Isle Royale National Park: Island Traverse
Capture the renowned mystique of Lake Superior's solitary atoll on this 61.2-mile traverse of Isle Royale, a pristine archipelago untouched by development and home to thriving wolf and moose populations.
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-Mapped by Steffan Fay
PERMITS: All campers must secure a permit. Go to nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/permits.htm for more details.
MORE PARK INFO: Isle Royal National Park, (906) 482-0984; nps.gov/isro
Trail Facts
- Distance: 96.8
Waypoints
IRT001
Location: 47.911826, -89.157915
From Windigo Visitor Center, head southwest toward Grace Harbor then south to Feldtmann Lake
IRT002
Location: 47.847525, -89.182334
Feldtmann Lake, moose haven and jump-off for views of Rock of Ages lighthouse from Superior’s Rainbow Cove
IRT003
Location: 47.901097, -89.001701
Stop at Feldtmann lookout tower before dropping to Skiskiwit Bay.
Option: Skip the trail and hike along the sandy beach
IRT004
Location: 47.935006, -89.04346
Turn R @ 3-way onto Greenstone Ridge Trail
IRT005
Location: 47.969554, -88.975954
Drift asleep at South Desor Campground to an evening choir of wildlife sounds
IRT006
Location: 48.017343, -88.844032
Hit Greenstone Ridge Trail; turn L @ Hatchet Lake
IRT007
Location: 48.04006, -88.84311
R @ 3-way onto Minong Ridge Trail for some of Isle Royale’s best summer berries
IRT008
Location: 48.07405, -88.757708
Enjoy endless views N to Thunder Bay
IRT009
Location: 48.087454, -88.708377
McCargoe Cove Campground. Option: Hike 1 mile W to visit one of the island’s late mining camps
IRT010
Location: 48.08238, -88.713377
Bear L onto E Chickenbone Trail
IRT011
Location: 48.076688, -88.709557
Pass inland bogs, a wildlife haven for moose, wolves, fox, and osprey
IRT012
Location: 48.098461, -88.629434
Straight @ 3-way onto Daisy Farm Trail
IRT013
Location: 48.122273, -88.532231
Follow Rock Harbor along Lake Superior Shore capped by numerous barrier islands, home to the park headquarters
IRT014
Location: 48.145984, -88.486182
Route ends in Rock Harbor. Head to the lodge for a well-earned meal and frosty mug
Dawn at McCargoe Cove
Location: 48.094839, -88.707242
Rock Harbor
Location: 48.122405, -88.531903
