Isle Royale Nationale Park, Michigan: Isolation, Hiking, and Wolves

Isle Royale Nationale Park, Michigan:
Isolation, Hiking, and Wolves

Isle Royale National Park is a remote island, located in the frigid waters of Lake Superior, that is 99% federally designated wilderness. It hosts the longest continuous study of any predator-prey (wolves-moose) system in the world and is a favorite destination for its isolation, pristine landscapes, and diverse wildlife. This is where you go when you need a digital detox and want to truly disconnect for a few days. The park is closed from November 1 - April 15 and so we will use this time to plan our trip. It gives us something to look forward to.

Today, we will deep dive into the Adventure itinerary. Tomorrow, we will focus on a Culture itinerary and Wednesday will bring the ultimate Relaxation itinerary. These tables are handy to keep - a blister or torn muscle may convert your Adventure plans into Relaxation plans. Let’s get this Adventure started.
- Cris

Day 1: A Ray of Light in an Acidic World

Your first goal is to reach the island by either ferry or seaplane. Which to choose? Partially, it depends on how much stuff you brought. Are you planning to camp? Take the ferry. Does everything fit into a single duffle bag? Take the seaplane.

Hike to the Rock Harbor Lighthouse & Lookout for great views. This lighthouse was built to guide ships involved in copper mining. When the copper mining stopped, so did the need for the lighthouse but it’s maintained as a historical site and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Take a canoe to Raspberry Island where you can warm up your legs by hiking the short Raspberry Island Loop. Explore the boreal forest, a fragile bog, and scenic rocky shores. Paths and planked bridges lead past many unusual plants; including the insect-eating sundew and pitcher plants that thrive in the acidic bog environment.

Ready to Take Halloween Up a Notch?

Day 2: Hiking Without People

Tobin Harbor is located just north of Rock Harbor on the east end of Isle Royale National Park. Kayak the calm waters of Tobin Harbor to get warmed up for the day. This area once attracted summer vacationers with its cottages, resorts, and even a post office; today it is a haven for wildlife.

After lunch, hike to Mount Franklin for a 10.2 mile round-trip adventure. Start the trail from Rock Harbor to ascend Mount Franklin, which offers sweeping views of the island.
This is one of the best hikes for panoramic views, showcasing Isle Royale's wild beauty. These views and relative lack of tourists are why Isle National Park is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts. This is a challenging hike that will clear your head of non-important thoughts related to work, finances, or other people. By the time you complete this hike, you will be in a healthier headspace.

Contemplations on Living Alone

Who Did This?: Considerations for living alone on your private island.
Paths: My high school guidance counselor failed to tell me about this option.
Huh: Imagine life without the internet.

Day 3: Beavers, Moose, and Wolves

You’ll want to wake up early because today we’re hiking the Greenstone Ridge Trail, a 40 mile end to end trail that extends from Windigo Harbor to Rock Harbor, spanning the entire length of the park. The trail mainly follows the top of Greenstone Ridge that forms the spine of the island and goes over Mount Desor which is the highest point of Isle Royale. This trail is designated a difficulty level of hard.

Did you bring someone along who is a little less physically fit than you? Once you reach the 30-mile marker, that person may need a boost. Fun Meter patches are used by Navy Seals, offroaders, and other extreme adventure personalities to remind themselves that they came here for this experience. This is exactly what they trained for. This is fun! Sew this onto your friend’s backpack in advance so you can tell them they have finally earned the patch. It helps.

Take the little side loop of the Daisy Farm Trail to see lots of wildlife, including beavers, moose, and foxes. This is protected land so leave only footprints and take only photos. Did you just see a moose raise its head and look very serious? There are likely wolves nearby. This is true wilderness and the predator-prey relationship is intact. Pay attention and don’t become prey. Visitor rarely get attacked in this park but there is always that one person who just can’t use sense and makes headlines. This park is dedicated to the study of wolves and moose and so don’t be surprised by a pack of wolves.

Day 4: Water Levels Were This High

Feeling a little sore from yesterday? Stretch it out with a 4-mile hike to Suzy’s Cave, a unique sea cave carved by ancient waves 4,000 years ago when lake levels were higher. This gives you a perspective of what Scientists are concerned about with melting polar ice caps. You are also looking at a real example of why people are buying real estate far inland, away from the current shorelines.

Isle Royale is one of the least visited national parks in America. That automatically earns my love because it means that there is lots of space to think and recharge. You are highly UNlikely to encounter someone with one of those annoying speakers that blasts their music. You are very likely to encounter deer, beavers, fox, wolves, moose and other creatures. Enjoy your time here today because we leave tonight.

Tomorrow, we will explore the Cultural attractions of Isle Royale National Park. Interestingly, human beings have never lived on this island full time and so the cultural history is fascinating.

See you tomorrow.

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