Last updated: February 23, 2022
Thing to Do
Greenstone Section 5: Hike from Hatchet Lake to Ishpeming Tower
NPS / DERRICK JAEGER
About this Trail
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Mileage: About 3.8 miles
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Overgrown vegetation near trail
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Changing trail conditions require a map, compass, and navigation skills
Trailheads
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Hidden Lake via private boat or water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge.
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McCargoe Cove via Voyageur II passenger ferry. Reservations are needed in advance.
Ascending the Greenstone Ridge Trail from the Hatchet Lake Campground is short but steep. Once you climb on top of the ridge you are rewarded with an excellent view (on a clear day) of Siskiwit Lake, Siskiwit Bay, Malone Bay, and the Isle Royale Lighthouse. This trail section offers forested wilderness, ridgetop treks, and scenic viewing points sprinkled throughout. Ishpeming Tower will surprise you at the end of this trail section as it pops out of the forest without warning. The tower is no longer staffed and is used for research.
Diverge from the Greenstone and Hike to Malone
At the Ishpeming Tower is the junction to Ishpeming Trail which leads to Malone Bay Campground. This alternative route is about 7 miles long. The Ishpeming Trail is less traveled and minimally maintained for the ultimate wilderness experience. Water access for purifying isn't available until about 3.5 miles down the Ishpeming Trail at Siskiwit Lake. There is a ranger station at Malone Bay that is intermittently staffed. Check in with the park before your trip for the most up-to-date information. There is a dock at Malone Bay where the ferry, the Voyageur II, offers passenger transportation. Reservations for the Voyageur II are necessary ahead of time. The ferry only services Malone Bay if people have made reservations in advance.
Found Nearby
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Hatchet Lake Campground
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South Lake Desor Campground
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Malone Bay Campground
Details
Duration
1 Day
Activity
Backcountry Camping
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Hatchet Lake at Isle Royale National Park
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Accessibility Information
The trail is 18 inches wide and covered in rocks and roots.
Hatchet Lake Campground
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Basic Information
Amenities
Fire/Stove Policy
Toilet Types
Shower Types
Weather
Email Address
Phone number (Voice)
Mailing Address
Physical Address
Directions
Additional Information
Cell Phone Additional Information
Internet Additional Information
Regulations
Image Gallery
Accessibility Information
South Lake Desor Campground
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Basic Information
Amenities
Fire/Stove Policy
Toilet Types
Shower Types
Weather
Email Address
Phone number (Voice)
Mailing Address
Physical Address
Directions
Additional Information
Cell Phone Additional Information
Internet Additional Information
Regulations
Image Gallery
Accessibility Information
Malone Bay Campground
Loading...
Basic Information
Amenities
Fire/Stove Policy
Toilet Types
Shower Types
Weather
Email Address
Phone number (Voice)
Mailing Address
Physical Address
Directions
Additional Information
Cell Phone Additional Information
Internet Additional Information
Regulations
Image Gallery
Accessibility Information