The spectacular scenery of Lake Superior's North Shore has earned national scenic byway designation as an "All-American Road." Along the 150-mile drive between Duluth and Grand Portage, we will hike to many waterfalls including the Devil's Kettle, where over half of the river disappears underground, and the High Falls of the Baptism River, the highest waterfall located totally within the state's borders. We will experience the area's history at the 1910 Split Rock Lighthouse and at Grand Portage National Monument fur-trading post.
We will spend 4 days around Isle Royale enjoying its physical isolation and primitive wilderness. Known primarily for its wolf and moose populations, the island is also home to red fox, beaver, squirrels, and gray jays. Lush bushes of thimbleberries, raspberries, and blueberries border its trails. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, we will experience this island park by hiking its trails, and exploring its rugged coast, both on foot and from the deck of a commercial tour boat. Attraction stops must be tailored to fit weather, crowding, and boat schedules.
Trip participants rendezvous in Duluth, Minnesota, traveling by van from there to the North Shore Isle Royale Connection in Grand Portage. Because of low Lake Superior levels in 2007, the daily Wenonah was not operating, so we had to modify our plans and use the Voyageur II, which sails every other day. Get your tickets early because space can be limited on these boats in the busy August season. Weather-related high seas can also cause sailing changes, so loose scheduling may be beneficial.
Our trip was a light camping/backpacking trip with participants only required to carry their gear and group gear to campsite locations on the backpacking portion of the trip. The Isle Royale terrain is relatively flat and we limited our daily hiking mileage to 5-7 miles. A substantially longer backpacking trip can be made by walking the length of Isle Royale, from Windago to Rock Harbor or the reverse.
Originates @ Duluth, Minnesota.
Evening Fog
Grand Portage
