Isle Royale is America's only island national park. It was authorized
by Congress in 1931 "to conserve a prime example of Northwoods Wilderness."
In 1976, the park was designated part of the National Wilderness Preservation
System under the Wilderness Act, and remains today an example of primitive
America--under the act, 99% of the island must be undeveloped wilderness.
In 1981, Isle Royale was designated an International Biosphere Reserve by
the United Nations, giving it international scientific and educational significance.
The island is located in northwestern Lake Superior, 56 statute miles
from Copper Harbor. People visiting Isle Royale will be awestruck by its
natural beauty and its solitude. Perhaps serenity is a better word, for
the island imparts serenity; when you've been there and left, you will long
to return time and again, for when you are there, you are renewed.
Over 160 miles of foot trails cross the island accomodating both the
beginning and the novice hiker. Campsites are located near most trails.
There are also several inland lakes to which you can portage a canoe or
kayak. Try to visit Siskiwit Lake's Ryan Island, the largest island on the
largest lake on the largest island on the largest freshwater lake in the
world!
Backpacking on Isle Royale
Three types of camping are available: three-sided (Adirondack-type)
shelters (maximum 6 people per shelter), tent sites and group
sites (for parties of 7-10 people). Long term campground stays are not
permitted. To ease overcrowding, campgrounds have varying limits on consecutive
night stays.
Among the regulations governing the island, know (1) that opportunities
for campfires are severely limited, so a self-contained backpacking stove
is a necessity, (2) that water not obtained from spigots in Rock Harbor or
Windigo must be considered contaminated with intestinal bacteria and the
eggs of the hydatid tapeworm (boil water for at least two minutes or filter
it through an adequate 0.4 micron filter for bacteria or 25 micron filter
for tapeworm. Halizone tablets, bleach, and other chemicals WILL NOT kill
tapeworm eggs, (3) campsites cannot be reserved (except in the case of any
groups of 7-10 who, since 1996, require a special permit (see "Group Camping"
below), (4) that when on the trail you will have to dig pit toilets for human
waste, and (5) you cannot leave trash in the park--the rule is simple: Carry
out what you carry in.
For more details on camping and campground availability, request the "Camping-Hiking-Boating"
brochure when seeking information from our company or the National Park Service.
Group Camping
A group is 7-10 backpackers together. No group may be larger than ten.
If your group is over 10, you will have to split up in separate groups,
and all travel will have to be independent of each other, with separate leaders.
Group leaders must be at least 18 years of age, and groups with members
under 16 must have an adult leader.
Since 1996, all groups of 7-10 members musthave a reservation
on the island. To obtain this reservation and information, write to "Isle
Royale National Park, Houghton, MI 49931 (request the "Group Camping",
brochure, or call (906)-487-7151.
Boating-Canoing-Kayaking
Boating, canoing, and kayaking are excellent ways of getting around the
island. Most important, boaters must have proper state registrations--and
should carry Lake Superior chart #14976; canoists must do a fair amount of
portaging over steep and rugged terrain, and kayakers must use caution when
entering the chilly, choppy waters of Lake Superior. An additional caution
to all is that the waters of the island are rife with unseen reefs and shoals,
the scourge of many mariners. The National Park Service has a special brochure
of boaters, canoers and kayakers. Ask for the "Canoing and Kayaking"
brochure.
In addition, there is SCUBA diving upon the numerous ship wrecks that
dot Isle Royale's shoreline, mute testimony to the warnings of hidden reefs
given above. Ask for the"SCUBA Diving" brochure.
Finally...
The key to enjoying Isle Royale is to prepare. Make sure that you have
your plans well thought out and that your equipment is in good shape. Don't
wear new boots and expect to hike 10-12 miles. Do drink plenty of filtered
or boiled water when hiking. Carry a good first aid kit in your pack or
on your boat.
There's no place like it, for Isle Royale is what America was
