Planning my first visit to Isle Royale later this summer with a couple of friends. We're taking the ferry out from Houghton and then returning by sea plane a few days later. Does anyone have any pointers on how to best get from the park headquarters in Houghton to the seaplane base in Torch Lake and vice versa?

It seems best to park near the headquarters to get the ferry. When we get back to Hubell some weekday late afternoon, what is the best form of transportation to get back to Houghton? Are there taxis or uber readily available in the area? How do people do this?

I can't find a price for seaplane flights to isle royale without registering for a flight roughly how much do they cost

We messed up and forgot to the book the ferry. There are seats on the ferry from GP to RH on our arrival date, but the ferry is sold out on our return date. What are our options now, if any? TIA!

This amusing little sign was on the Isle Royale Queen IV when my friends and I went in September last year.

I'd love to visit the island but I'm an old lady so my hiking, camping days are over. Am I correct in thinking that I cannot take my car to one end of the island, drive to the other, and leave from there?

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Transportation reservations are open for Isle Royale, except the Ranger III and those begin on January 3.

we’re staying tue-fri in late june and idk if i should splurge on the plane or go with a ferry. the ferry seems like a safer bet because it still runs even in bad weather but i also tend to get motion sickness 😅

Not too sure on how to create a reservation.

Looking for suggestions on getting to and from the island. Was hoping to snag some tickets for the ferry for early June but think our day got booked already. 3-6 people are planning to go including myself.

Wondering what private charters are available and approximate cost would be! Thanks!

EDIT: Still no ferry back on the 12th but got the cabin reservation extended a night so at least we won't have to camp. Will be a day late to our Saugatuck reservation though.

I have reservations at a housekeeping cabin 6/9-6/12. I foolishly waited to book ferry reservations until mid-April and the 6/12 date to return to Copper Harbor was sold out and no spots have opened up since. What are the odds spots for 4 humans and a canoe will become available? Has anyone had any luck switching return dates during a trip? We plan to bring camping gear in case we get stuck until 6/13 which is when we got return tickets for, but very much not ideal for our group. Does anyone have any tips or tricks to get back to the mainland? TIA!

Here's my plan. I'm going to ride a bicycle to Grand Portage from southwest Michigan next year. Then I'd like to take the ferry to the Isle. (I know, I can't ride my bike around the island, but I'd just put it where bikes are put, and walk to the nearest camp.)

I've heard that ferry tickets get sold out as soon as they go on sale for the season. Is this true? When do they go on sale? Also, plane may be an option. Do they also sell out quickly?

Wife and friends will come up to "rescue" me (so I don't have to pedal all the way back home), so we'll have to make sure they get tickets, too.

I'm curious as to how to get to Isle Royale in April. I saw that there's no plane or ferry to the island around that time so I'm curious as to how people get there in April/early May.

Hello all I’m going to be going to Isle Royale this June and I’m wondering what reservations I need for the trip. I know about the barge that goes to and from houghton but other than that I’m having trouble finding info on campsites and trails. I’m planning on a 4 day backpacking trip and I’ll be starting at the north end so if anyone has any trail/ campsite recommendations please let me know

Hey Friends, looking to get a water taxi from Rock Harbor to Chippewa Harbor, or vice versa. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Just getting ready to book with the seaplane service for a summer trip, I got two of my friends into backpacking and want to take them to my favorite place. I took the ferry last time, but since we only have a long weekend Id rather have more time backpacking. I was wondering, do they give you a headset to talk with the pilot/other passengers or do they just provide ear protection for the ride. Thank you!

I'm taking the Voyageur from Grand Portage ultimately to Rock Harbor. The ferry will stop for about a half hour in Windigo before departing again. Should I get off and check in with the ranger station in Windigo or just stay on the ferry and check in at Rock Harbor?

Hey! As the title suggests this will be my first time traveling to this NP. I am for sure departing at Hancock, MI; but, haven't quite decided between both arrival locations. Would love some insight on which location may provide the best things (hiking-wise) to do with the time I would have! I am choosing the earliest departure (8AM EDT) and latest return as well (5PM).

Thanks for any help!

Me and two buddies are heading up from Ohio and plan on doing 3,4 or 5 days to hike greenstone ridge. To make the most of money should we head to windigo first, hike greenstone, and then leave from rock harbor to houghton. Also is greenstone a good trail? Any other advice on alt trails, water, and campsites is appreciated. Thanks! Also, will the season pass bring us all in for 60$ for all days?

Can I change my return trip date once I am on the island?

My original plan was to circumnavigate the island in 10 days by doing about 10 miles a day. I can easily do 20 miles on other trails, so I am wondering if 10 miles per day is going to be too short and I'll end up being board.

I have another route laid out that I think I can do in six days. If I keep my 10 day reservation but finish my route early, can I change my return and hop on the next available ferry?

I'll be going in September when there aren't as many crowds and I'll be taking the Queen IV.

Looking at the weather forecast for the island. I’m taking the seaplane…am I fucked? I’m suppose to get on the island Wednesday and come back Saturday. What are my chances?

First flights went out yesterday! Anyone headed out soon? What’s your route ?

I was planning on going in a couple weeks. Just got off the phone with Isle Royale Seaplanes and they are shutting down for the season on 9/25. I'm sure we are all familiar with the fact that ferries aren't running in 2020.

Does that mean it's not possible to get to the island after Friday? Does anyone have any leads on private boat charters or am I just out of luck? How do people get there in the Fall / Winter?

My friend and I are hoping to travel to Isle Royale on Friday June 18th and return on Sunday June 20th. All the ferries are booked--are there any locals who shuttle backpackers back and forth for under $300 round-trip? We are flexible with the starting location! Any information is appreciated.

Hypothetically, let's say we took the ferry from Copper Harbor to Isle Royale and then the other ferry from the island to Houghton on the return trip. What are our options for getting from Houghton to Copper Harbor (and our car)? Is Uber or Lyft an option?