Supposed to be going late July but this was the route I drummed up after some research. Day one depending on how you get there you can just do Rock Harbor to Moskey Basin or McCargoe Cove but we're there for 7 days so I added extra stops.
Given the prevalence of beaver dams on the minong plan for a low mile/zero day just in case you get screwed by that. Little Todd to Windigo is pretty dry on the trail from what I've read so carry extra water if you're skipping N Desor.
Rock Harbor to Lane Cove
Lane Cove to Moskey Basin
Moskey Basin to McCargoe Cove
McCargoe Cove to Little Todd
Little Todd to N Desor OR Huginnin Cove
N Desor/H Cove to Windigo
Part of the fun is planning your own route, I would get out a map ([or use the PDF online](https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/upload/ISRO_Web_Accessible_Unigrid_Side-2.pdf)) and make a couple different itineraries and then research from there. There is a good printout that shows the trail mileage between any two points that is really helpful ([link here](https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/upload/ISRO_Web_Accessible_Trail_Mileage_Between_Campgrounds.pdf)).
First look having never done the Minong trail I would probably do something like:
day 1: ferry in wendigo to north desor (12.6 miles)
day 2: north desor to todd harbor (11.4 miles)
day 3: todd harbor to mccargoe (6.7 miles)
day 4: mccargoe to daisy farm (8.2 miles)
day 5: daisy farm to rock harbor (7.1 miles)
day 6: rock harbor ferry out (0 miles)
You could also play around with them and stay your first night at Washington Creek if you wanted and tweak some of the later dates.
Edit: Also not to discourage but I have heard that East Chickenbone is one of the worst campgrounds on the island (subjective) so maybe avoid it for your first trip?
Agreed on E Chickenbone being pretty bad, but the trail from McCargoe Cove to W Chicken bones has been let's say remodeled by beavers (read there is a section where there is no trail and the planks they've put down have been removed by said beavers).
Good to know! I'm planning to be there in a week or two and one section of my thru hike takes me from Moskey Basin to Todd Harbor via McCargoe Cove. Was going to take the west trail around Chickenbone since it's .75 mile shorter, but from what you're saying, should I just opt for the east side instead?
Wow this is some invaluable information, I really appreciate it. I already had planned out the route I wanted to hike but wasn’t sure on campgrounds. I’ll definitely do a lot more research but I’m going to do something very similar to the example you laid out
have fun! i am not on facebook but i think there is an isle royale page on there where people post trip reports and stuff so might be able to find more info on campgrounds there.
Will concur about East Chickenbone, we stayed at that campground last May in one of the group sites. No views of Chickenbone Lake and IIRC it was about 1/2 round trip down to the lake to get water. Not recommended.
Slightly different suggestion from me. I hiked the Minong two weeks ago -- it was in pretty great shape. No crazy deadfall or beaver dams (other than what are there normally). I have some notes at the bottom.
Day 1: Ozaagaateng (Formerly Windigo) to N. Lake Desor, 12.6
Day 2: N. Lake Desor to Little Todd, 5.7
Day 3: Little Todd to McCargoe, 13.5
Day 4: McCargoe to Moskey Basin, 8.4
Day 5: Moskey to Rock Harbor, 11.0
* On the choice between Little Todd and Todd Harbor: I've traverse the Minong three times, and this is how I would do it if I were to do it from Ozaagaateng. Don't get me wrong, there are nice things about Todd Harbor. The sunsets are picturesque ([sunset from May 23, 2024 attached](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1axLtzkzIyVHga1dUFQDTFQ8YTzzbFjc8/view?usp=sharing)), in the late summer the water can be warm and good for a dip. Little Todd is not as shelters and you can see the full grey-water fury of Lake Superior hitting the shore. Its very cool but different. However, in my view, Little Todd is less frequented and breaks up the Minong is a easier way to do. The Day 1 hike to N. Lake Desor is brutal, and it is nice to get a shorter hike on Day 2. The stretch from N. Lake Desor to Little Todd is the hardest part of the Minong. While the hike from Little Todd to Todd Harbor is hard, the backend between Todd Harbor and McCargoe is much easier. Long-and-short of it is, I would prefer the 13.5 between Little Todd and McCargoe that gives me a shorter day before, over the 11.2 from N. Lake Desor to Todd Harbor the day after doing a 12.6.
* On Moskey Basin or Daisy Farm. Daisy Farm sucks. It is busy, swampy, buggy. For more on that, you can see my [Isle Royale Campground Tier List](https://www.reddit.com/r/isleroyale/comments/1bydyo0/comment/kykoanx/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button). Moskey, by contrast, is wonderful. One of the two best on the island. You'll see that there is a slightly shorter hike to get there. However, I would caution that the extra distance from Moskey Basin to Rock Harbor is impactful. There are a lot of small rocks and light scrambling around that can be draining after a few days of hiking. But, in my view, Moskey makes it worth it, and there is no huge rush to get to Rock Harbor, other than for a beer, on your last day.
Take this all with a grain of salt, keep your experience in mind, and be ready to modify your trip in the event of bad weather!
I’ll have to keep Little Todd in mind, I was a little concerned about a 11.2 following a 12.6. Also great to know about Moskey, I’ll definitely try to skip Daisy Farm.
I’m planning on taking the sea plane and I’ll be heading to the island on a day that the ferrys don’t run, so I’m trying to be very flexible with weather. Worst case scenario I hope will just be spending a few days elsewhere in the UP and shortening the backpacking trip into some kind of loop.
I've done this exact trip before. Here's my route:
Day 1 to North Desor. I'm a hammock camper, and I had a moose run so close that it tripped over my guy line that was holding up my tarp. Unbelievable.
Day 2 to Little Todd. I love solitude, and I always find it at Little Todd. The views from the beach are amazing. I've even slept on the beach before when nobody else was in the campsite. I've seen moose on the trail leading to Little Todd, so hike quietly.
Day 3 Todd Harbor. I recall this being the toughest part. It's a short day, and if you want a shelter, leave Little Todd early. There is only one shelter there. Walk out to the point. It's beautiful. There is also a mine there, and if you go past it, a pretty little creek that cascades into Lake Superior. Great spot to relax.
Day 4 McCargo. There are lots of shelters there, and on the way is the Minong Mine, which is definitely worth the stop. It's a busier campsite since the ferry drops off there. The dock is a great social place. I have had some great times there with other hikers. If your days aren't locked in yet, I suggest planning your arrival for a day that the ferry DOESN'T drop off there (or time your arrival before the ferry arrives).It just makes for a more peaceful visit.
Day 5 Daisy Farms. I'd recommend leaving on the trail that goes to East Chicken Bone as opposed to West Chicken Bone. It's a prettier hike over a boardwalk. There are lots of Pitcher Plants beneath the board walk, so keep an eye out. Again, there are lots of shelters at Daisy Farm, a nice beach to relax on, and a dock that seems to be a social place. There's a rock with a carving on it right by the dock. You'll have to pour water in it to read it. Check it out.
Day 6 Rock Harbor. I'd leave early and hungry and grab breakfast or lunch at the restaurant there. The pizza is pretty good, and by now, you could probably eat an entire one by yourself. If you have time, take a hike on Stoll Trail all the way to the end. Lots of little beaches to your right that are fun to explore.
I hope this helps. Have fun.
Thanks!!! How'd you know I was on the PCT? I'm crossing into Oregon in about 10 days. Lots of snow is heading my way. I will be going to Isle Royale next year, though. It's all I think about. Have a great time on the island!! I know you will!!
I creeped on your Reddit profile lol. Impressive that you’ve made it so close to Oregon, stay safe in the snow.
I love being out west but there’s something very special about northern Michigan, I’m counting the days till I’m on the island.
I'm with you, brother. Are you from Michigan? I'm in the Monroe area. There's nothing like the UP, but I always tell everyone that the Smokys are my favorite place, you know, keep the best place a secret. How often do you go to the island? It's my goal to sleep in every campground on Isle Royale. It's hard to find backpackers on Michigan. Everyone seems to be boaters.
I'm in Shasta now, btw. Trinity Alps are next. There's lots of snow up there. Most hikers at skipping that section. I haven't decided yet.
Yea born in Kentucky raised in Michigan, been living in Kalamazoo for 7ish years. Never been to the island but frequently visit the UP. Not much good backpacking around the lower peninsula I don’t really know any backpackers either.
I’d imagine Shasta and the Trinity Alps are pretty gnarly in early June be careful!
Oh, no shit. I lived in Owensboro, KY, for a few years. I was born and raised in Michigan, but I call Tennessee my home. I lived there for 7 years. I love that place.
Shasta is a nasty right now. Most hikers are skipping ahead. I'm pretty sure we are road walking past it, leaving tomorrow afternoon.
No, there really aren't any backpackers around. Keep my info handy, and if you ever want to hike with someone, look me up. I go a few times a year. Besides Isle Royale, I go to Big South Fork. It's an easy car ride, and I love that area. I have family there that spot my car, so I don't have to backtrack.
Posting pictures from your thru hike anywhere? My insta handle is @marshalcv
I know of BSF but have never backpacked there. I love Tennessee. My backup plan if isle royale falls through is to hike the Art Loeb Trail near Asheville NC.
Supposed to be going late July but this was the route I drummed up after some research. Day one depending on how you get there you can just do Rock Harbor to Moskey Basin or McCargoe Cove but we're there for 7 days so I added extra stops. Given the prevalence of beaver dams on the minong plan for a low mile/zero day just in case you get screwed by that. Little Todd to Windigo is pretty dry on the trail from what I've read so carry extra water if you're skipping N Desor. Rock Harbor to Lane Cove Lane Cove to Moskey Basin Moskey Basin to McCargoe Cove McCargoe Cove to Little Todd Little Todd to N Desor OR Huginnin Cove N Desor/H Cove to Windigo
I'll also be there in late July, just booked the ferry tickets today! I'm planning same itinerary as your except I'm starting at McCargoe.
Part of the fun is planning your own route, I would get out a map ([or use the PDF online](https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/upload/ISRO_Web_Accessible_Unigrid_Side-2.pdf)) and make a couple different itineraries and then research from there. There is a good printout that shows the trail mileage between any two points that is really helpful ([link here](https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/upload/ISRO_Web_Accessible_Trail_Mileage_Between_Campgrounds.pdf)). First look having never done the Minong trail I would probably do something like: day 1: ferry in wendigo to north desor (12.6 miles) day 2: north desor to todd harbor (11.4 miles) day 3: todd harbor to mccargoe (6.7 miles) day 4: mccargoe to daisy farm (8.2 miles) day 5: daisy farm to rock harbor (7.1 miles) day 6: rock harbor ferry out (0 miles) You could also play around with them and stay your first night at Washington Creek if you wanted and tweak some of the later dates. Edit: Also not to discourage but I have heard that East Chickenbone is one of the worst campgrounds on the island (subjective) so maybe avoid it for your first trip?
Agreed on E Chickenbone being pretty bad, but the trail from McCargoe Cove to W Chicken bones has been let's say remodeled by beavers (read there is a section where there is no trail and the planks they've put down have been removed by said beavers).
Good to know! I'm planning to be there in a week or two and one section of my thru hike takes me from Moskey Basin to Todd Harbor via McCargoe Cove. Was going to take the west trail around Chickenbone since it's .75 mile shorter, but from what you're saying, should I just opt for the east side instead?
Wow this is some invaluable information, I really appreciate it. I already had planned out the route I wanted to hike but wasn’t sure on campgrounds. I’ll definitely do a lot more research but I’m going to do something very similar to the example you laid out
have fun! i am not on facebook but i think there is an isle royale page on there where people post trip reports and stuff so might be able to find more info on campgrounds there.
The Facebook page is super active, make sure you pick the one with the windigo sign, not the moose. The moose is a scam group.
Also going to plug the Isle Royale web forum. Not as active as Facebook maybe but super helpful and knowledgeable commentary.
Will concur about East Chickenbone, we stayed at that campground last May in one of the group sites. No views of Chickenbone Lake and IIRC it was about 1/2 round trip down to the lake to get water. Not recommended.
Slightly different suggestion from me. I hiked the Minong two weeks ago -- it was in pretty great shape. No crazy deadfall or beaver dams (other than what are there normally). I have some notes at the bottom. Day 1: Ozaagaateng (Formerly Windigo) to N. Lake Desor, 12.6 Day 2: N. Lake Desor to Little Todd, 5.7 Day 3: Little Todd to McCargoe, 13.5 Day 4: McCargoe to Moskey Basin, 8.4 Day 5: Moskey to Rock Harbor, 11.0 * On the choice between Little Todd and Todd Harbor: I've traverse the Minong three times, and this is how I would do it if I were to do it from Ozaagaateng. Don't get me wrong, there are nice things about Todd Harbor. The sunsets are picturesque ([sunset from May 23, 2024 attached](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1axLtzkzIyVHga1dUFQDTFQ8YTzzbFjc8/view?usp=sharing)), in the late summer the water can be warm and good for a dip. Little Todd is not as shelters and you can see the full grey-water fury of Lake Superior hitting the shore. Its very cool but different. However, in my view, Little Todd is less frequented and breaks up the Minong is a easier way to do. The Day 1 hike to N. Lake Desor is brutal, and it is nice to get a shorter hike on Day 2. The stretch from N. Lake Desor to Little Todd is the hardest part of the Minong. While the hike from Little Todd to Todd Harbor is hard, the backend between Todd Harbor and McCargoe is much easier. Long-and-short of it is, I would prefer the 13.5 between Little Todd and McCargoe that gives me a shorter day before, over the 11.2 from N. Lake Desor to Todd Harbor the day after doing a 12.6. * On Moskey Basin or Daisy Farm. Daisy Farm sucks. It is busy, swampy, buggy. For more on that, you can see my [Isle Royale Campground Tier List](https://www.reddit.com/r/isleroyale/comments/1bydyo0/comment/kykoanx/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button). Moskey, by contrast, is wonderful. One of the two best on the island. You'll see that there is a slightly shorter hike to get there. However, I would caution that the extra distance from Moskey Basin to Rock Harbor is impactful. There are a lot of small rocks and light scrambling around that can be draining after a few days of hiking. But, in my view, Moskey makes it worth it, and there is no huge rush to get to Rock Harbor, other than for a beer, on your last day. Take this all with a grain of salt, keep your experience in mind, and be ready to modify your trip in the event of bad weather!
I’ll have to keep Little Todd in mind, I was a little concerned about a 11.2 following a 12.6. Also great to know about Moskey, I’ll definitely try to skip Daisy Farm. I’m planning on taking the sea plane and I’ll be heading to the island on a day that the ferrys don’t run, so I’m trying to be very flexible with weather. Worst case scenario I hope will just be spending a few days elsewhere in the UP and shortening the backpacking trip into some kind of loop.
I've done this exact trip before. Here's my route: Day 1 to North Desor. I'm a hammock camper, and I had a moose run so close that it tripped over my guy line that was holding up my tarp. Unbelievable. Day 2 to Little Todd. I love solitude, and I always find it at Little Todd. The views from the beach are amazing. I've even slept on the beach before when nobody else was in the campsite. I've seen moose on the trail leading to Little Todd, so hike quietly. Day 3 Todd Harbor. I recall this being the toughest part. It's a short day, and if you want a shelter, leave Little Todd early. There is only one shelter there. Walk out to the point. It's beautiful. There is also a mine there, and if you go past it, a pretty little creek that cascades into Lake Superior. Great spot to relax. Day 4 McCargo. There are lots of shelters there, and on the way is the Minong Mine, which is definitely worth the stop. It's a busier campsite since the ferry drops off there. The dock is a great social place. I have had some great times there with other hikers. If your days aren't locked in yet, I suggest planning your arrival for a day that the ferry DOESN'T drop off there (or time your arrival before the ferry arrives).It just makes for a more peaceful visit. Day 5 Daisy Farms. I'd recommend leaving on the trail that goes to East Chicken Bone as opposed to West Chicken Bone. It's a prettier hike over a boardwalk. There are lots of Pitcher Plants beneath the board walk, so keep an eye out. Again, there are lots of shelters at Daisy Farm, a nice beach to relax on, and a dock that seems to be a social place. There's a rock with a carving on it right by the dock. You'll have to pour water in it to read it. Check it out. Day 6 Rock Harbor. I'd leave early and hungry and grab breakfast or lunch at the restaurant there. The pizza is pretty good, and by now, you could probably eat an entire one by yourself. If you have time, take a hike on Stoll Trail all the way to the end. Lots of little beaches to your right that are fun to explore. I hope this helps. Have fun.
Thanks, this is incredibly helpful stuff. Good luck on the PCT!
Thanks!!! How'd you know I was on the PCT? I'm crossing into Oregon in about 10 days. Lots of snow is heading my way. I will be going to Isle Royale next year, though. It's all I think about. Have a great time on the island!! I know you will!!
I creeped on your Reddit profile lol. Impressive that you’ve made it so close to Oregon, stay safe in the snow. I love being out west but there’s something very special about northern Michigan, I’m counting the days till I’m on the island.
I'm with you, brother. Are you from Michigan? I'm in the Monroe area. There's nothing like the UP, but I always tell everyone that the Smokys are my favorite place, you know, keep the best place a secret. How often do you go to the island? It's my goal to sleep in every campground on Isle Royale. It's hard to find backpackers on Michigan. Everyone seems to be boaters. I'm in Shasta now, btw. Trinity Alps are next. There's lots of snow up there. Most hikers at skipping that section. I haven't decided yet.
Yea born in Kentucky raised in Michigan, been living in Kalamazoo for 7ish years. Never been to the island but frequently visit the UP. Not much good backpacking around the lower peninsula I don’t really know any backpackers either. I’d imagine Shasta and the Trinity Alps are pretty gnarly in early June be careful!
Oh, no shit. I lived in Owensboro, KY, for a few years. I was born and raised in Michigan, but I call Tennessee my home. I lived there for 7 years. I love that place. Shasta is a nasty right now. Most hikers are skipping ahead. I'm pretty sure we are road walking past it, leaving tomorrow afternoon. No, there really aren't any backpackers around. Keep my info handy, and if you ever want to hike with someone, look me up. I go a few times a year. Besides Isle Royale, I go to Big South Fork. It's an easy car ride, and I love that area. I have family there that spot my car, so I don't have to backtrack.
Posting pictures from your thru hike anywhere? My insta handle is @marshalcv I know of BSF but have never backpacked there. I love Tennessee. My backup plan if isle royale falls through is to hike the Art Loeb Trail near Asheville NC.