Safety
- Your safety is your responsibility. Have a conservative trip plan, plan your gear with conditions in mind, be first aid ready, and have plans on what you might do in case something goes wrong. Self-rescue is the best rescue as park response is limited and help could be hours or days away.
COVID-19
- Masks are currently required in Isle Royale buildings and aboard Ranger III due to high-community spread of COVID-19.
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Check out the most up-to-date Covid-19 details.
Alerts & Closures
- The Rock Harbor Lighthouse Tower is closed. The museum is open.
- Cross-country camping zones 10, 9A, and 8A are closed due to damage from the 2021 Horne Fire.
Transportation Services
Questions about transportation services and making reservations for 2022 may be directed toward respective providers.
Facilities
- Visitor Centers Hours
- Rock Harbor Lodge:
- Fuel and pump-out service available 5/27 - 9/10
- The MV Sandy tour boat is out of service through at least 8/10.
- Windigo Store:
- Fuel and pump-out service available 6/7 - 9/10
Bug Report
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Biting insects abound. Come prepared with gear of your choice (bug nets, repellent, etc.) and much patience!
Camping
- Busy Campgrounds: Expect crowded campsites from mid-July through mid-September. Expect to have conversations about sharing sites.
Trails
- Trail Navigation: Expect slow hiking conditions due to downed trees. Beaver activity changes hydrology causing water-logged trails or blockages that must be navigated around. Bring hiking poles to assist with difficult sections and wear sturdy, well-broken-in footwear. Have a map and compass and know how to use them.
- Horne Fire: All trails affected by the 2021 Horne Fire are open.
Weather
- Cool at the Shoreline, Hot in the Interior: Lake Superior creates cool shoreline conditions, while ridgelines can be 10-15 degrees warmer. Bring layers for varying temperatures and rain gear.
- Water is Life: Stay Hydrated
- Recreational Forecast: Get the latest recreational weather forecast for Isle Royale National Park.
- Marine Forecast: Check out the Marine Forecast.
Water Conditions
- Caution - Algal Blooms: Visitors should use caution not just on any inland lake that appears to have algal-bloom like symptoms (pea-soup, green sludge, blue-green blobs). Visitors are encouraged to report any sightings to park rangers and avoid interacting with water with suspect conditions.
- Lake Richie Water Warning: Do not drink, filter, or boil water from Lake Richie. Filter or boil water prior to traveling to the area. Lake Richie is experiencing a cyanobacteria algal bloom. It is harmful to ingest.
Wildlife
- Cow Moose with Calves: Cow moose are extremely protective of their calves. If you see a cow moose (no antlers), look to see if there is a calf around. If a cow moose were to approach, protect yourself by putting a large tree or rock between you and the moose.
- Wolves: If you see a wolf, do not approach. If the wolf comes closer, encourage it to leave by clapping and yelling. If you cannot safely leave, make yourself big and aggressively use hiking poles or branches. Wolf attacks are extremely rare and unlikely to happen, but if it does, fight by any means necessary.
- Stinging Insects: Dry summers often result in an abundance of wasps. Bring an epinephrine kit if allergic to stings.
Flora
- Berries: Edible berries are present throughout the park. Make sure you confirm the species of berries before consuming as some are toxic to humans.