Isle Royale Nasionale Park is 'n Verenigde State Nasionale Park wat bestaan uit Isle Royale en die omliggende waters en klein eilande, 'n wildernisreservaat in die noordweste Lake Superior. Dit word maklik op kaarte van die Groot Mere geïdentifiseer: Lake Superior lyk soos die profiel van 'n wankelende wolf; Isle Royale is die oog. Alhoewel dit nader aan Ontario, Kanada, of selfs Minnesota, VSA, dit is deel van die toestand van Michigan. Die Franse naam kan daartoe lei dat u dit "eel roy-AL" uitspreek, maar die algemene uitspraak is die verengelsde weergawe, "ile ROY-ul".
Verstaan
Isle Royale is 'n eerste wildernisreservaat, 'n heiligdom vir diegene wat dit tweede wil ervaar en 'n derde reisbestemming. Alhoewel dit al hierdie gebruike akkommodeer, is dit die prioriteit. Die wilde diere kry dus die eiland aan die gang, en menslike besoekers is gewoonlik beperk tot gevestigde paaie en toeganklike mere laat-geen-spoor-kampeer protokolle van krag. Moderne geriewe en gemak is baie beperk; weg van die klein hawens aan weerskante van die eiland, beteken 'lopende water' ''n spruit', en slegs 'toilette' uit die buitekant 'is beskikbaar. (Baie van die meer toeganklike is toegerus met toiletpapier, maar bring u eie of bereid om te improviseer.)
Lake Superior-winters sluit die park van November tot middel April, met beperkte toegang voor Memorial Day en na Labor Day; Isle Royale is die enigste Amerikaanse nasionale park wat vir die winter heeltemal gesluit het. As gevolg hiervan, saam met die geografiese isolasie en uitdagende robuustheid, ontvang dit minder besoekers in 'n jaar (17 500 in 2005) as wat baie nasionale parke op 'n dag verduur. Daardie besoekers bly opmerklik gemiddeld van 4-5 dae elk (selfs dagversoekers getel), maar dit het steeds een van die laagste besoekers per vierkante myl buite die groot Alaska-parke. Wat natuurlik 'n groot deel van sy aantrekkingskrag is. En dit laat hierdie besoekers meer wil, met die NPS se hoogste opbrengskoers.
Geskiedenis
Inheemse Amerikaners het meer as vier millennia gelede Isle Royale begin besoek om koper te grawe, om esdoornbome vir suiker te tap en om vis te vang. Sedert die Europeërs in die gebied gekom het, was dit visvangvisse op witvisse, 'n reeks onwinsgewende pogings tot die ontginning van koper en 'n oordgemeenskap rondom 1900. In die 1920's het Detroit Nuus joernalis Albert Stoll Jr. besoek Isle Royale, sien wat kommersiële uitbuiting begin doen om die wildernis te ondermyn, en beywer hom vir die beskerming daarvan; 'n gedenkplaat ter ere van hom is later naby die punt van Scoville Point geplaas. Isle Royale Nasionale Park is in 1931 deur die Kongres gestig, en die laaste van die grond is in 1940 gedeprivatiseer (met enkele van die grondeienaars wat lewenslange huurkontrakte ontvang). Die argipel is in 1976 as 'n wildernisgebied aangewys en in 1980 'n internasionale biosfeerreservaat.
Landskap
Die eilandgroep (bestaande uit Isle Royale self en tientalle kleiner eilande) is die rand van 'n geologiese fout wat vanaf die meer se vloer opgedruk het en deur ystydperk-gletsers deur 'n lang, geriffelde eiland gesleep is, met mere en inlope van Lake Superior vul lae punte tussen sommige rante in. Die suidekante van hierdie rante en die suidelike oewer is geneig om sagter te skuins; die noordekante en die oewer is meer steil. Om van die een kant van die eiland na die ander oor te steek, is gewoonlik nie 'n groot afstand nie, maar as gevolg van die rante kan dit baie klim en afklim.
Die eiland en sy rante loop ongeveer WSW-tot-ENE end-tot-einde, maar vir informele navigasiedoeleindes word hulle gewoonlik beskryf asof hulle direk wes-na-oos gehardloop het ('n idee wat versterk word deur die oriëntasie van die amptelike kaart van die parkdiens) . As u 'n kompas gebruik, moet u die regte oriëntasie van die eiland in gedagte hou. Die Greenstone Ridge loop oor die lengte van die eiland, met 'n roete langs die grootste deel van die kruin. Isle Royale self is 74 km lank en 14 km op sy breedste, met 'n oppervlakte van ongeveer 530 km². Die hoogste punt op die eiland is die berg Desor op 425 m (424 m) bo seespieël - ongeveer 800 voet (245 m) bo die meer - met verskeie ander kolle langs die Greenstone bo 365 m (600 voet) in hoogte.
Flora en fauna
Die eiland is meestal bebos in 'n mengsel van boreale en noordelike hardehout-ekosisteme, met 'n seleksie naaldbome (spar, spar, denne) en bladwisselende (berke, asp, esdoorn, as) bome. Vorige menslike bewoning het 'n paar appelbome agtergelaat. Moerasplantegroei kom meer voor in die weste, maar word oral op lae kolle aangetref. Daar is 'n wye verskeidenheid orgideë en veldblomme in die hele eiland. Bessies groei wild; bloubessies kan op oop rantoppies gevind word, en vingerbome (met esdoornagtige blare groter as jou hand; wit blomme in die vroeë somer, rooi bessies in die laat somer) groei oënskynlik oral.
Die eiland is ver genoeg van die vasteland en klein genoeg om die verskeidenheid diere daarop te beperk; daar is geen bere, takbokke, wasbere of katte van enige aard nie. Rondom 1900 het elande hulself aan die eiland voorgestel en vermoedelik vanaf Ontario geswem. Wolwe het later gevolg en is in 1948 en 1967 deur toenemend skaars veilige ysbrue oorgesteek. As 'n geslote omgewing dien die eiland as 'n primêre veldstudie van die verhouding tussen prooi en roofdier. Omdat die wolfpopulasie afkomstig is van twee klein pakke, toon die eiland ook die uitwerking van inteling op hul lewensvatbaarheid. Albei bevolkings het deur booms en bustes gegaan as gevolg van weer, siektes, voedselbeskikbaarheid en predasie (die afgelope paar somers se hitte het die elfpopulasie in Februarie 2007 tot 385 gebring, met 21 wolwe wat probeer om van die oorlewendes te bestaan), maar hulle verduur nog steeds.
Ander algemene soogdiere is rooijakkalse (vul die aasdier nis, veral rondom kampterreine), bevers (in binnelandse mere en damme), rooi eekhorings (oral), sneeuhaas en otters. Loons, arende en visarende maak nes op die eiland, en 'n groot verskeidenheid sangvoëls, houtkappers en watervoëls (veral meeue en eende) sal gesien word. Geverfde skilpaaie, kousbandslange en enkele soorte amfibieë kom algemeen voor. Noordelike snoeke is volop in die meeste binnelandse mere, tesame met forel, baars, walleye en ander sportvisse. Muskiete, no-see-ums en enkele soorte bytende vlieë is ongelukkig volop, alhoewel die omvang van hierdie oorlas jaar tot jaar, per seisoen en van een land na die ander wissel. Insekweermiddel is noodsaaklik, en 'n gesignet sal welkome verligting bied as dit lyk of die goggas jou mal wil maak, selfs as jou goggas nie beland nie. Daar is ook bye op die eiland.
Klimaat
Op 'n breedtegraad van 48 ° Noord en met die matige invloed van die koue Lake Superior, kom Isle Royale selde voor warm volgens menslike standaarde. Gedurende die somermaande sal u in die middag broek-en-t-hempweer bereik, veral op die rante stap, maar u sal ook 'n paar koue nagte beleef, soms selfs onder 10 ° C die "hitte" van Augustus. In Mei en Oktober kan die temperatuur snags onder vriespunt daal en die hele dag onder 15 ° C bly. Reënval wissel van maand tot maand, maar Julie en Augustus het die minste bewolkte dae (wat dit die besigste weke van die somer maak). Ongeag, 'n verblyf van 'n paar dae op enige tyd van die somer sonder ten minste sommige reën is ongewoon; bring reënuitrusting saam of beplan om tyd in u tent of skuiling deur te bring. Die goeie nuus vir mense met hooikoors is dat hulle min algemene stuifmeelallergene in die lug sal vind. (Gedurende sy toevlugsoord was die eiland 'n gewilde toevlugsoord vir allergieërs.) In die winter is toestande onherbergsaam en is die eiland gesluit vir alle navorsers behalwe natuurlewe. Selfs die hoofkwartier van die park verhuis vir die winter na Houghton.
Gaan in
Met 'n kommersiële vlug
Die naaste kommersiële lughawe aan die Isle Royale Nasionale Park is Thunder Bay Internasionale Lughawe (YQT IATA) in die Kanadese provinsie Ontario. Dit word bedien deur Kanadese lugdienste. Snelweg 61 verbind Thunder Bay met Grand Portage, Minnesota, waarvandaan die veerdiens na die park beskikbaar is.
Die tweede naaste lughawe is Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX IATA) in Houghton, Michigan, wat ook veerbootdienste na die park het. United Airlines is die enigste kommersiële vervoerder op die lughawe. Daar is ook vliegvliegdiens (sien onder) van die lughawe na Isle Royale.
Duluth Internasionale Lughawe (DLH IATA) in Duluth, Minnesota, ongeveer 3½ uur vanaf Grand Portage via Highway 61, word bedien deur Delta Air Lines, United, en Allegiant Air.
Met die veerboot
Byna alle besoekers kom van en na Isle Royale via gereelde pendeldienste:
- Veldwagter III, Nasionale Parkdiens, Houghton, ☏ 1 906-482-0984. 165-vaartuig. Reistyd: 5 uur. Werk eers Dinsdag in Junie tot middel September, vertrek vanaf Tu F en keer W Sa terug. Volwassenes $ 74 eenrigting, kinders onder 12 $ 44 eenrigting, kano's / kajakke $ 55 eenrigting, motorbote $ 80 en meer eenrigting.
- Isle Royale Queen IV, Veerbootdiens, Isle Royale, Koperhawe, ☏ 1 906-289-4437. 100 voet vaartuig. Reistyd: 3-3½ uur. Werk middel Mei tot September; daagliks middel Julie tot middel Augustus, maar geleidelik minder gereeld vroeër en later in die seisoen. Volwassenes $ 65 eenrigting ($ 60 buite die piek), kinders onder 11 halfprys, kano's / kajakke $ 25 eenrigting. Retariefpryse vir eendag wissel in prys, afhangend van beskikbaarheid.
- Seejagter, Grand Portage Isle Royale vervoerlyn, Grand Portage, ☏ 1 651-653-5872, 1 218-475-0024, tolvry: 1 888-746-2305. 65-vaartuig. Reistyd: 1½ uur. Werk middel Junie tot en met die Arbeidsdag. Volwassenes $ 67 eenrigting, kinders $ 46 eenrigting, kano's / kajakke $ 35 eenrigting, daguitstappies: volwassenes $ 54 kinders $ 31.
- Voyageur II, Grand Portage Isle Royale-vervoerlyn, Grand Portage, ☏ 1 218 600-0765, 1 651-653-5872, tolvry: 1-888-746-2305. 65-vaartuig. Mei-Okt. Reistyd: 2-2½ uur. Dit is die enigste vaartuig wat vanaf Mei tot vroeg in Oktober op die hele eiland vervoer, waarna M W Sa vertrek en Tu Th Su terugkeer, maar met 'n bietjie minder gereelde diens voor Gedenkdag en na middel September. $ 67 eenrigting ($ 80 vir bestemmings buite Windigo), kano's / kajakke $ 35 eenrigting. Amerikaanse pos- en pakkiediens na Isle Royale.
Voorafbesprekings word sterk aanbeveel vir alle skepe, veral laat in Julie en vroeg in Augustus. Of u nou oor die dieptes van Superior reis vanaf Michigan, of met die veerbote vanaf nader Minnesota, neem voorsorg vir bewegingsiekte as u nie 'n ervare matroos is nie. In die ongewone geval van gevaarlike weer kan kruisings vertraag word, maar dit word amper nooit gekanselleer nie. Die Koningin en Seejagter en Voyageur II albei bied afslagpryse vir daguitstappies na die park, wat u ongeveer 3-4 uur op die eiland gee. Let op dat Isle Royale aan die westelike uiterste van die Oostelike tydsone is, maar die Minnesota-veerbote ry op Sentraal-tyd.
Die veerbote vanaf Michigan lê aan by Knus hawe, 'n inlaat van Rock Harbour naby die oostelike punt van die eiland; dit is die grootste bevolkte gebied op die eiland. Omdat Rock Harbour Lodge, Rock Harbour-kampeerterrein en Rock Harbour Visitor Centre hier is, word hierdie webwerf gewoonlik 'Rock Harbour' genoem, al beskryf dit eintlik die hele kilometer lange stuk water. Die veerbote vanaf Minnesota lê aan by "Windigo", 'n kleiner hawe aan die westekant van die eiland en "Rock Harbor". Elke hawe het 'n klein kampwinkel, drinkwater, moderne toilette, betaalstorte en wasgoed vir muntstukke; dit is die enigste sulke fasiliteite in die park.
Met die vliegvliegtuig
Vlottervliegdiens is beskikbaar by Houghton. Dit is aansienlik duurder as die veerbote, maar die reis neem 'n fraksie van die tyd en bied 'n pragtige luguitsig. Die vliegtuig kan in een van die hawe aanhang, en aangesien dit meer as een keer per dag kan kruis, kan dit u buigsaamheid bied met die tyd van die dag waarop u aankom en vertrek. Stoofbrandstof kan nie per lug vervoer word nie, dus as u kampeer, moet u dit op die eiland koop.
- Isle Royale-vliegtuie (voorheen Royale Air Service), Houghton County Memorial Airport, 23810 Airpark Blvd, Laurium, ☏ 1 906 483-4991, ✉[email protected]. Reistyd: 35 minute. Werk elke dag behalwe Woensdag, middel Mei tot middel September. Besprekings benodig. Retour $ 310 / persoon, retour $ 210 / persoon, intra-eiland $ 125 / persoon.
Per privaat boot
Privaat motorbote kom ook na die eiland, meestal vanaf Grand Portage, Minnesota, langs Michigans se boonste skiereiland, meestal van naby. Donderbaai, Ontario. Alle bote (ongeag die nasionaliteit) wat van Kanada af kom, moet by die Amerikaanse doeane in Windigo of Snug Harbour inklok. Sanitasie- en brandstofdienste is ook by hierdie hawens beskikbaar. Om die natuurlewe op die eiland teen siektes en ontwrigting te beskerm, is troeteldiere nie toegelaat op bote binne die parkgrense nie.
Fooie en permitte
'N Fooi van $ 7 per kalenderdag op die eiland word gehef vir besoekers van 12 jaar en ouer, en om tyd te bespaar met aankoms word dit gehef op pad deur die dienste wat vervoer na en van die eiland lewer. Let daarop dat die passe vir interagentieke parke hierdie fooi kan dek.
Parkbesoekers moet 'n plan by die veldwagters indien wat die kampeerterreine aandui wat hulle elke aand sal gebruik. Dit dien om seker te maak dat die kampeerders se planne strook met die grootte van die partytjie en die duur van die verblyf op kampeerterreine (en die werklikheid) en om die parkdiens te help om die gebruik van kampeerterreine te skat. Hulle gee nie om as u van plan verander nie (hulle verwag dat dit sal gebeur), en vra net dat kampeerders hulle laat weet waar u eintlik gebly voor vertrek. Spesiale permitte en besprekings is nodig vir groepe van 7-10, vir stappers van die veld af en vir kanovaarders wat buite kampeerterreine kampeer. Omdat die geraasvlakke eksponensieel styg namate die kampeerpartytjies groter word, moet groepe van meer as 10 uitmekaar gaan en afsonderlik stap en kampeer. Visvang in Lake Superior en aangeslote waters vereis 'n betaalde lisensie van die staat; binnemere het geen lisensievereiste nie. Jag is nie toegelaat nie.
Kry rond
Alle vervoer is te voet, per kano of kajak, seilboot of per motorboot. Behalwe 'n paar breë, plat paadjies by die hawens vir NPS-toerusting, en 'n klein sypaadjie in die Snug Harbour-omgewing, is daar geen paaie op die eiland nie. Bergfietse en toerusting vir wielportasie is nie toegelaat nie.
As 'n wildernisgebied voldoen die park nie aan die moderne verwagtinge van toeganklikheid nie. U moet op rowwe oppervlaktes en steil terrein kan loop om oral te kom buite die onmiddellike omgewing van die hawens. By Windigo is selfs die inligtingskantoor en winkel 'n kort maar steil heuwel. Rolstoele word toegelaat, maar nie aktief geakkommodeer nie; as u op een vertrou, is dit moeilik om in en uit die veerboot te klim, om niks te sê van rondry nie. Kajakvaart langs die kus en besigtiging per boot is die beste opsie vir mense met beperkte mobiliteit. Diensdiere word toegelaat, maar slegs met vooraf reëlings.
Te voet
'N Netwerk van versorgde paaie van 165 kilometer verbind die meeste dele van die eiland. Hierdie is ongeplaveid, en net ietwat verbeter, met blootgestelde wortels en klip. Wanneer u 'kaal' gebiede van ontblote soliede rots oorsteek, word daar gereeld steentjies van klippe opgestapel om die roete aan te dui. In moerasagtige gebiede is plankpaadjies gebou om deurgang en klein bruggies oor vloeiende strome te laat.
Per spaan
Verskeie van die binnemere en beskermde inlope van Lake Superior word verbind deur portages wat wissel van 'n paar dosyn voet tot 'n paar kilometer. Deur per kano of kajak te reis, kom u nie na alle dele van die eiland nie (nie eens die hele kuslyn nie; die noordwestelike kus word oor die algemeen as onveilig beskou, met min strandplekke), maar dit bied 'n ander manier om die park te sien, u na sommige dele bereik die roetes nie.
Met 'n watertaxi
Die Sandy, 'n watertaxi wat bestuur word deur Rock Harbour Lodge & Marina, kan u na verskillende plekke aan die oostekant van die eiland neem. (☏ 1 906-337-4993) Dit is redelik duur, veral vir klein groepies. Byvoorbeeld, 'n enkele reis vir een of twee mense na Daisy Farm-kampeerterrein (6 km daarvandaan) kos $ 91; vir 'n kapasiteitspartytjie van ses styg die tarief tot $ 110. Daar is net een Sandy en sy bied ook geskeduleerde besigtigingstoere aan, dus word besprekings aanbeveel.
Met die waterbus
Die eiland se bus is die Voyageur II. Dit is een van die veerboten vanaf Grand Portage (sien "Gaan in"), maar tussen kruisings na / van die vasteland omseil dit die eiland, van Windigo tot Snug Harbour langs die noordekant eendag, dan terug na Windigo langs die suidekant die volgende, wat dit nuttig maak om van een deel van die eiland na 'n ander te kom. Gedurende die somer maak dit elke week drie lopies, minder in die begin van Mei of einde September / Oktober. Benewens die twee hoofhawens, kan dit afhaal en aflaai by McCargoe Cove en Belle Isle (noordkant, MW Sa), en Daisy Farm, Chippewa Harbour en Malone Bay (suidekant, Tu Th Su) , met tariewe van $ 40-52 per persoon. Dit stop slegs op aanvraag by hierdie tussenhawe, en dit swaai nie naby genoeg om afgemerk te word nie, so bespreek dit vooraf. Die Voyageur II kan stappers deurstap vanaf Windigo na Rock Harbour (of andersom).
Met die vliegtuig
As jy eenvoudig moet op 'n kort skedule van die een kant van die eiland na die ander kant kom, kan die vliegvliegdiens u moontlik akkommodeer, maar vooraf en besprekings is nodig, en die tarief is 'n stewige $ 280 per persoon (retoer); sien "Gaan in".
Sien
Die hoofattraksie is die wildernis van die eiland. Alhoewel dit nie 'onaangeraak' is nie, het Isle Royale 'n geskiedenis van menslike bewoning en gebruik, en die paaie en kampeerterreine is inherent nie-maagdelik - die afgeleë en noukeurige bestuur van die eiland het gesamentlik gesorg vir een van die meer outentieke. wilde "ervarings binne die Nasionale Parkstelsel. Die roetes hou gewoonlik aan laat-geen-spoor nie beginsels.
Tweedens is daar die natuurlewe. Besigtiging van klein fauna soos eekhorings en sangvoëls is onvermydelik. Ontmoetings met jakkals, eland en maan kan verwag word as u daarna soek (en selfs as u dit nie doen nie). Tekens van die aanwesigheid van die wolf op die eiland (bv. Voetspore en uitbarsting) is algemeen, en selfs naggeluide of 'n toevallige blik deur die bome is net algemeen genoeg om stappers se oë en ore oop te hou. Elande gebruik gewoonlik ook die roetes van die eiland en laat baie mis. As populasies hoog is, is elandwaarnemings redelik algemeen. Hulle getalle het egter gedaal.
Afhangend van sonaktiwiteit en magnetiese veldskommelings, is die aurora borealis ("Noordeligte") is gereeld sigbaar. Op helder nagte bied die gebrek aan ligbesoedeling uitstekende geleenthede vir sterrekyk by plase waar die boombedekking breek.
Die park het drie besoekersentrums wat uitstallings oor die park bied en veldwagters het wat vrae kan beantwoord.
- 1 Houghton Besoekersentrum, Houghton (af van Lakeshore Drive in die sentrum van Houghton aan die waterfront). Die Houghton Besoekersentrum is die hoofkantoor van die Isle Royale Nasionale Park. Reisbeplanning, Ranger III-kaartjies en -inligting, 'n parkwinkel en die besigtiging van die parkfilm is beskikbaar.
- 2 Rock Harbour Besoekersentrum. Die Rock Harbour Visitor Centre is in Rock Harbour aan die noordoostelike deel van die Isle Royale Nasionale Park. Dit is slegs per boot of seevliegtuig bereikbaar. Vergunnings- en fooi-betaling, reisbeplanning-hulp en 'n parkwinkel beskikbaar.
- 3 Windigo Besoekersentrum. Die Windigo Besoekersentrum is in Windigo aan die suidwestelike punt van die Isle Royale Nasionale Park. Dit is slegs per boot of seevliegtuig bereikbaar. Vergunnings- en fooi-betaling, hulp by die beplanning van reis, 'n parkwinkel en uitstallings is beskikbaar.
Die geskiedenis van die eiland is ook die moeite werd om te ondersoek. Rondom Isle Royale is daar verskeie vuurtorings wat u kan besoek, sowel as skeepswrakwebwerwe. Die oorblyfsels van verlate kopermyne kan gevind word naby McCargoe Cove, op die Island Mine Trail en naby Windigo.
- 4 Rock Harbour vuurtoring. 15 m lang silindriese toring wat in 1855 gebou is.
- 5 Edisen Historiese Vissery (oorkant die hawe vanaf Daisy Farm-kampeerterrein). 'N Versameling van sewe geboue waaruit 'n kommersiële vissery bestaan, gebou in 1895.
- 6 Passage Island vuurtoring ('n paar kilometer anderkant Blake Point tot by Lake Superior). Gebou in 1882.
- 7 die cruiseskip Amerika wrak (net onder die oppervlak aan die monding van die Washington-hawe).
Doen
Visvang is 'n gewilde aktiwiteit wat u kan doen vanaf motorbote in die waters rondom Isle Royale, of vanaf kano's in die binnemere (waarvan baie afgesonder en vol visse is). Om in die waters van Lake Superior (insluitend baaie) te hengel, benodig u 'n visvanglisensie uit Michigan wat u by enige van die hawe se veldwagterstasie kan koop. Jag is nie toegelaat.
'N Aantal skepe het 'n ramp op die rotse en eilandjies rondom Isle Royale beleef, wat die omliggende waters redelik gewild gemaak het onder duikers.
Rondom Rock Harbour
As u op Rock Harbor-kampeerplek oornag, by Rock Harbor Lodge of 'n dagreisiger uit Michigan oornag, is daar verskillende maniere om u dag deur te bring.
- Begeleide toere, georganiseerde aktiwiteite en bootekspedisies word aangebied; gaan kyk by die lodge wat op die skedule staan. Met die bootritte kan u na interessante plekke langs die suidoostelike punt van die eiland neem, soos: Passage Island en sy vuurtoring 'n paar kilometer na Lake Superior, en verskeie van die onderstaande terreine vir selfondersoek. Die lodge skeduleer ook inligting oor die nag.
- Huur 'n kano en roei Tobin-hawe, 'n lang, beskutte inham aan die noordekant van die smal skiereiland waarop die lodge en veldwagterstasie is. Hierdie lig-ontwikkelde "historiese distrik" was 'n eeu gelede 'n gewilde plek vir klein huisies (meestal naby die meer), maar afgesien van die periodieke vliegvliegtuig-landing / opstyg, is dit oor die algemeen stiller as die "gejaagde" Rock Harbour, en bied ook 'n kortpad na die roete wat lei na die asemrowende uitsig vanaf Uitkykpunt Louise op die Greenstone Ridge. (Voorbeeld van huur van kano: $ 18 vir ses uur.)
- Huur 'n kano en roei Rock Harbour. U kan u langs die kuslyn van die hawe verken of die verskillende versperring-eilande verken wat dit teen Lake Superior beskerm. Frambooseiland (draai effens na links as u Snug Harbour verlaat) het 'n roete met noukeurige voorbeelde van verskeie omgewings van Isle Royale (insluitend 'n paar kort, maar moeilike dele). Let op dat Rock Harbour weinig skuiling bied vir winderige weer; as jy tussen die versperring-eilande roei, kan dit jou blootstel aan Lake Superior-golwe, en aan die oorkant van die eilande kan golwe en golwe maklik 'n kano kantel of swaai. U moet ook vir die een of ander rede voorbereid wees op wakkerword van motorbote wat die lengte van die hawe rits.
- Huur 'n boot met 'n buiteboordmotor en gaan visvang in Rock Harbour of verken verder. Oos-kariboe en Mott-eilande (saam met 'n voetbrug) is die tuiste van die soms luidrugtige hoofkwartier van die park, maar het ook 'n roete van 2½ myl wat u na die Lake Superior-oewer neem aan die kant van Rock Harbor. Edisen-vissery en Rock Harbour vuurtoring (albei goed bewaarde 19de-eeuse relikwieë) is oorkant die Daisy Farm-kampeerterrein aan die monding van Moskey Basin. Net 'n entjie wes van Edisen is nog 'n voormalige vissery wat die somerwoning is van navorsers Candy en Rolf Peterson, wat 'n groot versameling elandbene in hul tuin het (kyk na die Noorse vlag).
- Om 'n paar uur aan u voete te spandeer, stap die Stoll Trail oos uit na die rotsagtige Scoville Point, en langs die pad 'n paar ou kopermynputte verbysteek. Of neem die Rock Harbor Trail 'n paar kilometer wes na Suzy's Cave, 'n 'geheime gang' wat deur die meer gevorm is toe dit baie hoër was, en keer terug op die Tobin Harbour Trail (of andersom). Die Tobin Harbour en Stoll Trails is die minste moeilike, maar albei behels 'n paar moeilike voetstappe (veral Stoll) en steil stukke roete (veral Tobin Harbour).
- Vir 'n langer staptog, trek op na die Greenstone Ridge na Mt. Franklin en terug (ongeveer 10 myl heen en weer). Vir 'n lewendige daglange staptog, gaan u verder wes na Mt. Ojibway en keer terug met die Daisy Farm en Rock Harbour Trails (ongeveer 20 kilometer totaal). Daar bestaan geen waterbronne op die nok nie, en dit kan die somer-middae op hoër hoogtes tot die lae-80's F (~ 25 ° C) bereik - dienooreenkomstig in te pak.
Rondom Windigo
Diegene wat op Washington Creek-kampeerterrein vertoef of daguitstappies vanaf Minnesota het, het ook 'n paar opsies.
- Daar is twee selfgeleide natuurroete lusse by Windigo, die een minder as 'n kilometer, die ander 'n bietjie meer as 'n kilometer.
- Huur 'n kano en verken beskutte Washington-hawe, en Grace Harbour aan die rand van Lake Superior. Dit het baie kuslyn, verskeie eilande en die skaars onderwater gesinkte cruiseskip Amerika om te verken (die beste bereik met 'n motorboot).
- Die ou Wendigo-myn ruïnes (nie 'n tikfout nie; 19de-eeuse spellings is soms nie-konsekwent) is 'n paar kilometer binnelands op die East Huginnin Cove Trail.
- Stap die eerste 2 kilometer van die Feldtmann Ridge Trail en terug bied 'n goeie uitsig oor Washington Harbour, insluitend 'n kort roete wat lei na 'n goeie uitsig. Om verder te gaan bied minder uitsig, maar lekker boswandel.
- Die roete van 9 myl na Huginnin Cove en terug is te ver vir 'n dagbesoeker op die eiland, maar dit kan binne 4-6 uur gedoen word as u op Washington Creek-kampeerterrein tuisgaan, veral as u u toerusting agterlaat. Dit het 'n paar moeilike, steil stukke roete.
- Net so is daar 'n oorsig van die Minong Ridge 'n bietjie meer as 4 myl langs die roete.
- Duik die "Amerika." As u die vermoë het om u eie bootvervoer aan te bied (daar is geen charters wat gereeld duike beplan nie, en eksklusiewe huurpryse kan duur wees) en u eie toerusting te verskaf (verskeie tenks lug om die reis die moeite werd te maak) is die "Amerika" 'n wonderlike ervaring. Die boog van die skip steek ongeveer twee voet van die meer uit, terwyl die agterstewe ongeveer 84 voet lê. Die vaartuig is opvallend ongeskonde, selfs na reddingspogings. Spesiale dinge om te sien is die enjinkamer, die groot trap, die eetarea en die kombuis, 'n model van iets Ford (kompleet met handkruk voor). Klere en skeepstoerusting bestaan steeds op hierdie wrak. Geen menslike passasiers het gesterf toe hy gesink het nie. Daar is egter minstens een duikdood op hierdie wrak naby die kombuisarea tydens 'n duik van die wrak aangeteken. Moenie in hierdie wrak duik of deurdring as u nie opgelei is in wrakpenetrasie nie. Alhoewel geen mens aan sinking omgekom het nie, was daar een noodlottigheid, 'n troeteldierhond.
Agterland
Wees Alhoewel die meeste mense spesifiek na Isle Royale kom om die roetes te stap of om die mere te paddle, en om die fisieke uitdaging daarvan te geniet, moet u in gedagte hou dat daar geen prys is om die meeste kilometers in te sit nie, en geen boete vir die besteding van 'n dag of twee in een gebied. Dit is te maklik om van die eiland weg te kom en min te onthou, behalwe die uitsig op u stewels op die roete of die boog van u kano voor u. Laat jouself 'n tydjie toe sonder 'n pak op jou rug of 'n paddle in jou hande, en net wees op die eiland. |
As u meer as 'n paar uur op die eiland moet spandeer, vertrek u na die land. The National Geographic Society publiseer 'n baie goeie waterdigte topografiese kaart van Isle Royale met kampeerterreine en paaie gemerk, en kilometers vir beide land- en waterroetes tussen plekke teen $ 10. Die boek Isle Royale Nasionale Park: Voetpaaie en waterroetes deur Jim DuFresne (ISBN 0898867924) is 'n uitstekende hulpbron wat die streke en roetes in ervare besonderhede beskryf. Albei is beskikbaar by die inligtingskantore op die eiland, maar is baie nuttig om u reis voor aankoms te beplan.
Die onderling verbind roetes en die portage-gekoppelde mere en baaie maak dit vir u maklik om u eie reisplan op die eiland se kampeerterreine uit te dink. Maar daar is 'n paar algemene roetes wat begin en eindig by die hawens, of by dokke wat met die veerboot of watertaxi toeganklik is:
Stap
- Greenstone Ridge Trail. Die Greenstone (vernoem na die gekleurde mineraaldraende "edelsteen" wat op verskillende plekke op die eiland in die rots ingebed is) loop ongeveer die volle lengte van die eiland langs sy ruggraat. Die westelike punt is by die Windigo veldwagterstasie en die oostelike punt is oorkant die Tobin-hawe vanaf die stasie by Snug Harbour. (Die meeste stappers gaan deur Tobin Harbour om by die Greenstone by Mount Franklin aan te sluit.) Dit wissel van maklik tot matig moeilike staptogte vir 5-6 dae, en is maklik om te volg.
- Rock Harbour-roete. 'N Meestal maklike tot matige staptog, hoofsaaklik langs die oewer van Rock Harbour en naby Moskey Basin, dan binnelands tot by Richie Lake. U kan dit doen as 'n heen-en-weer-staptog (4-5 dae), as die helfte van 'n lus met die Greenstone (4-6 dae), of by Chippewa-hawe afgelaai word en terugstap na Snug Harbour (2- 3 dae).
- Feldtmann Ridge / Island Mine Trail. Saam met 'n deel van die Greenstone vorm hierdie roetes 'n lus wat begin en eindig by Windigo. Dit is matig moeilik om deur vleilande en oor rante te stap, en dit duur 3-4 dae.
- Indiese Portage-roete. Hierdie reeks paaie tussen en om verskeie binnemere steek die eiland oor van Chippewa-hawe na McCargoe Cove. Matige moeilike stap-op-en-af-en-op-en-af-stap, neem 1-2 dae.
- Minong Ridge Trail. Hierdie ruwe, minder versorgde roete is moeiliker om te volg as die ander, op 'n nok naby die noordkus, van McCargoe Cove tot Windigo. Dit neem 4-5 moeilike dae om te stap, die westelikste segment is amper 20 km tussen kampeerterreine.
Roei
- Suidelike mere. 'N Reeks mere wat deur relatief kort portasies verbind word, loop van Chippewa-hawe deur Lakes Whittlesey, Wood, Siskiwit (die grootste eiland), Intermediate en Richie, en bereik wandelgebiede wat nie bereikbaar is nie. 'N Portage van 2 myl verbind Lake Richie met Moskey Basin en Rock Harbour. (Met 'n spesiale permit, kan u op enige plek langs die oewer van die mere met slegs kano kampeer.)
- Indiese Portage. Om die eiland via binnelandse mere oor te steek, is daar 'n afstand van 1,2 kilometer van Chippewa-hawe na Richie-meer, ietwat korter na Lakes LeSage, Livermore en Chickenbone, en dan nog 'n staptog na McCargoe Cove (ongeveer die Indian Portage Trail gevolg). Hierdie roete kruis die Greenstone Ridge, so die kort portages is moeilik.
- Noordoostelike baaie. Vanaf McCargoe Cove bied 'n reeks kanale, inhamme en baaie aan die noordoostelike deel van die eiland 'n redelike veilige, beskutte roete deur die waters van Lake Superior terug na Rock Harbor. Hierdie roete bevat 'n paar redelik kort portrette en een hartebreker bo-oor die Greenstone om 'n gevaarlike paddle rondom die ontblote punt van die eiland te vermy.
- Suidkus. Slegs vir ervare kajakmakers (kano's is nie veilig in die oop waters van Superior nie, en selfs kajaks word aangeraai om naby die oewer te bly), kan u op 'n reeks kampeerterreine langs die meer van Rock Harbour na Windigo ry, sonder portage.
Koop
Daar is 'n redelike klein, maar goed gevulde kampwinkel by Snug Harbour en 'n nog kleiner winkel in Windigo, albei naby hul onderskeie NPS-inligtingskantore. U moet nie op een van die twee vertrou om u reis toe te rus of te voorsien nie (vanweë die hoë pryse as niks anders nie), maar hulle bied 'n handige veiligheidsnet as u ontdek dat u iets agtergelaat het, en hulle is gewild onder diegene. kom net van die roete af op soek na kos wat nie warm water nodig het nie. Hulle verkoop dramamine per dosis, want as die veerboot huis toe lyk asof dit rof gaan wees.
If you want a souvenir from the island, there's an assortment of t-shirts and sweatshirts in the camp stores, and Rock Harbor Lodge (which operates the stores) has a small gift shop (sharing space with the Greenstone Grill) with a larger selection of merchandise, including knick-knacks, plush animals, and the like... so don't go and help yourself to things you find in the wilderness. Removing samples of greenstone from the park is prohibited, and tampering with the wildlife and environment in general is discouraged. "Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints."
Eet
For most visitors, you'll be eating what you pack in, so freeze-dried meals, candy-nuts-and-granola mixtures, and oatmeal are your best bet for on the trails and lakes. Fires are prohibited except in selected sites with community fire rings or grills, so you'll need a camp stove. Edible berries can be picked and eaten along the trails when in season. Anglers (especially with watercraft) can add freshly caught fish to the menu. The camp stores at Snug Harbor and Windigo have a limited selection of packaged groceries for housekeeping cabins, freeze-dried food for in the wilderness, and chips or candy for those just returning.
- 1 Rock Harbor Lodge Dining Room, Rock Harbor Lodge (east end of Snug Harbor), ☏ 1 906 337-4993. Daily 7AM-8:30AM, noon-1:30PM, and 5:30PM-7:30PM. Nothing too fancy, but pleasant. This is where lodge guests on the meals-included "American Plan" eat, but "European Plan" guests, cabin guests, and campers are also welcome (though if you're just coming in off a week on the trails, buying a shower first would be a nice courtesy). The lake trout is really fresh, but be prepared to pay premium prices for the luxury of kitchen-prepared food in the wilderness. Breakfast $13.50/$9, lunch $16/$11, dinner $30.50/$20 (adult/child).
- Greenstone Grill, Rock Harbor Lodge (east end of Snug Harbor). Simple fare such as burgers, sandwiches, pizza, coffee, and drinks. Very reasonbly priced, given the location, and it's so much nicer to hear the crunch of fresh lettuce and onions on a burger than the crunch of unreconstituted freeze-dried peas in your beef stew.
- 2 Windigo camp store (farther up the hill from the Windigo information center), ☏ 1 906-482-0984. Simple cold sandwiches; the only source of prepared food on the west end of the island.
Drink
There is potable water available at the ranger stations at Snug Harbor and Windigo and their neighboring campgrounds of Rock Harbor and Washington Creek. All campgrounds have a natural water supply on-site or nearby, but these sources should be presumed infected with parasites, and either filtered or thoroughly boiled before drinking or cooking. Filters are the best option for drinking water, because that retains its refreshing coldness, and is also most practical for the gallon/day 3.5 L) or more each person is likely to need. Chemical purification tablets won't kill the tapeworm eggs that the moose deposit in the water supply.
Soft drinks are sold at both camp stores. Die Greenstone Grill (see "Eat") also serves a small assortment of mainstream U.S. and Canadian beers (including Moosehead), and a small but well-chosen selection of Michigan microbrews. Bring your own liquor to the island if you wish, but keep in mind that drunken campers disturb both wildlife and other campers, and alcohol is prohibited at a few campgrounds. Besides, the last thing you need in the wilderness is impaired judgment, dehydration, a hangover, and a bottle to carry.
Slaap
Although the park service is exploring options which might offer a compromise, when staying on Isle Royale you need to choose between cost and comfort: sleep in your own bag outside for free, or sleep in a bed indoors and pay the expense of civilized amenities in the wilderness.
Verblyf
- 1 Rock Harbor Lodge (east end of Snug Harbor), ☏ 1 906 337-4993 (summers), 1 270-773-2191 (winters). Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. The only option for those wanting a bed and four walls, the lodge offers both modest modern hotel rooms overlooking Rock Harbor and Lake Superior, and modern duplex "housekeeping" cabins inland with nice big picture-window views of the surrounding trees, all a short stroll from the dock. $209-232 (cabin), $215-239 ('European plan' room without meals), $336-360 ('American plan' room with meals), double occupancy, tax and fees included; peak season is mid-July to mid-August.
Kampeer
The vast majority of visitors to Isle Royale stay in the designated campgrounds maintained by the park service, equivalent to what most parks call "backcountry" camping... nothing like the half-paved communal parking lots usually passed off as "campgrounds". Some are accessible only through the network of trails crossing the island, some are accessible only by water routes, but many can be reached either way. The motorboat-accessible campgrounds may not be ideal for hikers and paddlers trying to get away from civilization. There's no charge for campgrounds beyond the park visitor fee.
The only amenities at these campgrounds are enclosed pit toilets... no electricity, showers, or trash cans. Campgrounds on the shore of Lake Superior usually have picnic tables; inland campgrounds instead have a some large local logs to sit on. Most campgrounds have several fairly isolated "individual" sites, clearings big enough for two 1-to-3-person tents. Shoreline campgrounds usually also have a small number of three-sided, covered and floored wooden shelters (the fourth wall is screened), but these can't be reserved, so you need to bring a weatherproof three-season tent or risk spending the night with no protection from the clouds (of rain and mosquitoes). For that matter, the tent sites can't be reserved either, so during times of heavy use, you might have to share an individual site with another party. Some campgrounds have larger tent sites for groups of 7-10 campers (located away from the "regular" sites, to reduce the disturbances such groups produce) which moet be reserved. Most campgrounds have a three-night limit on how long you may stay, and the most in-demand ones have shorter limits.
The park's campgrounds, from one end to the other: (numbers correspond to locations on map)
- 2 Merritt Lane Campground (in Merritt Lane on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park.). 2 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Merritt Lane Campground is all the way out on Blake Point, access in a narrow channel protected from Superior. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. One individual tent site and one shelter are available. Normal conditions for depth at dock is 8'. Boats can overnight at dock. Accessible by canoe/kayak or motorboat (Tobin Harbor).
- 3 Duncan Narrows Campground (in the narrows of Duncan Bay on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park). 3 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Duncan Narrows Campground is located in the shadow of Lookout Louise. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. One individual tent site and two shelters. Normal conditions for depth at dock is 6'. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Accessible by canoe/kayak or motorboat (Duncan Bay).
- 4 Rock Harbor Campground (in Rock Harbor on the northeast end of Isle Royale, off of the Rock Harbor and Tobin Harbor Trails). 23 sites, 3 group sites. 3 sites can be reserved in advance, 20 sites are first-come, first-served. Rock Harbor Campground is the most civilized campground, in the suburbs of Snug Harbor, with drinking water, showers, and toilets a short walk away. Consecutive night stay limit is one night from June 1 - September 15 annually. Eleven individual tent sites, nine shelters, and three group tent sites. Normal conditions for depth at dock is 3'-12'. Additional fees for boats to stay overnight at marina. Accessible by trail (Rock Harbor, Tobin Harbor), canoe/kayak or motorboat (Tobin or Rock Harbor).
- 5 Tookers Island Campground (on Tookers Island in Rock Harbor Channel). 2 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Tookers Island Campground is on a small but wooded barrier island in Rock Harbor. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. Two shelters are available. Normal conditions for depth at dock is 7'. Boats can overnight at dock. Accessible by canoe/kayak or motorboat (Rock Harbor).
- 6 Duncan Bay Campground (on the west end of Duncan Bay, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park). 3 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Duncan Bay Campground is located on a nice peninsula sticking into the bay. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. One individual tent site and two shelters. Normal conditions for depth at dock are 6'. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Accessible by canoe/kayak or motorboat (Duncan Bay).
- 7 Lane Cove Campground (in Lane Cove, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park (along Lake Superior), off of the Lane Cove Trail). 5 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Lane Cove Campground is the only trail site on the northeast bays. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights. There are five individual tent sites available. No motorboat access. Accessible by trail (Lane Cove Trail) or canoe/kayak (Lane Cove).
- 8 Three Mile Campground (on Rock Harbor Channel off of the Rock Harbor and Mount Franklin Trails). 15 sites, 3 group sites. 3 sites can be reserved in advance, 12 sites are first-come, first-served. Three Mile Campground is right on the edge of Rock Harbor. It is somewhat busier than most campgrounds as it is a short hike from ferry dock at Snug Harbor. Consecutive night stay limit is one night from June 1 - Labor Day annually. Four individual tent sites, eight shelters, and three group tent sites are available. Normal conditions for depth at dock is 9'. Boats can overnight at dock. Accessible by trail (Rock Harbor, Mount Franklin), canoe/kayak or motorboat (Rock Harbor).
- 9 Belle Isle Campground (on Belle Isle, in Belle Harbor, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park). 7 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. A former resort site with lovely sunrises. Consecutive night stay limit is 5 nights, effective 6/1 - Labor Day. One individual tent site and six shelters. Normal conditions of depth at dock is 13'. Boats can use dock for overnight stays. Accessible by canoe/kayak or motorboat (Belle Harbor).
- 10 Caribou Island Campground (on West Caribou Island, in Rock Harbor Channel, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park). 3 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Consecutive night stay limit is 3 nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. One individual tent site and two shelters on site. Normal conditions of depth at dock is 10'. Boats can dock overnight. Accessible by canoe/kayak accessible or motorboat (Rock Harbor).
- 11 Daisy Farm Campground (in Rock Harbor Channel at the intersection of the Rock Harbor, Daisy Farm, and Mount Ojibway Trails). 25 sites, 3 group sites. 3 sites can be reserved in advance, 22 sites are first-come, first-served. Isle Royale's largest campground is a sprawling and often busy crossroads in Rock Harbor Channel, off of the Rock Harbor Trail, Daisy Farm Trail, and Mount Ojibway Trail. There is a ranger resident here, with informational programs offered many evenings. Good place to swim when the weather is warm. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. Six individual tent sites, sixteen shelters, and three group sites. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Normal conditions of depth at dock is 9'. Accessible by trail (Rock Harbor, Daisy Farm, Mount Ojibway), canoe/kayak or motorboat (Rock Harbor).
- 12 Pickerel Cove Campground (in Pickerel Cove on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park). 1 site. All sites are first-come, first-served. Pickerel Cove Campground is secluded with lots of waterfowl. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. One individual tent site is available. No dock for motorboats. Canoe/kayak access from Pickerel Cove or via .1 mile portage from Lake Superior. Accessible by canoe/kayak (Pickerel Cove).
- 13 Birch Island Campground (Birch Island, near the mouth of McCargoe Cove, on the north side of Isle Royale National Park). 2 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Small campground with a view of Superior. Consecutive night stay limit of 3 nights June 1 - Labor Day annually. One individual tent site and one shelter on site. Normal conditions of depth at dock is 5'. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Accessible by canoe/kayak or motorboat (McCargoe Cove).
- 14 Moskey Basin Campground (in Moskey Basin at the west end of Rock Harbor Channel, off of the Indian Portage and Rock Harbor Trails). 10 sites, 2 group sites. 2 sites can be reserved in advance, 8 sites are first-come, first-served. Moskey Basin Campground is at the scenic cul-du-sac of Rock Harbor. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. Two individual tent sites, six shelters, and two group tent sites are available. Normal conditions for depth at dock 8'. Boats can overnight at dock. Canoe/kayak access from Rock Harbor Channel or via 2.0 mile portage from Lake Richie. Accessible by trail (Rock Harbor, Lake Richie), canoe/kayak or motorboat (Moskey Basin).
- 15 Chippewa Harbor Campground (in Chippewa Harbor on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park). 7 sites, 1 group site. 1 site can be reserved in advance, 6 sites are first-come, first-served. Low cliffs overlooking Superior, good fishing nearby, fire rings. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. Two individual tent sites, four shelters, and one group site. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Normal conditions of depth at dock is 7'. Accessible by trail (Indian Portage), canoe/kayak or motorboat (Chippewa Harbor).
- 16 East Chickenbone Campground (on the east end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the East Chickenbone Lake Campground Trail). 4 sites, 1 group site. 1 site can be reserved in advance, 3 sites are first-come, first-served. An inland campground that is quiet, but the water supply is a short hike away down a hill, and is not particularly appealing. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. Three individual tent sites and one group site. No motorboat access. Canoe/kayak access using 1.2 mile portage from McCargoe Cove or .2 mile portage from Lake Livermore. Be aware that the campground is not on the shoreline - West Chickenbone Campground is more accessible for watercraft. Accessible by trail (Greenstone, East Chickenbone).
- 17 McCargoe Cove Campground (in McCargoe Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Indian Portage and East Chickenbone Trails). 12 sites, 3 group sites. 3 sites can be reserved in advance, 9 sites are first-come, first-served. McCargoe Cove Campground is a popular moose wading location across the cove, community fire ring, no alcohol, 3 group and 3 individual tent sites (up the hill from the cove), 6 shelters (most with views of the water). The Minong Mine (the best preserved on the island) is nearby. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. Normal conditions for depth at dock is 7'. Boats can overnight at dock. Canoe/kayak access from Lake Superior or 1.2 mile portage from Chickenbone Lake. Accessible by trail (Indian Portage, Minong), canoe/kayak or motorboat (McCargoe Cove).
- 18 Lake Richie Campground (on the north shore of Lake Richie, off of the Indian Portage Trail). 6 sites, 2 group sites. 2 sites can be reserved in advance, 4 sites are first-come, first-served. Lake Richie Campground has good fishing from shore. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. There are four individual tent sites and two group tent sites. No motorboat access. Canoe/kayak access from .6 mile portage from Intermediate Lake, 2.0 mile portage from Moskey Basin, 1.2 miles portage from Chippewa Harbor, and .6 mile portage from Lake LeSage. Paddlers may want to consider staying at Lake Richie Canoe Campground. Accessible by trail (Lake Richie, Indian Portage) or canoe/kayak (Lake Richie).
- 19 Lake Richie Canoe Campground (on the north shore of Lake Richie). 3 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Lake Richie Canoe Campground offers more good fishing. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights. There are three individual tent sites available. No motorboat access. Canoe/kayak access via the .6 mile portage from Intermediate Lake, the 1.2 mile portage from Chippewa Harbor, the 2.0 mile portage from Moskey Basin, and the .6 mile portage from Lake LeSage. (Lake Richie).
- 20 West Chickenbone Campground (on the west end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the Indian Portage Trail). 9 sites, 3 group sites. 3 sites can be reserved in advance, 6 sites are first-come, first-served. West Chickenbone Campground is right on the lake with some very nice views. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. Six individual tent sites and three group sites. No motorboat access. Canoe/kayak access from the 1.2 mile portage from McCargoe Cove or the .2 mile portage from Lake Livermore. Accessible by trail (Greenstone, Indian Portage) or canoe (Chickenbone Lake).
- 21 Intermediate Lake Campground (on the shoreline of Intermediate Lake). 3 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Intermediate Lake Campground has secluded, rocky shoreline access, and good fishing. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights. Three individual tent sites are available. Intermediate Lake can be accessed via a 0.6 -ile portage from Lake Richie or a 0.4-mile portage from Siskiwit Lake. No motorboat access. Accessible by canoe/kayak (Intermediate Lake).
- 22 Lake Whittlesey Campground (on the north shore of Lake Whittlesey.). 3 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Lake Whittlesey Campground offers good fishing. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights. Three individual tent sites are available. No motorboat access. Canoe/kayak access via .6 mile portage from Wood Lake and .6 mile portage from Chippewa Harbor (Lake Whittlesey).
- 23 Wood Lake Campground (Wood Lake Campground is located on the north shore of Wood Lake). 3 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Wood Lake Campground overlooks the shoreline for good moose viewing. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. Three individual tent sites are available. Wood Lake can be accessed via a 0.6-mile portage from Lake Whittlesey or from Siskiwit Lake. No motorboat access. Accessible by canoe/kayak (Wood Lake).
- 24 Todd Harbor Campground (in Todd Harbor on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Minong Ridge Trail). 9 sites, 3 group sites. 3 sites can be reserved in advance, 6 sites are first-come, first-served. Todd Harbor Campground offers great sunsets into distant Ontario, is sometimes breezy, and has a community fire ring. There's a mine pit and a cascading creek a short distance to the west. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. Five individual tent sites, one shelter, and three group tent sites are available. Normal conditions for depth at dock is 2'. Boats can overnight at dock. Accessible by trail (Minong) canoe/kayak or motorboat (Todd Harbor).
- 25 Malone Bay Campground (in Malone Bay, on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Ishpeming Trail). 7 sites, 2 group sites. 2 sites can be reserved in advance, 5 sites are first-come, first-served. Malone Bay Campground has a beautiful view and pebble beaches, and a ranger station. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. Five shelters and two group tent sites are available. Normal conditions for depth at dock is 3'-6'. Boats can overnight at dock. Accessible by trail (Ishpeming), canoe/kayak or motorboat (Malone Bay).
- 26 Hatchet Lake Campground (on Hatchet Lake off of the Hatchet Lake Trail). 8 sites, 3 group sites. 3 sites can be reserved in advance, 5 sites are first-come, first-served. Hatchet Lake Campground is located among the birch and thimbleberries near the lake. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. There are five individual tent sites and three group tent sites. No canoe/kayak or motorboat access. Accessible by trail (Greenstone, Hatchet Lake).
- 27 Little Todd Campground (in Little Todd, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Minong Ridge Trail). 4 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights. Four individual tent sites are available. No motorboat access. Canoe/kayak access. Accessible by trail (Minong).
- 28 Hay Bay Campground (in Hay Bay on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park). 1 site. All sites are first-come, first-served. Hay Bay Campground is a safe haven for south-shore boaters. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. One individual tent site is available. Normal conditions of depth at dock is 3'-7'. Boats can overnight at dock. Accessible by canoe/kayak or motorboat (Hay Bay).
- 29 South Lake Desor Campground (on the south side of Lake Desor off of the Greenstone Ridge Trail). 10 sites, 3 group sites. 3 sites can be reserved in advance, 7 sites are first-come, first-served. South Lake Desor Campground is a short climb above the lake shoreline among the birch and thimbleberry plants. The consecutive night stay limit if two nights from June 1 - Labor Day. There are seven individual tent sites and three group sites. No canoe/kayak or motorboat access. Accessible by trail (Greenstone).
- 30 North Desor Campground (on the north side of Lake Desor off of the Minong Ridge Trail). 3 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. North Desor Campground is a long hike from Windigo (or Little Todd) with a good view of the lake. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights from June 1 - Labor Day. Three individual tent sites are available. No canoe/kayak or motorboat access. Accessible by trail (Minong).
- 31 Siskiwit Bay Campground (in Siskiwit Bay on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Island Mine and Feldtmann Ridge Trails). 9 sites, 3 group sites. 3 sites can be reserved in advance, 6 sites are first-come, first-served. Siskiwit Bay Campground is warmer with nice beaches, community fire ring, no alcohol. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. Four individual tent sites, two shelters, and three group tent sites are available. Normal conditions for depth at dock are 2'-6'. Boats can overnight at dock. Accessible by trail (Feldtmann, Island Mine), canoe/kayak or motorboat (Siskiwit Bay).
- 32 Island Mine Campground (0.5 miles south of the Greenstone and Island Mine Trails junction, off of the Island Mine Trail). 6 sites, 2 group sites. 2 sites can be reserved in advance, 4 sites are first-come, first-served. Island Mine Campground is the only campground not by a lake (its water supply is a stream down the hill a short distance) with a "deep woods" character. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. Four individual tent sites and two group tent sites are available. No canoe/kayak or motorboat access. Accessible by trail (Island Mine, near Greenstone).
- 33 Washington Creek Campground (along Washington Creek near Windigo on the southwest end of Isle Royale, off of the Feldtmann Lake, Minong, and Greenstone Ridge Trails). 19 sites, 4 group sites. 4 sites can be reserved in advance, 15 sites are first-come, first-served. Washington Creek Campground is near Windigo, drinking water, showers/toilets a quarter-mile away, view of a wide creek popular with moose. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. Five individual tent sites (most with little privacy), ten shelters, and four group tent sites are available. Boats can stay at Windigo Dock (average depth at dock 4'-20') or stay and walk .3 miles to campground. Accessible by trail (Greenstone, Minong, Feldtmann), canoe/kayak or motorboat (Washington Harbor).
- 34 Hugunnin Cove Campground (at Hugunnin Cove on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the West and East Hugunnin Cove Trails). 5 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Hugunnin Cove Campground is a secluded little cove on the rugged north shore. Consecutive night stay limit is three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. Five individual tent sites are available. No dock available for boats. Accessible by trail (Huginnin Cove).
- 35 Beaver Island Campground (on the west end of Isle Royale National Park, in Washington Harbor, near Windigo). 3 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. A three shelter campground on Beaver Island in the center of Washington Harbor, near Windigo. All the shelters face the water. Consecutive stay night limit of 3 nights effective from 6/1 - Labor Day annually. Three shelters on site. Normal conditions for depth at dock is 2' - 5'. Boats can stay at dock overnight. Accessible by canoe/kayak (Washington Harbor).
- 36 Feldtmann Lake Campground (on the shoreline of Feldtmann Lake, off the Feldtmann Lake and Feldtmann Ridge Trails, on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park). 7 sites, 2 group sites. 2 sites can be reserved in advance, 5 sites are first-come, first-served. Feldtmann Lake Campground is on the SW edge of the lake and has good moose viewing. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. There are five individual tent sites and two group tent sites. Accessible by trail (Feldtmann Ridge).
- 37 Grace Island Campground (on Grace Island, outside of Washington Harbor, on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park). 2 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Consecutive night stay limit it three nights from June 1 - Labor Day annually. There are two shelters available. Normal conditions of depth at dock is 2'-4'. Boats can dock overnight. Accessible by canoe/kayak or motorboat (Grace Harbor).
For those arriving at Snug Harbor, the obvious place to camp the first and last nights is the Rock Harbor campground, the island's busiest. If you're eager to get away from what passes for "crowds" on Isle Royale, Three Mile campground (unsurprisingly about 3 miles away) is easy to get to. Daisy Farm (another 4 miles) is also within a partial-day's hike. But keep in mind that you'll be disembarking from a ferry at the same time as dozens of people with exactly the same idea, filling that first day's hike with passing and being passed by fellow travelers, so an afternoon exploring the Snug Harbor area and a night at Rock Harbor with a more individual hit-the-trail time the next morning (and your choice of sites when you arrive) may be more to your liking. Lane Cove is a reasonable distance for a first night, but it requires hiking over the Greenstone Ridge, and it's a dead-end, so you'll have to backtrack the next day (with a really steep climb back onto the ridge) to go anywhere else. First-day paddlers can reach the Tooker's Island or Caribou Island campgrounds on the barrier islands protecting Rock Harbor.
Arrivals at Windigo typically spend the first and last nights at the Washington Creek campground. An alternative is to hike north to Huginnin Cove (3 miles), but this detour loop will add about 3 miles of up-and-down hiking to the beginning of the next day's hike, regardless of which direction you're going next. Or set out right away on the Greenstone and make your way to Island Mine campground (7 miles, mostly up hill). Beaver Island and Grace Island campgrounds can be reached by canoe or kayak.
From there, it's up to you.
Agterland
True backcountry camping – hiking off the trails and camping in non-designated sites – is allowed only with a special "cross-country" camping permit. It's advised only for experienced wilderness hikers due to the frequent ruggedness of the terrain and difficulty navigating in mostly-wooded areas.
Bly veilig
The Brothers Grimm gave wolves a very unfair portrayal; unless you are a young or feeble moose, you're in no danger from them. Although they've gotten a little less furtive lately as they look harder for moose (whose numbers have gone down substantially), they're still very good at avoiding humans, and even mere sightings are still infrequent. On the other hand, moose can be very dangerous if provoked (there's a reason wolves only go after the weak ones, and do so in packs), especially if you get between a mother and her calf, or if you confront a bull during mating season. But otherwise they're nothing to be afraid of, and will probably regard you the same way.
The greatest danger is your own foolishness: pushing yourself too hard, or ignoring basic principles of wilderness health and safety (e.g. keeping dry, water sanitation, floatation devices on the water). Canoeing, kayaking, or swimming in Lake Superior can be particularly hazardous due to the potential roughness of the water (it's more like a freshwater sea than a mere lake) and the hypothermia-inducing temperature just below the surface year-round.
The water from Lake Superior is safe enough when filtered, but some streams and inland lake sources are not as wholesome. Good filtration (not iodine tablets) is a must and some water from marshlands may need to be pre-filtered to prevent clogging. The taller ridges can reach 80 degrees on a warm summer's day, and there are no water sources up there. Plan ahead and bring plenty of water, as the ridge trails are a strenuous hike. Nothing is worse than being exhausted and out of water 1000 feet above Lake Superior!
If you're injured, there's limited medical assistance available on the island, and it's going to have a difficult time getting to you in the backcountry. There are ranger stations at Snug Harbor, Windigo, Malone Bay (on the south shore), and Amygdaloid Island (off the northeast shore), and a ranger resident at Daisy Farm, any of which can radio for help and arrange for helicopter transport to the mainland (at your expense) for professional medical care.
Surprisingly, there is a theft problem at Isle Royale campgrounds, and the culprits inevitably escape prosecution on the grounds that they are not human. Foxes are the worst culprits, potentially stealing enigiets left unattended, including boots, socks, and even cameras. Squirrels – especially those who've had a previous taste of the exotic foods humans eat – will brazenly steal food from your hand when your head is turned (not much caring if they bite you in the process), or chew through your backpack if they catch a whiff of such ambrosia inside. Double-plastic-bagging and vigilance are advised. This is important both for your own well-being and that of the animals; camp foxes quickly become dependent on human food and stop hunting, which is both nutritionally bad for them en leaves them to starve when the humans all go away for the long winter.
Verbind
The phone numbers included here are useful for planning your trip, not for calling from Isle Royale, where phone service is almost non-existent. At Snug Harbor there's a cellular pay phone on an amplified antenna for "Yeah, Mom, I made it back to the ranger station" calls (credit cards only; $5 for the first two minutes). Mobile phones won't work unless you're on a ridge or a part of the island close to Thunder Bay, Ontario, where maybe you'll get a weak signal. You can bring your phone along "for emergencies", but the odds of it working when you want it to are slim enough to make it just a half pound of dead weight in your pack. Don't even dink about trying to blog your trip.
Gaan volgende
If traveling through Grand Portage, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area van Minnesota en Quetico Provincial Park van Ontario provide a paddling paradise to the west. Houghton-Hancock en Copper Harbor are located on the scenic Keweenaw Peninsula (Isle Royale's geological sibling), and it's not far from there to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, another nice hiking area to the southeast.
