolf. If you cannot safely leave: Make yourself big. Aggressively use hiking poles or branches to discourage the wolf from approaching. If a wolf attacks: Wolf attacks are extremely rare and unlikely to happen. But if it does, fight using any means necessary. Report all wolf sightings to park staff. 2023 – Your Guide To Isle Royale National Park 5 6 Voyageur II During its clockwise circumnavigation, Voyageur II provides drop-off and pick-up services at several locations. See page 11. Voyageur II Grand Portage, MN, to Windigo 22mi/35km 2 hours one-way Sea Hunter III Grand Portage, MN, to Windigo 22mi/35km 1.5 hours one-way Seaplane Hancock, MI, to Windigo 61mi/98km 35-45 minutes one-way S 0 3 0 3 Beaver Island F 0 6 1 5 Belle Isle S 0 1 1 3 Birch Island Caribou Island 3 1 2 0 CR Chickenbone E 2 3 0 1 S Chickenbone W 2 6 0 3 S F 1 4 2 3 Chippewa Harbor S 3 16 6 3 Daisy Farm S 0 0 3 2 Desor N Desor S 2 7 0 3 S Duncan Bay 3 1 2 0 F Duncan Narrows 3 1 2 0 F Feldtmann Lake 2 5 0 2 S Grace Island 3 0 2 0 S Hatchet Lake 2 5 0 3 S 0 0 1 3 Hay Bay S 0 0 5 3 Huginnin Cove S 0 3 2 Intermediate Lake S 0 Island Mine 3 4 0 2 F Lake Richie 2 4 0 2 S S 0 0 3 2 Lake Richie/Canoe S 0 0 3 2 Lake Whittlesey S 0 0 5 1* Lane Cove Little Todd 2 4 0 0 F F 2 5 0 3 Malone Bay CR 3 6 3 3 McCargoe Cove S 0 1 1 3 Merritt Lane Moskey Basin 3 2 6 2 S Pickerel Cove 2 1 0 0 S Rock Harbor 1* 11 9 3 S-W F-W 0 0 0 14 Rock Harbor Marina CR 3 2 4 3 Siskiwit Bay S 3 8 4 1* Three Mile Tobin Harbor Dock 5 0 0 0 S Todd Harbor 3 5 1 3 CR Tookers Island 3 0 2 0 S S-W 4 10 5 3* Washington Creek (Windigo) S 0 0 0 3 Windigo Dock S 0 0 3 2 Wood Lake *Rock Harbor, Three Mile, Lane Cove, & Washington Creek stay limit in effect 6/1 - 9/17. 6 Your Guide To Isle Royale National Park – 2023 D No epth rm at al Do Co ck nd iti on On s Ge -b o Al ner ar lo at d we or d U se Sp In eci fo al rm ati on s G Te rou nt p Sit es CR - Fires in community ring only S - Self-contained stoves only W - Treated water supply F - Campfire rings or standing grills provided Sh el te r Campgrounds C N ons 6/ ight ecu (*n 1 – s St tive ot La ay e e bo L i xc ep r D mit tio ay ns ) In Te divi nt du Sit al es Grand Marais, MN, to Windigo 57mi/91km 30 minutes one-way 2' – 5' 13' 5' 10' – – 7' 9' – – 6' 6' – 2' – 4' – 3' – 7' – – – – – – – – 3' – 6' 7' 8' 8' – – 3' – 12' 2' – 6' 9' 3' – 8' 2' 7' – 4' – 20' – yes yes no yes – – no no – – no no – yes – yes – – – – – – – – yes no no no – – yes no no yes no no – yes – Canoe Portages Distance•Elevation Change•Details Malone Bay - Siskiwit Lake 0.3 mile, 40’ Gradual Slope Siskiwit Lake - Intermediate Lake 0.4 mile, 40’ Gradual ups and downs Intermediate Lake - Lake Richie 0.6 mile, 120’ Hilly and wooded Wood Lake - Lake Whittlesey 0.6 mile, 80’ Rolling Lake Whittlesey - Chippewa Harbor 0.6 mile, 140’ Steep grades and rocky Chippewa Harbor - Lake Richie 1.2 miles, 160’ Hilly Moskey Basin - Lake Richie 2.0 miles, 120’ Gradual but long Lake Richie - Lake LeSage 0.6 mile, 100’ Steep grades, wet Lake LeSage - Lake Livermore 0.4 mile, 80’ Steep grades, wet Lake Livermore - Chickenbone Lake 0.2 mile, 40’ Steep but short Chickenbone Lake -McCargoe Cove 1.2 miles, 80’ Hilly Pickerel Cove 0.1 mile, 10’ Short and sweet Lane Cove - Stockly Bay 0.1 mile, 8’ Short and sweet Five Finger Bay - Duncan Bay 0.2 mile, 8’ Short and sweet Duncan Bay - Tobin Harbor 0.8 mile, 175’ Extremely steep Tobin Harbor - Rock Harbor 0.2 mile, 40’ Gradual up and down 7 Rock Harbor Lodge Water Taxi Provides drop-off and pick-up services between Rock Harbor and McCargoe Cove on the north shore and Rock Harbor and Malone Bay on the south shore. See page 10. Isle Royale Queen IV Copper Harbor, MI, to Rock Harbor 56mi/90km 3.75 hours one-way Ranger III Houghton, MI, to Rock Harbor 73mi/118km 6 hours one-way Seaplane Hancock, MI, to Rock Harbor 71mi/114km 35-45 minutes one-way Grand Marais, MN, to Rock Harbor 90mi/145km 45 minutes one-way Chippewa Harbor Daisy Farm Desor N Desor S Feldtmann Lake Hatchet Lake Huginnin Cove Island Mine Lake Richie Lane Cove Little Todd Malone Bay McCargoe Cove Moskey Basin Rock Harbor Siskiwit Bay Three Mile Todd Harbor Washington Creek -Windigo - 1.8 9.3 6.1 19.6 16.4 35.8 9.3 30.3 21.3 5.0 10.9 15.6 19.6 2.3 7.3 13.3 25.7 10.5 8.7 27.1 Chickenbone E 1.8 - 7.9 7.9 19.8 15.0 34.4 7.9 29.1 19.9 3.6 12.7 16.2 18.2 2.7 5.9 14.8 24.3 12.5 9.3 25.7 Chickenbone W 9.3 7.9 - 9.7 27.3 22.5 42.0 15.2 36.4 27.2 4.3 16.6 22.6 25.7 10.6 6.2 16.8 31.6 14.1 17.3 33.0 Chippewa Harbor 6.1 7.9 9.7 - 26.0 22.5 41.9 15.4 37.3 27.4 5.8 6.9 21.5 27.2 8.2 3.9 7.1 31.8 4.4 14.9 33.2 Daisy Farm 19.6 19.8 27.3 26.0 - 20.0 21.4 12.3 14.4 18.6 23.0 30.8 5.7 23.2 18.0 25.3 33.1 23.0 30.4 11.4 12.6 Desor N 16.4 15.0 22.5 22.5 20.0 - 20.1 8.1 14.7 5.5 18.2 27.3 15.5 10.8 17.7 20.5 29.4 9.9 26.7 11.8 11.3 Desor S 35.8 34.4 42.0 41.9 21.4 20.1 - 27.6 12.8 14.6 37.8 46.7 26.1 30.3 37.1 40.1 49.0 10.3 46.3 31.8 8.8 Feldtmann Lake 9.3 7.9 15.2 15.4 12.3 8.1 27.6 - 25.7 13.0 11.1 20.2 7.8 11.3 10.7 13.4 22.3 17.4 19.8 4.1 18.8 Hatchet Lake 30.3 29.1 36.4 37.3 14.4 14.7 12.8 25.7 - 10.0 32.3 41.2 19.1 24.9 31.8 34.6 44.4 14.4 41.7 24.8 4.0 Huginnin Cove 21.3 19.9 27.2 27.4 18.6 5.5 14.6 13.0 10.0 - 23.1 32.2 20.4 15.7 22.6 25.4 34.3 4.4 31.6 16.7 6.6 Island Mine 5.0 3.6 4.3 5.8 23.0 18.2 37.8 11.1 32.3 23.1 - 12.7 18.5 21.4 6.3 2.3 12.9 27.5 10.2 13.0 28.9 Lake Richie 10.9 12.7 16.6 6.9 30.8 27.3 46.7 20.2 41.2 32.2 12.7 - 26.5 30.5 13.0 10.8 6.9 36.6 4.6 19.5 38.3 Lane Cove 15.6 16.2 22.6 21.5 5.7 15.5 26.1 7.8 19.1 20.4 18.5 26.5 - 18.7 13.5 22.1 28.6 24.8 25.9 7.0 17.3 Little Todd 19.6 18.2 25.7 27.2 23.2 10.8 30.3 11.3 24.9 15.7 21.4 30.5 18.7 - 20.9 23.7 34.3 20.1 31.6 15.0 21.5 Malone Bay 2.3 2.7 10.6 8.2 18.0 17.7 37.1 10.7 31.8 22.6 6.3 13.0 13.5 20.9 - 8.4 15.3 27.0 12.6 6.7 28.4 McCargoe Cove 7.3 5.9 6.2 3.9 25.3 20.5 40.1 13.4 34.6 25.4 2.3 10.8 22.1 23.7 8.4 - 11.0 29.8 8.3 15.1 31.0 Moskey Basin 13.3 14.8 16.8 7.1 33.1 29.4 49.0 22.3 44.4 34.3 12.9 6.9 28.6 34.3 15.3 11.0 - 38.7 2.7 22.2 40.1 Rock Harbor 25.7 24.3 31.6 31.8 23.0 9.9 10.3 17.4 14.4 4.4 27.5 36.6 24.8 20.1 27.0 29.8 38.7 - 36.0 21.1 11.0 Siskiwit Bay 10.5 12.5 14.1 4.4 30.4 26.7 46.3 19.8 41.7 31.6 10.2 4.6 25.9 31.6 12.6 8.3 2.7 36.0 - 19.5 37.8 Three Mile 8.7 9.3 17.3 14.9 11.4 11.8 31.8 4.1 24.8 16.7 13.0 19.5 7.0 15.0 6.7 15.1 22.2 21.1 19.5 - 23.0 Todd Harbor 27.1 25.7 33.0 33.2 12.6 11.3 8.8 18.8 4.0 6.6 28.9 38.3 17.3 21.5 28.4 31.0 40.1 11.0 37.8 23.0 - Washington Creek Chickenbone E Chickenbone W Trail Mileage MileagesBetween Campgrounds 2023 – Your Guide To Isle Royale National Park 7 Things to Do 8 Hiking Boating Miles of trail wind through forests and hug the shoreline, climb steeply to ridgetop views, and descend into wetlands. Ninety-nine pecent of the park’s land base is designated wilderness that beckons you to explore. Hundreds of islands and surrounding Lake Superior waters are within park boundaries. Numerous docks and anchorages provide access for power and sailboats. Camping Thirty-six campgrounds are scattered throughout the park. Campsites are accessible only by foot or watercraft. All campgrounds have tent sites, outhouses, and are near a water source. Many of the campgrounds located on the Lake Superior shoreline offer docks, shelters, and picnic tables. Camping Permits are required for all overnight stays at campgrounds, cross-country sites, docks, or at anchor. Group Camping (seven or more people) Advance reservations are required for any group or organization, including families and friends traveling together, bringing seven or more people to the island (see below). Small-party Camping (six or fewer people) All small-party campsites contain either tent sites or a three-sided shelter. Sites for individual small parties are available first-come, first-served. No reservations. Expect crowded campsites from mid-July through midSeptember. Expect to have conversations about sharing sites. Obtain a Permit: Overnight boaters need to permit ahead of time. Call (906) 482-0984. Plan Ahead: All boaters should become familiar with information in the Isle Royale Boating Guide. Visit www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/boating-guide.htm. Lake Superior offers challenging and often dangerous weather: fog, high winds, waves, and thunderstorms. Combine rocky reefs and limited safe harbors with Isle Royale’s remoteness, and it pays for you, your crew, and your boat to be shipshape. Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species: Vessel owners are legally responsible for invasive species decontamination prior to entering park waters (extending 4.5 miles into Lake Superior from the outermost land areas of the park). Learn how to decontaminate your vessel at stopaquatichitchhikers.org/prevention. Day Use: Boaters visiting the park or park waters for the day are required to pay entrance fees (see page 12) and are encouraged to fill out a day permit. Call (906) 482-0984. How to Select a Campsite: Overnight Stays: Boaters staying overnight at anchor, at docks, or in campgrounds must obtain a permit. 1. At a campground, camp at a designated tent site or occupy a shelter. Restricted Water Activities: 2. When all sites are occupied, use the identified overflow group campsite (if present). • Water skiing and personal watercraft including vessels referred to as Jet Skis, Waverunners, or Sea-doos are prohibited in all park waters. 3. When all sites are occupied, ask to share a tent site. • Vessels with motors (even if not in use) are prohibited on interior lakes and streams. 4. When all sites are occupied and there are no viable tent sites to share, ask to pitch your tent or hammock outside a shelter. 5. When options 1-4 are full, camp outside of campground per cross-country camping regulations and zone map. Shelters: Shelters may not be reserved and may not be used solely for cooking or gear storage. Tents may be used inside shelters. Using nails, staples, tacks, and/or tape to attach items is prohibited. Hammocks: In campgrounds, hammocks may only be used within the existing impacted area of designated sites and not in the surrounding trees. Hammocks may not be hung inside shelters. Permissible hammock locations may not be available; bring a tent. Choose trees with care; many cannot support a hammock. Hammock use must not damage trees. Cross-Country Camping Terrain and vegetation make off-trail hiking and camping difficult. Visit www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/cross-country-camping.htm. Quiet/No Wake Zones: These zones promote quality visitor experience by providing relatively tranquil, natural marine surroundings. Within the zone, vessels must not exceed 5 mph or create a wake in excess of surrounding seas (see pages 6 and 7). Visit www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/quiet-no-wake.htm. On-Board Generators: The operation or use of permanently installed (by the boat manufacturer) on-board vessel generators is limited to specific times and locations. Visit www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/boating-guide.htm. Portable Generators are pr