Backpack the Minong Ridge Trail

• McCargoe Cove
• Rock Harbor via Greenstone Ridge Trail
• Windigo

Start at McCargoe Cove

• Night 1: McCargoe Cove Campground
  • Day hike to Minong Mine
  • Arrive at McCargoe Cove by foot or get dropped off by the Voyageur II
• Night 2: Todd Harbor Campground
  • Via Minong Ridge Trail (about 6.7 miles)
• Night 3: Little Todd Harbor Campground
  • Via Minong Ridge Trail (about 6.8 miles)
• Night 4: North Lake Desor Campground
  • Via Minong Ridge Trail (about 5.7 miles)
• Night 5: Washington Creek Campground near Windigo
  • Via Minong Ridge Trail (about 12.6 miles)

Start at Windigo

• Night 1: North Lake Desor Campground
  • Via Minong Ridge Trail (about 12.6 miles)
• Night 2: Little Todd Harbor Campground
  • Via Minong Ridge Trail (about 5.7 miles)
• Night 3: Todd Harbor Campground
  • Via Minong Ridge Trail (about 6.8 miles)
• Night 4: McCargoe Cove Campground
  • Via Minong Ridge Trail (about 6.7 miles)
• End of Trip Transportation Options
  • Option 1: Get picked up by Voyageur II at McCargoe Cove Dock
  • Option 2: Hike into Rock Harbor
  • Option 3: Hike into Windigo

Transportation

• Planning a trip to Isle Royale can feel complicated. Figuring out your transportation is the first step. 
• Isle Royale is only accessible by seaplane, passenger ferry, or private boat. There are no roads or cars on Isle Royale.

Permits

• Permits are required, regardless of group size or method of travel, for all overnight stays at campgrounds, cross country sites, docks, or at anchor. 

• Traveling with a group of 7 or more? You will need advanced reservations to camp. Learn more about group camping at Isle Royale. 

Entrance fees

There is no camping fee. There is a daily entrance fee of $7 per day. Plan ahead and pay your fees before your trip. 

• Isle Royale is isolated. Services are limited in the park. Be conservative and self-sufficient during your trip.
• Cell phone service is unreliable. Do not depend on it.
• A State of Michigan fishing license is required to fish Lake Superior; you do not need a license for interior lakes and streams.
• Check current conditions in the park before your trip.

• Stay hydrated.

• Watch the weather. Conditions deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly.

• Basic emergency services are available on the island, but response and evacuation take time. Self-reliance is the only immediate option in an emergency.

• Leave what you find. Removing, possessing, or disturbing park resources is prohibited. 

• Pack it in, pack it out. All trash and leftover food must be packed out of the backcountry.

• Store food properly by securing in a hard sided, scent proof container, or doubled zip-lock bags.

• Campfires are permitted only at a handful of campgrounds. A backpacking stove is recommended.

• Respect wildlife. Observe from a safe distance. It is illegal to feed, touch, tease, or intentionally disturb wildlife, their homes, nests, or activities. 

• Dogs, cats, and other mammals are not allowed, including pets on boats within park boundaries.

• Mosquitos and black flies peak in June or July and can continue into August. Wasps are common. Bring an epinephrine kit if allergic to stings.