Whether you are staying at the Rock Harbor Lodge, in one of the Washington Harbor Cabins, or in a basecamp tent at one of Isle Royal National Park’s 35 campgrounds, there are a variety of front-country day hikes as well as longer backcountry hikes from which to explore the island. You can also hike off-trail at this national park.

Below is a quick rundown of the hikes/trails offered in this national park. For more detailed information, click on each hike name. Distances are roundtrip unless otherwise noted. Pets are not allowed on these trails.

Map of Rock Harbor area trails, Isle Royale National Park / NPS

Rock Harbor Day Hikes

A view from along the Stoll Memorial Trail, Isle Royale National Park / NPS file

Stoll Memorial Trail (Scoville Point)
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) figure-eight loop
The Albert Stoll Jr. Memorial Trail is a relatively easy hiking trail that captures the majesty of Lake Superior and engages with the wilderness character of Isle Royale National Park.

Looking out from within Suzy's Cave, Isle Royale National Park / Robert Swanson via NPS

Suzy’s Cave
Distance: about 3.8 miles (6.1 km) via Rock Harbor and Tobin Harbor Trails
This hike leads you to a wave-washed cliff and an inland sea arch, found on Isle Royale’s eastern end.

Map of Windigo area trails, Isle Royale National Park / NPS

Windigo Day Hikes

Windigo Nature Trail circles the Windigo area at Isle Royale National Park / Valerie Martin via NPS

Windigo Nature Trail
Distance: ~1.2 miles (1.9 km)
Immerse yourself in the deciduous forest on the western end of Isle Royale.

The Canadian shoreline can be seen from the Minong Ridge Overlook, Isle Royale National Park / Derrick Jaeger via NPS

Minong Ridge Overlook
Distance: 6 miles (9.7 km)
Enjoy views of Isle Royale's west end, Lake Superior, and the Canadian shoreline to the north.

The view from Grace Creek Overlook, Isle Royale National Park / Kaitlyn Knick via NPS

Grace Creek Overlook
Distance: 3.6 miles (5.8 km)
Grace Creek Overlook offers scenic views of Grace Creek, Grace Harbor, and Lake Superior.

Backpacking Hikes

If you are in mind for a much longer, multiday exploration of Isle Royale, here are several trips with that in mind.

A view of Mount Siskiwit from Greenstone Ridge Trail, Isle Royale National Park / NPS-Katie Keller

Greenstone Ridge Trail
Distance: 40 miles (64.4 km)
This trail takes you from one end of Isle Royale to the other. Click the link above to see the trail sections listed.

Hiking the Harbor To Hills Loop, Isle Royale National Park / NPS-Nelson Decker

Harbor To Hills Loop
Distance: 26 to 33 miles (41.8 – 53.1 km) dependent upon itinerary
Hike beside Rock Harbor Channel and up along the hills of the Greenstone Ridge Trail in this east end loop.

The view along the Feldtmann Loop Trail, Isle Royale National Park / Kaitlyn Knick via NPS

Feldtmann Loop
Distance: 30.1 miles (48.4 km)
The Feldtmann Loop is the most varied trail on the island that includes forests, ridgetops, cliffs, swamps, shoreline, and historic structures.

Beaver dam crossing along Minong Ridge Trail, Isle Royale National Park / NPS-Derrick Jaeger

Minong Ridge Trail
Distance: 32.1 miles (51.7 km)
This trail is the island's most challenging trail with bare ridges, changing trail conditions, and steep ridge climbs and descents.

Whether you decide on a day hike or a backcountry foray, always bring the following:

• Water
• Snacks
• Rain Gear
• First aid kit
• Map of Isle Royale
• Compass

Permits are required, regardless of group size or method of travel, for all overnight stays at campgrounds, cross country sites, docks, or at anchor.

Island terrain is rough and uneven, so sturdy boots are your best bet for tackling the trail. Remember to pack out what you pack in, and if you spot something cool, like moose antlers or a wildflower, leave it there for others to enjoy.

Water

Staying hydrated is so important, especially when hiking inland like along the Greenstone Ridge Trail. Drink often from your waterbottle and carry along salty snacks.

Potable water is only available at Rock Harbor and Windigo. For backcountry hiking, Campgrounds are the best places to find water to purify. All surface lake and stream water should be considered contaminated with pathogens (non-potable). Drinking contaminated water can make you very sick. That said, the park's campgrounds are either located along Lake Superior or an interior lake, making water access easy to obtain.

According to park staff:

Use one of these methods [to treat your own water in the backcountry]:

• Physical Purifier: Use one that is rated to remove viruses.
• Water Filter (0.4 microns or finer) + Chemical Treatment (use tablets or bleach).
• Water Filter (0.4 microns or finer) + UV Treatment (use a UV purifier).
• Boil: At a roiling boil for at least one minute (bring plenty of fuel canisters).

Filtering Water Details

To be assured of no risk of contamination from small bacteria and viruses, all filtered water should be further treated with iodine or other approved chemical methods. If filtering, bring a replacement cartridge for filters that cannot be cleaned in the field.

Chemical Treatment Details

By itself, chemical treatment is not an effective method of water purification.

UV Purifiers Details

SteriPENs and other UV purifiers have not been manufacturer-tested for hydatid tapeworm, a common parasite found in Isle Royale waters and cannot be considered effective. Hydatid tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus) is a parasitic tapeworm that requires two hosts to complete its life cycle. On Isle Royale, moose host larval tapeworms, which form hydatid cysts in their body cavity. In wolves, larval tapeworms mature and live in the small intestine. Adult tapeworms produce eggs which are expelled from wolves in feces, and consequently, the waters of Isle Royale. Find out more about hydatid tapeworm on the Center for Disease Control's website.

More About Water Purification

For detailed water purifying information, visit the National Park Service Backcountry Health website. If you have further questions regarding safe drinking water, contact the park.

Cyanobacteria and Harmful Algal Blooms

In recent years, harmful algal blooms have been present periodically at several inland lakes. When filtering and/or purifying water, these HABs must be avoided completely as there is currently no viable method for removing or subduing cyanotoxins in the backcountry.
Learn more about harmful algal blooms, how to identify them, and what to do if you find them.

Cyanotoxins

Cyanotoxins at various levels naturally occur in Isle Royale's interior lakes and may effect the water's taste. Any suspicious looking or tasting water should be reported to a visitor center.

Illness

If you or a party member becomes ill and suspect it may be due to drinking water consumed while on Isle Royale, make a report at a visitor center, or contact us.

Forewarned is forearmed, so check the Current Conditions Page for Isle Royale. There, you will read about any alerts and closures and find links to weather forecasts, among other things.