Isle Royale National Park is a gem among our U.S. national parks due to its isolation in the northwest corner of Lake Superior, its low visitation, and its roadless condition. The island is roughly 45 miles long by 8.5 miles wide and can be reached only by boat or seaplane. This boreal forest (“spruce/moose”) ecosystem is home to the longest running ecological study of wolves and moose in the world. This summer marks the 50th anniversary of the wolf-moose study, so what better time to investigate Isle Royale and the ecological triangle of wolves, moose, and vegetation on the island? Join us for this 9-day cross-island backpacking trip as we hike Isle Royale starting from Windigo (west end) and ending at Rock Harbor (east end). Treat yourself to the beautiful fall scenery and sunsets of Isle Royale, the call of the common loon, and if luck is with us, the howl of wolves as we slumber in our tents at night. As an added bonus, the moose are moving into the rut or mating season this time of year and the mosquito and black fly seasons have passed!
Instructor Greg Wright will provide in-depth information about the island’s wolf/moose study conducted by Drs. Rolf Peterson and John Vucetich (Greg gathers data at a wolf-killed moose site during winter study in the photo at left.) We may have the opportunity to meet with Rolf Peterson and his wife Candy at their research cabin if their schedule permits. In addition to learning about the wolf/moose study, we’ll cover topics including, but not limited to other mammals, birds, vegetation, human history, and geology. Throughout the trip we’ll provide tips on safe backpacking and Leave No Trace ethics. You’ll have plenty of evening downtime once we reach our daily destination for journaling and/or personal explorations. Participants must provide their own backpacks, gear, and food. Group water filters and several backpacking stoves will be provided by Adventure Learning Ecotours if needed.
We recommend lodging at the Best Western Franklin Square (906-487-1700) the night before departure. This hotel is within walking distance to both Michigan Technological University and the Ranger III boat dock. Complete directions, gear lists, and other information will be emailed to registered participants.
Dates Offered: 9/3 – 9/13
Limit: 8
Minimum Age: 18 (14 and up if accompanied by an adult)
Activity Level: moderate to difficult (some 10+ mile days with full packs)
Instructors: Greg Wright
Cost: $950 includes ecotour, park fees, and Ranger III fare.
-Itinerary-
Sept 3:
Meet at the MTU School of Forestry atrium at 6:00pm for introductions, gear check, a few words from the Director of the Isle Royale Institute, and a short slideshow about Isle Royale.
Sept 4:
Depart at 8:00am EST on the Ranger III National Park Service Boat, arrive mid-afternoon and hike to Washington Creek Campground.
Sept 5:
Hike to Feldtmann Lake Campground (~ 8.8 miles).
Sept 6:
Hike to Siskiwit Bay Campground (~ 10.3 miles).
Sept 7:
Hike to Island Mine Campground (~ 4.5 miles).
Sept 8:
Hike to South Lake Desor Campground (~ 5.5 miles).
Sept 9:
Hike to Hatchet Lake Campground (~ 8.1 miles).
Sept 10:
Hike to McCargoe Cove Campground (~ 10.7 miles).
Sept 11:
Hike to Daisy Farm Campground (~ 8.2 miles).
Sept 12:
Hike to Rock Harbor Campground (~ 7.2 miles).
Sept 13:
Depart at 9:00am from Rock Harbor on the Ranger III, arrive in Houghton, Michigan in mid-afternoon.
