Best trails in Isle Royale National Park
This remote park protects Isle Royale, the largest island in Lake Superior, and more than 400 smaller islands in Michigan. The park's northern boundary lies parallel to the Canadian border. Isle Royale is made up of forests, lakes, ponds, and bogs that support more than 600 species of flowering plants and 19 species of mammals. This rugged environment is home to famously large populations of moose and wolves. You'll also spot foxes, beavers, and bald eagles. While the park is known for its 3 major backpacking trails (the Greenstone, the Minong, and the Feldtmann), there are many other rewarding hikes for those who don't want to spend a whole week in the wilderness!
Isle Royale is one of the least visited national parks because it's so remote. Visitors must take a ferry or seaplane to access the park. Many visitors recommend taking a seaplane to save time, and because it's an especially scenic trip. You can take a seaplane or ferry from Michigan or Minnesota to Windigo on the southwest end of the park or Rock Harbor on the northeast end. Most hikes start from one of these areas. You can also travel to the island by private boat.
The park is open from April 16 through October 31 due to winter weather conditions outside of that window. Summer and early fall are the best seasons for hiking. Mid-June through mid-July is peak wildflower season, followed by berry season in the summer. Fall temperatures are cooler, but you'll be treated to spectacular fall foliage. No matter when you visit, be prepared for quickly changing weather that sweeps in over the lake.
There is a daily entrance fee to visit the park, which you can pay online in advance or in person when you arrive at Rock Harbor or Windigo. We recommend paying online, because there are limited fee collection hours on the island. In addition to the entrance fee, a permit is required if you plan to camp or dock overnight. Permits are free for boaters and small groups, and campsites are first-come, first-served. For large group camping, there is a permit fee, and advance reservations are required.
Top trails
- (680)•Moderate•4.7 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrEmbark on a journey to Scoville Point via the Stoll Trail and discover the beauty of this unique destination. The Stoll Trail guides explorers along the shoreline, offering continuous views of the surrounding waters, and also meanders through stretches of forest, providing a varied landscape to experience. The views from Scoville Point are truly breathtaking, presenting a panorama that rewards those who make the trip. Wildlife enthusiasts will want to keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring...
- (248)•Moderate•4.0 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrSuzy's Cave is a popular short-medium long hike from the Rock Harbor area on the east side of the Island. This unique area features an inland sea arch that was formed by the sea thousands of years ago. The cave is located between Three Mile Campground and Rock Harbor which hosts the Rock Harbor Trail. The trail to Suzy's Cave can be rocky and there are many roots so proper footwear is advised.
- (276)•Moderate•6.7 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThis route represents the first day of a 5 day backpack from Rock Harbor to Windigo. It's a fairly easy day to start a trip after arriving by seaplane or ferry. The trail follows the shoreline, providing some great views and ample opportunity to access water. The hike is flat, but there are lots of rocks and tree roots which is characteristic of much of IR.
- (211)•Moderate•9.8 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrThis route takes you along the Tobin Harbor Trail to Mount Franklin. It starts off along a well-maintained trail on a relatively flat surface until you reach the summit, which is steep and challenging. From the summit of Mount Franklin, you can enjoy some stunning panoramic views of the Isle Royale Wilderness with the water in the distance.
Visitor info
$7 per person per day to enter or remain in Isle Royale National Park. Children 15 and younger are exempt.
Visiting Park Headquarters in Houghton, MI does not require a fee.
Isle Royale Season Pass: $60 valid from April 16 through October 31 of the year indicated. Pass covers fees for the pass holder and up to three adults traveling with the pass holder (four total).
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The Houghton Visitor Center and Rock Harbor Visitor Center are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. Assistance is available by staff on a golf cart to access Windigo Visitor Center, as there is a very steep grade. Orientation films include closed captioning.
Audio, text, and Braille materials are available.
Many ranger-led programs at the Portage Lake District Library, Rock Harbor Auditorium, and Windigo Visitor Center are wheelchair accessible. Please contact the park in advance to make a reservation for accessibility needs.
Additional information about accessibility at Isle Royale National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The crew on the Ranger III boat can assist with loading and unloading on the gangplanks, but please alert staff to any accessibility needs when making your reservation. The Ranger III has a wheelchair accessible grill and restrooms. The MV Sandy boat is also wheelchair accessible.
Commercial and private seaplanes and boats are also used to access the park. Please contact those services directly to ask about accessibility.
The Houghton Visitor Center and Rock Harbor Visitor Center are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. Assistance is available by staff on a golf cart to access Windigo Visitor Center, as there is a very steep grade. Orientation films include closed captioning.
The Daisy Farm and Rock Harbor Campgrounds have 1 individual wheelchair accessible camping site, but the paths in these areas are not accessible and will likely require assistance.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park. Service dogs must have a veterinary health certificate that must be received by the park at least 2 days prior to your visit.
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Frequently asked questions
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