1. Introduction
Rising quietly in the chilly waters of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is one of the least-visited yet most beloved national parks in the U.S. Its crown jewel is the Greenstone Ridge Trail — a 40-mile backbone running the length of the island from Windigo in the west to Rock Harbor in the east.
This thru-hike offers sweeping ridgeline views, pristine lakes, abundant moose sightings, and the rare chance to truly disconnect. There’s no cell service here, and many hikers go days without seeing another person.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a multi-day trek you can finish in under 10 days — complete with ferry rides instead of shuttles, wolves instead of bears, and the freshest air you’ve ever breathed — Greenstone Ridge belongs on your bucket list.
2. Trail Overview
- Distance: ~40 miles (Windigo → Rock Harbor)
- Elevation Gain: ~3,500 feet (rolling ridge terrain)
- Difficulty: Moderate — rolling but rugged when wet
- Duration: 5–9 days (depending on pace & side trips)
- Best Direction: West → East (Windigo → Rock Harbor) for gradual climbs and easy access to lodge/ferry at the finish
- Major Highlights: Mount Ojibway Fire Tower, Daisy Farm Campground, moose sightings, secluded inland lakes, Lake Superior vistas
- ALL TRAILS LINK
3. Best Time to Go
- Late May – June: Cooler temps, spring wildflowers, fewer bugs; ferries limited, trails muddy
- July – Early August: Warm temps, long days; peak mosquito/blackfly season, busier ferries
- Late August – Mid-September: Best balance — fewer bugs, crisp air, early fall colors
- October: Stunning colors, solitude; most services close, ferries stop mid-October
4. Permits & Regulations
- Park Entry Fee: $7 per person per day (payable online or at visitor centers)
- Backcountry Permit: Required; issued on arrival at Windigo or Rock Harbor (first-come, first-served)
- Group Size: Max 6 for individual groups (10 with special permit)
- Water: Plentiful, but always filter or boil
- Wildlife Note: No black bears on Isle Royale — food lockers available at campsites
5. Getting There
Ferry Options
- From Michigan
- Ranger III (Houghton → Rock Harbor) — 6 hrs
- Isle Royale Queen IV (Copper Harbor → Rock Harbor) — 3.5 hrs
- From Minnesota
- Voyageur II (Grand Portage → Windigo, loops island) — 1.5 hrs
- Sea Hunter III (Grand Portage → Windigo, day trips/one-way) — 1.5 hrs
Seaplane Option
- Isle Royale Seaplanes from Hancock, MI or Grand Marais, MN — fastest (and most expensive ~
Pro tip: Most hikers go Windigo → Rock Harbor with one-way ferry in, one-way out.
6. Trail Comparisons
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Solitude | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenstone Ridge | ~40 mi | Moderate | Moderate | Island’s ridge spine, sweeping lake views, moose |
| Minong Ridge | ~33 mi | Challenging | High | Rugged ridge scrambling, fewer campsites |
| Feldtmann Loop | ~45 mi | Moderate | High | Feldtmann Lake, lighthouse, remote west end |
7. Sample Itineraries
5-Day Fast Hike
- Day 1: Ferry → Windigo → Island Mine (7.2 mi)
- Day 2: Island Mine → Hatchet Lake (12 mi)
- Day 3: Hatchet Lake → Daisy Farm (15 mi)
- Day 4: Daisy Farm → Three Mile Camp (4 mi, optional Tobin Harbor detour)
- Day 5: Three Mile → Rock Harbor (3 mi) → Ferry out
7-Day Balanced Pace
- Day 1: Windigo → Island Mine (7.2 mi)
- Day 2: Island Mine → South Lake Desor (8.2 mi)
- Day 3: South Lake Desor → Hatchet Lake (8.1 mi)
- Day 4: Hatchet Lake → McCargoe Cove (8 mi)
- Day 5: McCargoe Cove → Daisy Farm (8 mi)
- Day 6: Daisy Farm → Three Mile (4 mi)
- Day 7: Three Mile → Rock Harbor (3 mi) → Ferry out
9-Day Leisure Trek (with side trips)
- Same as 7-day but add Lookout Louise, Chickenbone Lake, and Mount Ojibway Fire Tower.
8. Camping & Gear
- Campsites: First-come, first-served; most feature 3-sided wooden shelters in addition to tent pads.
- Food: Bear canisters not required; use lockers when provided.
- Essentials: Reliable rain gear, warm layers (chilly nights), sturdy boots (mud).
- Connectivity: None — expect a true digital detox.
9. Costs
| Expense | Low End | High End |
|---|---|---|
| Park Entry (per day) | $7 | $7 |
| Ferry | $70 | $160 |
| Seaplane | $250 | $400 |
| Camping Permit | Included | Included |
| Lodging before/after | $80 | $200 |
10. Final Thoughts
The Greenstone Ridge Trail is more than a hike — it’s a rare immersion into one of America’s wildest, quietest corners. With no cars, no towns, and no cell service, you’ll measure your days in footsteps, moose sightings, and sunsets over Superior.
Whether you finish in 5 days or linger for 9, this trail stays with you long after you’ve stepped off the ferry.
Trailside Vitals 
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