Best Hikes in Isle Royale National Park
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Isle Royale is one of the least-visited national parks in the contiguous United States — and one of the most rewarding for hikers willing to make the effort to get there. The island sits in Lake Superior about 50 miles off the Minnesota shore, accessible only by seaplane or ferry. There are no roads, no cars, and no casual day-trippers. Everyone here came for the backcountry.
The island is 45 miles long and 9 miles wide at its widest, with a ridge-and-valley topography that runs its entire length. The main trail, the Greenstone Ridge Trail, follows the spine of the island at elevation. A network of connector trails drops down to coves, lakes, and historic sites on both the northeast and southwest shores.
Getting There
There are four ways to reach Isle Royale:
- Ferry from Houghton, Michigan (Isle Royale Queen IV): 6-hour crossing to Rock Harbor on the northeast end. Operates seasonally (mid-May through September).
- Ferry from Copper Harbor, Michigan (Isle Royale Ferry): 4.5-hour crossing to Rock Harbor. Seasonal.
- Ferry from Grand Portage, Minnesota (Voyageur II or Wenonah): 3-hour crossing to either Windigo (southwest end) or stops along the island. This is the closest departure point for most Minnesota visitors.
- Seaplane from Houghton, Michigan: 35-minute flight to Rock Harbor or Windigo. Most expensive option, best for accessing trailheads quickly.
The park is open mid-April through October. It closes for winter — one of the very few national parks to do so.
Greenstone Ridge Trail
The 40-mile Greenstone Ridge Trail is the backbone of Isle Royale hiking. It runs the full length of the island from Windigo in the southwest to Lookout Louise near Rock Harbor in the northeast, following the high ridge at 1,200–1,300 feet above sea level with sweeping views over Lake Superior and the inland lakes below.
Most hikers do the Greenstone as a point-to-point, taking the ferry from Grand Portage to Windigo (the southwest terminus) and hiking east to Rock Harbor over 4–7 days, then ferrying back. This is the classic Isle Royale thru-hike.
Key campsites along the ridge: Island Mine, Hatchet Lake, South Lake Desor, Chickenbone Lake, Daisy Farm. Most sites have shelters and tent pads; backcountry permits required.
Rock Harbor Area (Northeast End)
Rock Harbor is the main developed area of the park, with a lodge, marina, store, and NPS visitor center. It's the hub for northeast-end hiking and where most ferry arrivals from Michigan land.
Lookout Louise
The best day hike from Rock Harbor. The trail climbs to an open rock outcrop with a panoramic view over the island and Lake Superior — on a clear day, you can see the Canadian shore. About 4 miles round trip from the Tobin Harbor trail connection.
Scoville Point Loop
A short, rocky loop along the tip of the Rock Harbor area peninsula. Good views over the harbor and offshore islands. 4 miles round trip. Good for an evening walk after arrival.
Rock Harbor Lighthouse
A restored 1855 lighthouse at the end of a short trail from the Rock Harbor area. Good for a morning or afternoon add-on.
Windigo Area (Southwest End)
Windigo is the southwest gateway to the park — smaller and quieter than Rock Harbor, with a ranger station, small store, and dock. It's the preferred entry point for hikers doing the Greenstone east-to-west or the southwest-end loop trails.
Huginnin Cove Loop
One of the best moderate loops in the southwest section. The trail circles a remote cove, passing through boreal forest and along the Lake Superior shoreline. Excellent wildlife viewing — moose are frequently seen in the cove. 9.4 miles round trip from Windigo.
Feldtmann Lake Loop
A 2–3 day loop from Windigo through the southwest interior, passing Feldtmann Lake and Rainbow Cove before returning via the Lake Superior shoreline. One of the best overnight routes on the island for those with limited time. About 23 miles total.
Interior Lake Routes
Isle Royale has 36 inland lakes, many connected by short portages. Canoe and kayak camping on these lakes is excellent — the island maintains canoe routes on Lake Richie, Chickenbone Lake, and several others. Boats can be rented from Rock Harbor Lodge or brought on the ferry.
Lake Richie
The largest canoe lake on the island, set in a long valley below the Greenstone Ridge. Good fishing and secluded campsites. Access from the Rock Harbor area via the Moskey Basin connector trail and short portage.
Chickenbone Lake
A long, narrow lake just below the Greenstone Ridge at mid-island. A key overnight stop for Greenstone thru-hikers and canoeists crossing the island. Campsites with shelters at each end of the lake.
Wildlife
Isle Royale is home to one of the most-studied predator-prey relationships in the world: a wolf–moose system that has been monitored continuously since 1958. The moose population is large and visible — you're very likely to see one, particularly in the coves and near lakes in early morning. Wolves are much rarer to spot but present on the island.
Common wildlife encounters: moose (extremely common), loons (on every lake), beaver, red foxes (especially near Rock Harbor), and bald eagles.
Backcountry Permit and Planning Notes
- All overnight stays require a backcountry permit, available at the park visitor centers (Houghton, Rock Harbor, Windigo) or through recreation.gov in advance.
- Group size is limited to 7 people.
- Reservations for campsites are recommended for peak summer dates — shelters and prime sites fill early.
- Carry a water filter — giardia is present.
- No open fires at most backcountry sites; bring a camp stove.
- Cell service is essentially nonexistent on the island. Download your maps offline before departure.
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