About this Trip

Volumes are written about this majestic and pure wilderness island in Lake Superior, actually closer to Canada than the United States! Designated an International Biosphere Reserve, Isle Royale National Park sets a scientific purity standard for air and water quality, and is home to numerous moose, a handful of wolves, and countless rabbits, fox, and grey squirrels – all too eager for a morsel of left-behind granola. This Northpoint trip to Isle Royale marks the beginning of a new level of challenge and difficulty in the series. Begun in 2002, the trip covers approximately 40 miles over 6 all-backcountry hiking days. A seventh day is added to the itinerary for travel to and from Camp Nicolet. From Three Mile to Moskey Basin and McCargoe Cove, to Daisy Farm and ultimately Rock Harbor – the campsite moves each night, providing an exhilarating wilderness journey on this incredible island, which incidentally is one of the least-visited National Parks in the nation. Past participants report writing college entrance essays about their trip experiences, indicating the formative nature of this adventure. True emphasis is placed on supporting one another, working together as a team, and taking care of one another emotionally and physically in the backcountry context. From the rugged beauty of the Rock Harbor trail, the anthropological history of the Indian Portage Trail and McCargoe Cove settlements, to a sunrise hike to the Ojibway tower – Isle Royale Backpacking is a trip not to be missed.