Minong Ridge Trail + route from Rock Harbor, Isle Royale National Park - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Minong Ridge Trail + route from Rock Harbor, Isle Royale National Park
Country:	United States
State:	Michigan
Nearby Town:	Houghton
Rating:
Directions:	To access Isle Royale: Houghton, MI (Ranger III): 6.5 hours one way. A 165 feet, 125-passenger vessel that offers ferry service from early June through mid-September to and from Rock Harbor. For reservations: email ISRO_Ranger3Reserve@nps.gov, or write to: Isle Royale National Park, 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1869 Houghton, MI (Seaplane Service): 0.5 hour one way, on-demand air service mid-May through September service to Rock Harbor and Windigo, reservations write to: Isle Royale Seaplane Service P. O. Box 371 Houghton, MI 49931-0366 Copper Harbor, MI (Isle Royale Queen III): 4.5 hours one way, 81 feet, 100-passenger vessel. Operates mid-May through September service to and from Rock Harbor, write: The Royale Line, Box 24, Copper Harbor, MI 49918-0024 Grand Portage, MN (Voyageur II): 1.75 hours one way to Windigo, 6.25 hours one way to Rock Harbor. A 63 feet, 48-passenger vessel. Operates mid-May through October service to ports around Royale Isle, including Rock Harbor. For reservations: write to: Grand Portage-Isle Royale Transportation Line, Inc. 1507 North First Street Superior, WI 54880-1146 Grand Portage, MN (Wenonah): 3 hours one way. A 65 feet, 149-passenger vessel. Operates June through Labor Day service to and from Windigo. For reservations, see above.
Total Hike Distance:	50.00 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Very Difficult
Permit Required:	Yes
Hike Type:	One-Way, Shuttle Hike
Hike Starts:	Rock Harbor or Windigo
Hike Ends:	Windigo or Rock Harbor
Trails Used:	Minong ridge trail, indian portage trail, greenstone ridge trail, daisy farm trail, rock harbor trail
Backcountry Campsites:	Yes
Backcountry Water Sources:	Streams, Lakes
Management:	National Park Service
Contact Information:	http://www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm
Best Season:	Spring, Summer
Users:	Hikers
Road Conditions:
Hike Summary:	Many people take a boat ride to McCargoe Cove and start the Minong Ridge Trail from there. You can also be picked up at McCargoe Cove by the Voyager II if you start the hike at Windigo. Either way, you will be walking about 30 miles over one of the most remote and rugged areas of the park. Only experienced hikers should attempt this. Constant up and down, rock-hopping, lack of water sources, and exposure to the elements can make this hike a real challenge. There are only 3 backcountry campsites between McCargoe Cove and Windigo, and there is a 12 mile stretch where there are no campsites at all. Purchasing a map and planning your hike ahead of time is a must. Four full days of hiking is recommended. For those who wish to do a longer hike, you can start at Rock Harbor and use any combination of trails you wish, to link up with the Minong Ridge Trail at McCargoe Cove. Recommended trails are listed above. You will need to add at least 2 more days to your trip. Again, purchase a map ahead of time and visit the NPS website provided here for further information and contact numbers. Weather you want to do the 30 mile Minong Ridge Trail by itself, or do a 50+ miler from Rock Harbor, you are in for a challenge and a treat. The views are breathtaking and the wildlife is abundant. Wolf sightings, although rare, have a better chance of materializing on the Minong Ridge, than other parts of the park.