Isle Royale Forums

I've paddled all of the east end of the island and did a short Huginnin loop trip last year, but I need to see the rest of the island! So planning to backpack the western half this summer. Could be anywhere from solo to 4 folks ranging in experience. I'm thinking either Windigo to Chippewa, or McCargoe to Windigo. Probably be a 6 night trip, so thinking I'll plan 5 and have an extra day. Also thinking much over 8 miles/day would probably take the fun out of it.

So my questions are:
(1) Any thoughts on which direction?
(2) Where are the hard parts? (haven't pulled DuFresne's book out yet to read the trail descriptions)
(3) Desor South or Hatchet Lake for a layover day? (not Island Mine, I know )
(4) Is a night at Todd Harbor a trump card? (done Chippewa but others have not)
(5) Should I consider the Feldtmann loop, despite the 10+ miles between Feldtmann and Siskiwit?

Windigo -> Chippewa:
1st night, Island Mine, 6.6 mi
2nd night, Desor South, 5.5 mi
3rd night, Hatchet Lake, 8.1 mi
4th night, Chickenbone West, 9.1 mi
5th night, Chippewa, 7.9 mi

McCaroe -> Windigo
1st night, McCargoe
2nd night, Todd Harbor, 6.7 mi
3rd night, Hatchet Lake, 4.1 mi
4th night, Desor South, 8.1 mi
5th night, Island Mine, 5.5 mi
Last day, Washington Creek, 6.6 mi to catch the boat
or book it to Washington Creek from Desor, 11.3 mi

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!
John I

Welcome to the light side of the force!

I'd throw my vote for the Windigo to Chippewa route. Island Mine is poopy, but that's the only negative. Some of the mileage might look intimidating, but it's relatively easy. The Greenstone is an easy hike.

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1.) I'd agree with Fonix, and go Windigo to Chippewa. For one, since you've done a lot of water routes, this gives you a chance to be on the high ridge longer. Much of the Greenstone from Desor South to Windigo is in the trees, whereas the stretch from Hatchet to Chickenbone provides some great open views to the South and Siskiwit lake. If any of your hiking party is new to Isle Royale, I think this route provides a slightly higher percentage of "Oh, wow" moments.

2.) For that route and direction, there is nothing that is TOO difficult. The climb out of Windigo to Island Mine is pretty much up hill, but it's a very slow incline. The hike out of Hatchet Lake campsite is also a good-morning leg burner. However, you'll be going downhill a few of the other tougher spots, like the hill about .75 miles west of Chickenbone... The Greenstone is a very treadable trail.

3.) If picking between those two, I'd probably take Hatchet. It's fairly well protected from the winds (a stiff north wind at Desor South is wicked) and is a nice, quiet spot. I think the campsites are just a bit nicer, too, with better tent pads. As a bonus, if the legs are feeling good, load a light pack with water and lunch, and dayhike to Todd Harbor. That trail is pretty easy, not much up and down, and soft. I wouldn't make it a mandatory rest day, though. If everyone feels good, I'd push on and add an extra camp, either Ritchie or Moskey.

4.) I don't think so. Todd Harbor is nice, but I'd take Chippewa over that. Honestly, short of the shelter or the site under the cedar trees lakeside of the trail, I'm not a huge fan of the Todd Harbor campsites. Unless, of course, you hike over and take a group site, which are awesome. There are a few more 'things' to explore, of course, but I'd save those for the next hike! (Or the lunch/dayhike option.)

5.) You can't go wrong with the Feldtmann Loop, but like you say, the mileage is longer. It's a great trail for peace, solitude, and trying to watch moose. However, it doesn't offer the same views per mile as the Greenstone, and is harder on the legs. The only 'ridge' you hike is between Feldtman and Siskiwit. You'll spend more time in lowlands and swamplands. The Feldtman tower is better than Ishpeming, of course. (You'll understand once you see the Ishpeming tower. Try not to giggle.) If the folks are new to the Island, I think the Greenstone offers a better 'example' of what the Isle has to offer.

Good luck on the land, Ingo!

Thanks guys for the confirmation. Looks like one daughter is coming along for sure and trying to talk her boyfriend into it. Will plan the Windigo -> Chippewa route, but it may have to change to McCargoe -> Windigo to accommodate travel and the VII's schedule. Other daughter in Seattle is interested too, if she can get the time. Could be fun coordinating it all . Looking at the last half of July.

Ingo wrote:Will plan the Windigo -> Chippewa route, but it may have to change to McCargoe -> Windigo to accommodate travel and the VII's schedule.

Why's that? You know you'll have to pay some more coin for the McCargoe -> Rock (overnight) -> Grand Portage leg, right?

Ingo wrote:Looking at the last half of July.

If you are going then, the new boat should be running day trips. You could catch this boat out to McCargoe, and then the VII back from Chippewa.

fonixmunkee wrote:

Ingo wrote:Will plan the Windigo -> Chippewa route, but it may have to change to McCargoe -> Windigo to accommodate travel and the VII's schedule.

Why's that? You know you'll have to pay some more coin for the McCargoe -> Rock (overnight) -> Grand Portage leg, right?

Ingo wrote:Looking at the last half of July.

If you are going then, the new boat should be running day trips. You could catch this boat out to McCargoe, and then the VII back from Chippewa.

Option 1: VII or Sea Hunter to Windigo, then VII back from Chippewa. Out any day except Tue, back on Tue/Thu/Sun.
Option 2: VII to McCargoe, then VII or Sea Hunter back from Windigo. Out on Mon/Wed/Sat, back any day except Mon.
Hopefully we can make one of those work for everyone . Note that the Sea Hunter doesn't run on Mon or Tue.