Planning a trip to one of the least visited national parks in the United States? This rugged island wilderness requires more planning that most other National Parks. Here are ten tips for planning an Isle Royale Backpacking trip.

Tip #1: Plan your Isle Royale backpacking trip in advance

Don’t expect you can decide to hop over to Isle Royale next month, because you might not be able to find transportation. A trip to Isle Royale requires more planning than most other National Parks because you need to take a ferry or seaplane to get there, and those options fill up. Give yourself enough time that you can plan your route, choose dates, and be able to book transportation early in the year you want to go.

Tip #2: Get the map and guidebook to plan your route

There are several different trail options on the island, allowing you to plan a route that works for you. Figure out how far you want to go every day and what campgrounds work for that. The guidebook is pretty much the ‘Bible’ for planning a trip to the island, and the map will help with routes – plus you’ll want to take it when you go.

Tip #3: Don’t aim for high mileage when planning your Isle Royale route

First of all, if you’re not used to rockiness your feet may HURT and blisters can be a real problem, even if you don’t normally get them. Secondly, you will definitely want some time to breathe it all in – and that’s better if you’re not on a forced march to get to the next campsite.

Tip #4: Break in your boots / shoes

Hiking boots (or shoes if that’s your thing) are key to enjoying your Isle Royale Backpacking trip. Make sure they are comfortable, properly broken in, and rugged enough to handle the terrain. Hikes are much more enjoyable when you’re not in pain!

Tip #5: Test out your backpacking gear

Go on a shakedown trip – take a weekend trip to use all your backpacking gear. You want to know how to use it before you’re on the island, and you want to make sure you have everything you need. There aren’t many options to pick up additional gear on the island.

Tip #6: Pack lightly

If you don’t absolutely need it, don’t take it. Your feet will thank you! When I was new to backpacking (as is common with many new backpackers) I used to think I needed to bring All The Things since I was in the wilderness. You can actually get by with less than you think. For example, for a 2 week trip I brought one set of hiking clothes, one set of camp clothes, and one set of sleep clothes, with an extra long sleeve shirt. Don’t sacrifice safety, but keep your pack as light as you can

Tip #7: Bring a luxury item

Does this conflict with ‘pack lightly’? Maybe a little and it’s not something you usually get for Isle Royale backpacking tips, but a luxury item is nice treat at the end of a long day. For me, I bring my Helinox Zero chair. It weighs about a pound and it makes my knees and back so very, very happy. Totally worth it. I went to Isle Royale once with someone who brought a cushy pair of slippers and I was very envious of those. Think about the weight of the item you want to bring and if it’s worth it. If so, pack it up!

Tip #8: Prepare for bugs, heat, and cold

Chances are you will encounter all of these things. I’m always surprised at how hot it can get on the ridges, and how cold it can get on Lake Superior overnight. Bugs depend on weather, wind, and where you are on the island. Plan to encounter mosquitos and flies at some point, and be prepared with bug spray and head net.

Tip #9: Train, train, train. With weight!

Prepare for your trip by getting out and hiking as much as possible, with your pack. Start with a lighter pack if you need to and work your way up. My first trip to Isle Royale was the first time I got serious about training for a backpacking trip – and it paid off! My trip was so much more enjoyable because I was in shape for it.

Tip #10: Be flexible

Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, especially in a wilderness area like Isle Royale. Maybe you can’t do the mileage you thought you could. You can change your route on the fly. Maybe Lake Superior is rocking some giant waves and the ferry can’t leave (this happens fairly often). Be prepared to stay an extra day. Things may not work out as you expected, but being flexible will allow you to embrace whatever unexpected things come your way. Enjoy your trip!

Want to read more about my Isle Royale trip?

Start from the beginning with Backpacking Isle Royale Part 1: Planning & Training.