Isle Royale

Your Guide to Isle Royale National Park www.nps.gov/isro National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Enduring Service Throughout history, ancestors of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa crossed Gichigami (Lake Superior) in birch bark canoes. They traveled 14 miles over the largest freshwater lake in the world, and landed on a place that would come to be known as Minong – Anishinaabemowin for “the good place.” From their mainland homes, the North Shore Anishinaabe would return to Minong again and again – hunting, fishing, trapping, foraging, and sugar bushing. As Europeans colonized the region, Anishinaabe lifeways were altered, but they never vanished – and today, the descendants of these early peoples visit Minong often, to practice the teachings of their ancestors – the original stewards of this land. Since 1916, the American people have entrusted the National Park Service (NPS) with the care of their most special places. Wallace Stegner, writer and historian, called national parks “America’s best idea – absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.” This idea – that these American spaces are for everyone, they should be preserved for the enjoyment of all, is a lesson in persistence. Every April, snow or shine, the RANGER III breaks ice in Rock Harbor Channel and lands on Minong, delivering its latest crop of rangers. These stewards leave their homes and families for six months, isolated on a remote island. Some come in search of work, some in search of adventure, but all to serve a mission – protect and preserve the land unimpaired for future generations. How do park rangers protect and preserve Isle Royale National Park? They build trails and dig privies. They fight wildfires and search for lost hikers. They monitor inland lakes for harmful algae blooms and repair historic structures like Rock Harbor Lighthouse. They help visitors plan their trips, and assist when their ferries or seaplanes are cancelled due to weather. All of these tasks not only serve a mission, they also support a connection. A human connection to place – one that has endured for centuries, exemplified by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and also cultivated by the thousands of visitors each year who connect with Isle Royale’s peace, solace, and sanctuary. What is life without connections like these? Nature, art, history – national parks have it all; “America’s best idea,” indeed – the NPS preserves and protects places that tell our nation’s greatest stories of endurance, upheaval, persistence, and renewal – all themes we experience in our own lives. Minong will go on with or without us – each spring, the snow will melt, loons will return, orchids will bloom, waves will crash upon its rocky shoreline. But will peace, solitude, and sanctuary persist? With your support, it's possible. Bridget Byrne, Isle Royale National Park Ranger, 2017-2025 Printing courtesy of Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association. Park Persistence...........................................2 Camping, Boating......................................8 Food Storage................................................3 Paddling, Diving, Fishing...........................9.. Printed by Christensen Printing & Publishing on recycled paper using agri-based inks. Your Safety Is Your Responsibility.................4 Visitor Centers, Programs, Lodging..........10.. Protect Your Park.........................................5 Transportation Services, Fees...................11.. Map, Campgrounds,Trails........................6-7 Contacts, Support Your Park.....................12.. Please recycle. Park Persistence 2 A Wilderness Worth Protecting What makes Isle Royale a place worth protecting? When the National Park was established in 1940, its enabling legislation set apart a remote island archipelago and the surrounding Lake Superior waters “for the benefit and enjoyment of the public and to preserve and protect its wilderness character, cultural and natural resources, scenery, and ecological processes.” As Isle Royale National Park celebrates its 85th anniversary in 2025, we work to ensure sustainable operations and reosurces for the next 85 years. For National Park Service staff, being entrusted with the care of your public lands is a job we love. To do it well we need – and welcome – everyone: Volunteers, who donate their time to paint camp shelters and survey trails. Nonprofit partners, who fund special projects and support initiatives like lessening dependenace on fossil fuels. Concessions, who provide transportation and services like fishing charters. And yes, visitors, who return to Isle Royale again and again to camp, hike, fish, boat, and paddle. Whether you are visiting Isle Royale virtually, for the first time, or the tenth time, I trust your experience will be rewarding! Isle Royale presents both opportunities and challenges, some that may surprise you. Be safe, enjoy your explorations, and when you ask yourself “how can I help Isle Royale persist?” listen with your head, heart, and all your senses. Denice Swanke Isle Royale National Park Superintendent Generational Stewards The Johns family is one of many family who have deeply connected with Isle Royale for generations, embracing its history and wilderness. Their story began in 1861, when John F. Johns established a small fishing camp in the Washington Harbor area. In 1996, the family-led restoration of the Johns Hotel (the first hotel on the island) began when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. From homesteading in 1891 to maintaining a strong partnership with Isle Royale National Park today, the Johns family knows a thing about persistence. This ethos became a cornerstone of their legacy, passed down through generations. Today, the Johns family continues to persist on Isle Royale – not as settlers, but as stewards of the Johns Hotel Historical Point Association. They spearhead the hotel restoration and lead educational tours of the Hotel, which contains original artifacts, providing public access. For the family, each visit deepens their understanding of Isle Royale as a place of persistence and renewal — for humans and nature, history, the present and the future. Through the Johns family, Isle Royale’s persistence story comes alive, reminding visitors that wilderness and family heritage can endure in harmony. Susanna Johns, Johns Family Historical Point Association Fishing for the Future: Participate in the 2025 Creel Survey To help Isle Royale National Park staff preserve the persistence of the Isle Royale fishery, researchers will conduct a creel survey in 2025. With this research, staff hope to gain insights into Isle Royale-Lake Superior fish populations, fishing patterns, and angler preferences. A “creel” is a basket used to hold caught fish. The last Isle Royale creel survey was conducted in 1998. To accomplish this survey, the park is partnering with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to gather data from anglers on the water, at docks, and on RANGER III. Participation in the survey is voluntary – anglers will be asked to report on their catch rates, species, and fishing methods. The survey results will inform management strategies to enhance fishing experiences, while also preserving the ecological integrity of the Isle Royale-Lake Superior fishery. This collaboration between DNR and NPS highlights the shared commitment to understanding and preserving Michigan’s natural resources. Be on the lookout for creel clerks this summer – your participation is invaluable! 2 Your Guide To Isle Royale National Park – 2025 3 Resilience in Ecosystems As an opportunistic and often omnivorous carnivore, red foxes are no strangers to persisting. Known as curious creatures, many Isle Royale visitors share gleeful stories about “camp foxes” – foxes that are frequently sighted around busy campgrounds, intrepidly observing human activities, and wondering if they may be the lucky benefactor of a forgotten granola bar, or a salty, sweaty (delicious!) sock. When wolves were reintroduced to Isle Royale in 2018, island carnivores had no choice but to re-establish forgotten relationships. Recent research from the NPS and the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, examined the impacts of wolf reintroduction, revealing insights into the persistence of species who must adapt to change within an isolated island ecosystem. After reintroduction, wolves initially limited where foxes went – they naturally wanted to avoid the larger and more dominant predators. In response to these newly imparted limitations, foxes started to more frequently exploit camp areas and the food resources that are associated with humans. Human resources and space use can have a strong role in shaping carnivore interactions. On Isle Royale, humans likely shielded foxes from wolves by providing a consequence-free alternative food resource, as opposed to scavenging wolf kills. The pervasive and persistent impact of human presence in an isolated, wilderness ecosystem can have enduring impact – when examining fox tissue, research reflected a diet made up largely of human foods. As the Isle Royale ecosystem responds to new or forgotten dynamics, and fox resume their typical behaviors in the presence of wolves, this research imparts key lessons. The first is crucial: never feed wildlife and always properly secure your food. The second, less apparent yet equally significant, is that persistence in the face of change ensures survival. Johnathan Pauli, Department of Forest & Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin Camping & Food Storage Requirements In order to protect wildlife and visitors, new regulations are in place within Isle Royale National Park. "Food storage" refers to any food, trash, scented items, cooking supplies and utensils, fish, etc. New for 2025 Food Storage Lockers Animal-resistant containers are now required for overnight camping. Containers on this list, typically known as "bear-resistant cannisters," are approved. Containers not on this list are not guaranteed to be in food storage compliance. Throughout the 2025 season, park staff will be implementing food storage lockers at every campground throughout Isle Royale. Installation is ongoing and lockers may or may not be in place at the time of your trip. Do not leave belongings unattended. Boaters must secure items in boat cabin or container. Example of a compliant animal-resistant container. Recreation Food Storage Regulations Food storage lockers are not for full packs; put food and items in animal resistant container and place in locker. Campers, Backpackers, Paddlers 1. Store items in animal-resistant container. Do not leave trash in lockers or abandon items. 2. If in a shelter, keep container in shelter. If in a shelter, keep container in shelter in order to save space in food storage locker. 3. If in a tent site, place container in food storage locker. Cross-Country Campers Boaters Daytrippers, Lodge Guests 4. If no food storage locker, hang container 12 feet high, 6 feet from tree trunk. If unable to hang, secure container to a boulder, log, or tree 200 feet from camp. Hang container 12 feet high, 6 feet from tree trunk. If unable to hang, secure container to a boulder, log, or tree 200 feet from camp. Secure items in boat cabin or container. Use backpack storage areas. Wolf / Human Conflict Management Park staff and partners will be conducting operations to haze wolves out of developed areas and campgrounds. These activities could utilize noise producing devices, visual deterrents, fencing, paintball markers, pyrotechnics, and non-lethal shotgun rounds. The intention of these activities is to adversely condition wolves to human presence in these areas. For more food storage information, visit: https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/food-storage.htm 2025 – 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. 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. Cellphone service is unreliable; do not depend on it. To contact the park in an emergency: (440) 546-5945 Assess Risk Drinking Water Watch the Weather. Conditions deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly. Potable water is only available in Rock Harbor and Windigo/ Ozaagaateng. Early and late season visitors should plan for no potable water anywhere on-island. Huddle Up. Start each day discussing expected conditions and potential safety issues. Care for Your Companions. Monitor health and energy levels of party members. Be Flexible. When issues arise, evaluate. Should you keep going, take a break, or change your trip plan? 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 – 2025 Lake Superior and interior waters should be considered non-potable. Purify Water: Use one of these methods: • 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 Toxic Water Alert Algal blooms have occurred in interior lakes and can be toxic. Purification 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/Ozaagaateng, 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. Animal-resistant containers are now required for overnight camping. Containers on this list, are approved. Containers not on this list are not guaranteed to be in food storage compliance. Trash: All trash and leftover food (including peels, cores, and nutshells) must be packed out in animal-resistant container. Do not burn, bury, or place in outhouses. 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. 2025 – 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/Ozaagaateng 22mi/35km 2 hours one-way Sea Hunter III Grand Portage, MN, to Windigo/Ozaagaateng 22mi/35km 1.5 hours one-way Seaplane Beaver Island 3 0 3 0 S Belle Isle 5 1 6 0 F Birch Island 3 1 1 0 S Caribou Island 3 1 2 0 CR Chickenbone E 2 3 0 1 S Chickenbone W 2 6 0 3 S Chippewa Harbor 3 2 4 1 F Daisy Farm 3 6 16 3 S Desor N 2 3 0 0 S 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 Hay Bay 3 1 0 0 S Huginnin Cove 3 5 0 0 S Intermediate Lake 2 3 0 0 S Island Mine 3 4 0 2 F Lake Richie 2 4 0 2 S Lake Richie/Canoe 2 3 0 0 S Lake Whittlesey 2 3 0 0 S Lane Cove 1* 5 0 0 S Little Todd 2 4 0 0 F Malone Bay 3 0 5 2 F McCargoe Cove 3 3 6 3 CR Merritt Lane 3 1 1 0 S Moskey Basin 3 2 6 2 S Pickerel Cove 2 1 0 0 S Rock Harbor 1* 11 9 3 S-W Rock Harbor Marina 14 0 0 0 F-W Siskiwit Bay 3 4 2 3 CR Three Mile 1* 4 8 3 S Tobin Harbor Dock 5 0 0 0 S Todd Harbor 3 5 1 3 CR Tookers Island 3 0 2 0 S Washington Creek (Windigo/Ozaagaateng) 3* 5 10 4 S-W Windigo/Ozaagaateng Dock 3 0 0 0 S Wood Lake 2 3 0 0 S *Rock Harbor, Three Mile, Lane Cove, & Washington Creek stay limit in effect 6/1 - 9/21. 6 Your Guide To Isle Royale National Park – 2025 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 Hubbell, MI, to Windigo/Ozaagaateng 61mi/98km 35-45 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 Hubbell, MI, to Rock Harbor 71mi/114km 35-45 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 - 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 MileagesBetween Campgrounds 2025 – 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 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) No reservations. All small-party campsites contain either tent sites or a three-sided shelter. Sites for individual small parties are available firstcome, first-served. Expect crowded campsites from mid-July through midSeptember. Expect to have conversations about sharing sites. Obtain a Permit: Overnight boaters need a 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 11) 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 perm