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| | | Rock Harbor - Mt Ojibway - Daisy Farm Loop, MI | | | |
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Rock Harbor - Mt Ojibway - Daisy Farm Loop, MI
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| Hiking | 17.75 Miles |
1,267 AEG |
| | Hiking | 17.75 Miles | 7 Hrs 15 Mns | | 2.62 mph |
| 1,267 ft AEG | 28 Mns Break | | | |
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Prior to hiking, we listened to a park ranger at the visitor center explain the ebb and flow of the moose and wolf populations on the island. There are currently four wolf packs on the island: two in the eastern section where we were, one in the central section, and one in the western section.
In our section, wolves have been spotted daily, even around the buildings at the harbor. Rangers have been using paintball guns to discourage human interaction. She advised us to never leave our packs unattended. Recently, a guest did so, and a wolf took off with their pack, including their wallet and car keys, never to be seen again. There are currently about 30 wolves on an island that is 45 miles long and 9 miles wide. They are having difficulty finding food and have resorted to eating berries.
We heard numerous stories from backpackers about their interactions with wolves and moose—from stolen shoes at camp to a wolf taking a moose calf, only to be kicked and launched into the air.
After hiking a short distance with Deb, my brother, and sister-in-law, we split up, and they did their own hikes.
This was the hike I had wanted to do while on the island.
Tobin Harbor Trail - IRNP
This trail is mostly smooth, flat, and well-traveled. As the name suggests, it runs next to Tobin Harbor, offering views of the calm water. I saw numerous signs of wolves along the trail.
Mt. Franklin Trail - IRNP
This trail first crosses through the low-lying, swampy area over Tobin Creek. Much of this section is over a 12-inch-wide, elevated boardwalk. It looked like perfect moose territory, but no luck. After leaving the swampy area, the trail climbs over 500 feet to meet the Greenstone Ridge Trail. With the humidity, I worked up quite a sweat.
Greenstone Ridge Trail - IRNP
I made the turn and walked 0.25 miles to Mt. Franklin. At Mt. Franklin (which is little more than a hump), there was a large rock with a wonderful breeze and views of most of the island. Canada is visible 11 miles to the northwest, while Minnesota (not visible) is 20 miles west, and Copper Harbor, Michigan (not visible), is 46 miles southwest of the island. I took a short break and chatted with some backpackers before continuing toward Mt. Ojibway.
[ youtube video ]
While most of the other trails I had been on were through thicker vegetation, this trail was mostly open and an easy hike.
Mt. Ojibway Trail - IRNP
At the closed Mt. Ojibway fire lookout, there were quite a few backpackers taking a break. This peak (or hump) is 1,132 feet above sea level (550 feet above Lake Superior). I climbed the tower as far as I could and caught a nice cooling breeze. Next was the descent to the Dairy Farm campground area, back into the vegetation and swampy boardwalk sections. One of these 12-inch-wide boardwalks was 100 feet long and elevated 3 to 4 feet above the marshy area below. I can't imagine carrying a heavy backpack across this after a week of hiking.
At Dairy Farm, I stopped for a break on the dock. This is one of 36 campgrounds on the island. All have tent camping, a water source, and toilets. Six offer screened shelters. This one had 16 shelters, each sleeping up to eight people (four comfortably).
Rock Harbor Trail - IRNP
Now for the return leg of the hike. This trail follows the shoreline of Rock Harbor the entire way, with views of the Rock Harbor Light, the numerous islands across the bay, and several abandoned copper mines. This trail is usually regarded as one of the tougher ones on the island. There's not much elevation gain, but it's rocky with exposed roots, particularly between Starvation Point and Suzy's Cave. I stopped to check out Suzy's Cave.
Suzy's Cave - IRNP
The name "Suzy's Cave" is believed to originate from a Native American woman named Suzy who lived on Isle Royale. According to local legend, Suzy used the cave as a temporary shelter or a place to escape harsh weather while living on the island. It’s a short detour off the Rock Harbor Trail.
Continuing on, I enjoyed the views for the remainder of the hike. I was a little disappointed not to see a wolf or moose, but I saw plenty of red squirrels and flocks of giant pileated woodpeckers. This is a recommended loop if you ever find your way to Isle Royale National Park. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
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