Isle Royale National Park: Backpacking

Isle Royale National Park: Backpacking August 1-7, 2022

This has been a bucket list trip for a long time. It did not disappoint. We left KY and had our way to the Sleepy Hollow Motel in South Range, WI. Woke up and made the short drive to Duluth, MN. Spent several hours exploring Duluth including lunch and beers at Canal Park Brewing Company. Headed to Grand Marais, MN and stayed the night at the campground there. A huge thunderstorm rolled in during the evening. Woke super early, grabbed some coffee at the Java Moose, the drove to Grand Portage, MN. to catch the ferry to Isle Royale NP on the Voyageur II.
Arrived at Windigo for orientation from the park ranger and to grab our park pass. Got back on the Voyageur II and headed towards McCargoe Cove CG to spend our first night. We would spend the next 7 days, 6 nights exploring this amazing place. Our schedule was:
8/1 McCargoe Cove
8/2 Hatchet Lake
8/3 South Lake Desor
8/4 Siskiwit Bay
8/5 Feldtmann Lake
8/6 Washington Creek
We saw several moose, fox, bald eagles, beavers, loons and other smaller wildlife. All the campsites were nice, especially McCargoe Cove and Feldtmann Lake. Took a side hike to see the scenic Rainbow Cove. I loved all the Aspen and Birch trees and listening to the loons almost every evening and morning. We ended the hike at Windigo and enjoyed some showers and a pizza and beers at the Windigo Store. Had some nice conversation with other hikers(Ken, Amanda, Rich and Ben) about our trips.
Headed back to the mainland and stopped at Voyageur Brewing Company and dinner at the Fisherman’s Daughter in Grand Marias. Stayed the night in Silver Bay, MN before making the long drive back to KY.
Isle Royale NP is a gem and will hopefully make it back in the near future to explore the Rock Harbor side of the island.
Happy hiking!