Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Isle Royale — Greenstone Ridge, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Michigan, USA
- Country
- United States
- Biome
- Boreal island (180–425 m)
- Best season
- June – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Hunting
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Wildlife Viewing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Boreal island (180–425 m)
- Best season: June – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Isle Royale — Greenstone Ridge
Topic summary
A 40-mile spine traverse across America's most remote national park island — moose and wolf country.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: June – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Boreal island (180–425 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Bear Country Food StorageBear country: canister, Ursack or hang, and the local rules.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
Plan with verified data
Isle Royale — Greenstone Ridge trip tools
How to get there
Isle Royale is accessible only by seaplane, passenger ferry, or private boat; there are no roads or cars on the island. Arrange transportation before settling the hiking itinerary, matching arrival and departure points to the direction of travel. Hidden Lake is accessible only by private boat or water taxi, with water-taxi arrangements available through Rock Harbor Lodge.
- Rock Harbor
Starting point for a traverse toward Windigo using the Tobin Harbor or Rock Harbor trails and Mount Franklin Trail to connect with the Greenstone Ridge Trail. Rock Harbor Campground provides an option for an initial rest day.
- Windigo
Starting point for a traverse toward Rock Harbor. The first listed stage reaches Island Mine Campground via the Greenstone Ridge Trail; Washington Creek Campground near Windigo offers an alternative initial overnight.
- Hidden Lake
Boat-only trailhead reached by private boat or water taxi. Arrange a transfer to Hidden Lake Dock through Rock Harbor Lodge before beginning the hiking itinerary.
Sources: nps.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Isle Royale — Greenstone Ridge
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Kayaking
Sheltered and open-water paddling lines.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
Animals around Isle Royale — Greenstone Ridge
Wildlife guideBlack bearUrsus americanus
Big gameWhitetail DeerOdocoileus virginianus
GamefishBrook TroutSalvelinus fontinalis
Wildlife guideNorth American beaverCastor canadensis
Big gameBlack BearUrsus americanus
GamefishSmallmouth BassMicropterus dolomieu
Wildlife guideSnowshoe hareLepus americanus
Big gameWild HogSus scrofa
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Isle Royale — Greenstone RidgeAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Isle Royale — Greenstone Ridge
Planning to fish Isle Royale — Greenstone Ridge, Michigan? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in Michigan are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing license at Isle Royale — Greenstone Ridge?
- A Michigan fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Michigan fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Isle Royale — Greenstone Ridge
Thinking about hunting Isle Royale — Greenstone Ridge, Michigan? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Michigan are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Isle Royale — Greenstone Ridge?
- Confirm the land around Isle Royale — Greenstone Ridge is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Michigan?
- A Michigan hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A multiday traverse in Lake Superior
The Greenstone Ridge Trail crosses the interior of Isle Royale, a roadless island in northwest Lake Superior that belongs to Michigan. The island and its surrounding smaller islands and waters form Isle Royale National Park. This is a backpacking trip rather than a drive-up ridge walk: the full journey covers more than 40 miles when campground spur trails are included, and a practical planning range is five to eight days. The trail is rated for intermediate backpackers. Forest, exposed rocky ridgetops, inland lakes, and views toward Lake Superior give the crossing its character. Rock Harbor, Windigo, and boat-accessible Hidden Lake provide different starting arrangements. Choosing between them is as much a transportation decision as a hiking decision. With no roads or cars on the island, the route and arrival and departure arrangements need to work together before the trip begins.
Build the itinerary around campground connections
The Greenstone crossing is not simply a matter of dividing the ridge mileage into equal days. Campground approaches and connecting trails shape each stage. From Rock Harbor, a sample progression runs through Daisy Farm, East or West Chickenbone, Hatchet Lake, South Lake Desor, and Island Mine before reaching Washington Creek near Windigo. Several stages are about eight miles, while the first hiking stage to Daisy Farm exceeds nine miles. East and West Chickenbone are 1.6 miles apart, so they should not be treated as interchangeable map labels. Starting at Windigo reverses the general progression, with Island Mine as the first overnight stop or Washington Creek as an initial rest day. Hidden Lake adds a separate boat transfer and an opening stage to Three Mile Campground. A rest day at Rock Harbor can provide time to settle in and arrange that transfer.
Weather, isolation, and trail preparation
Lake Superior drives changing weather, and conditions can deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly. Pack layers and prepare for time on exposed rocky ridge terrain as well as in forest. Stay hydrated and keep daily plans conservative enough to handle changing conditions. Isle Royale has limited services, unreliable cell phone coverage, and no quick substitute for self-reliance. Basic emergency services exist, but response and evacuation take time; a phone should not be the foundation of an emergency plan. Check current park conditions before departure. Mosquitoes and black flies peak in June or July and can persist into August, while wasps are common. Carry suitable insect protection, and anyone allergic to stings should bring an epinephrine kit. Wildlife should be watched from a safe distance, without feeding, approaching to touch, or intentionally disturbing animals or their activities.
Overnight requirements and low-impact camping
An overnight permit is required regardless of group size or travel method, whether staying at a campground, a cross-country site, a dock, or at anchor. Groups of seven or more need advance camping reservations. There is no camping fee; the daily entrance fee is $7, and payment should be arranged before the trip. Carry a backpacking stove, since campfires are permitted at only a handful of campgrounds. Pack out all trash and leftover food, and secure food in a hard-sided, scent-proof container or doubled zip-lock bags. Leave natural and cultural resources undisturbed. Dogs, cats, and other mammals are not allowed, including pets aboard boats within park boundaries. Fishing plans also depend on location: Lake Superior requires a State of Michigan fishing license, while the island's interior lakes and streams do not.
Route options
- Rock Harbor to WindigoOver 40 miles, including campground spur trailsIntermediate backpackers
Allow five to eight days for the overall crossing. A sample itinerary begins with a night at Rock Harbor, then visits Daisy Farm, East or West Chickenbone, Hatchet Lake, South Lake Desor, Island Mine, and Washington Creek near Windigo. Connecting trails and campground spurs are part of the journey.
- Windigo to Rock HarborOver 40 miles, including campground spur trailsIntermediate backpackers
Reverse the crossing through Island Mine, South Lake Desor, Hatchet Lake, West or East Chickenbone, and Daisy Farm before reaching Rock Harbor. The listed opening stage to Island Mine is about 6.6 miles; an initial rest day at Washington Creek is another option.
- Hidden Lake to WindigoIntermediate backpackers
Begin with a private-boat or water-taxi drop-off at Hidden Lake Dock. The sample itinerary reaches Three Mile Campground on the first hiking day, then East or West Chickenbone, Hatchet Lake, South Lake Desor, Island Mine, and Washington Creek. The opening stage is about eight miles, followed by about 10.5 miles to Chickenbone.
- Lookout Louise to Mount FranklinAbout 5 miles
A secluded section of the Greenstone Ridge Trail extending toward Isle Royale's northeastern tip. This is listed as a one-day trail section; account separately for travel to and from its endpoints.
Sample itineraries
- Rock Harbor to Windigo · 8 days
Spend the first night at Rock Harbor, then follow the Greenstone Ridge itinerary through Daisy Farm, East or West Chickenbone, Hatchet Lake, South Lake Desor, and Island Mine. Spend the final night at Washington Creek near Windigo. Allow time for campground spur trails and coordinate onward transportation.
- Windigo to Rock Harbor · 7 days
Start at Windigo and overnight at Island Mine, South Lake Desor, Hatchet Lake, West or East Chickenbone, Daisy Farm, and Rock Harbor. Follow Greenstone Ridge with connecting trails to campgrounds. Arrange island transportation before committing to the walking schedule.
- Hidden Lake start to Windigo · 8 days
Spend the first night at Rock Harbor and arrange a water taxi to Hidden Lake Dock. Continue with nights at Three Mile, East or West Chickenbone, Hatchet Lake, South Lake Desor, Island Mine, and Washington Creek. Hidden Lake access requires a private boat or water taxi.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Lake Superior drives changing weather, and conditions can deteriorate quickly. Carry layers and check current park conditions and transportation availability before setting a departure plan.
Summer
Summer; insect peaks in June or July
Mosquitoes and black flies peak in June or July and can persist into August. Wasps are common. Stay hydrated, carry insect protection, and remain prepared for sudden weather changes.
Fall
Fall
Expect to manage changing Lake Superior weather rather than rely on a settled forecast. Pack layers, check current conditions, and confirm transportation for both ends of the trip.
Winter
Winter
Confirm park access and transportation availability directly before considering a winter trip. The island has no road access, services are limited, and emergency response and evacuation take time.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Lake Superior drives changing weather, and conditions can deteriorate quickly. Carry layers and check current park conditions and transportation availability before setting a departure plan. |
| Summer | Summer; insect peaks in June or July | Mosquitoes and black flies peak in June or July and can persist into August. Wasps are common. Stay hydrated, carry insect protection, and remain prepared for sudden weather changes. |
| Fall | Fall | Expect to manage changing Lake Superior weather rather than rely on a settled forecast. Pack layers, check current conditions, and confirm transportation for both ends of the trip. |
| Winter | Winter | Confirm park access and transportation availability directly before considering a winter trip. The island has no road access, services are limited, and emergency response and evacuation take time. |
Permits, fees & closures
Permits are required for all overnight stays at campgrounds, cross-country sites, docks, or at anchor, regardless of group size or method of travel.
Fees: There is no camping fee. The daily entrance fee is $7. Pay entrance fees before the trip.
Reservations: Groups of seven or more need advance camping reservations.
Official source: Backpack the Greenstone Ridge Trail - National Park Service · Verified September 18, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Lake Superior weather can deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly. Carry layers and reassess plans as conditions change.
- The island is isolated, services are limited, and emergency response or evacuation takes time. Travel conservatively and remain self-sufficient.
- Cell phone service is unreliable. Do not depend on it for navigation or emergency communication.
- Mosquitoes and black flies peak in June or July and may continue into August. Wasps are common; carry an epinephrine kit if allergic to stings.
- Dehydration is a concern on a multiday backpacking trip. Stay hydrated and plan water needs before each day's walk.
What to pack for Isle Royale — Greenstone Ridge
- Layered clothing
- Rain protection
- Insect repellent and head net
- Epinephrine kit if allergic to stings
- Backpacking shelter and sleep system
- Backpacking stove and fuel
- Hard-sided, scent-proof food container or doubled zip-lock bags
- Bags for packing out trash and leftover food
- Trail map and navigation tools usable without cell service
- First-aid supplies
- Water containers and a backcountry water-treatment system
- Emergency communication equipment that does not rely on cell coverage
Wildlife you may see
- Observe wildlife from a safe distance. Feeding, touching, teasing, or intentionally disturbing wildlife, nests, homes, or activities is prohibited.
- Secure food properly in a hard-sided, scent-proof container or doubled zip-lock bags.
- Mosquitoes, black flies, and wasps warrant insect protection and appropriate allergy preparations.
Isle Royale — Greenstone Ridge FAQ
- How long and difficult is the Greenstone Ridge trip?
- Plan five to eight days for over 40 miles, including campground spur trails. The route is rated for intermediate backpackers. Build the schedule around walking ability, campground connections, and island transportation.
- How do you reach the trail?
- Isle Royale is accessible only by seaplane, passenger ferry, or private boat. There are no roads or cars on the island. Trailheads include Rock Harbor, Windigo, and Hidden Lake; Hidden Lake requires a private boat or water taxi.
- Can campfires replace a backpacking stove?
- Campfires are permitted at only a handful of campgrounds. Carry a backpacking stove rather than relying on fires for cooking.
- Can pets come along?
- Dogs, cats, and other mammals are not allowed, including pets aboard boats within park boundaries.
- Is a fishing license required?
- A State of Michigan fishing license is required for Lake Superior. No license is needed for interior lakes and streams.
- Are East and West Chickenbone the same stop?
- No. East and West Chickenbone are separate campgrounds, 1.6 miles apart. Check which campground fits the itinerary rather than treating the names as interchangeable.