Isle Royale Lodge-Based Hiking Adventure
Price
Activity Level
Level 2-4
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
Overview
Lake Superior’s Isle Royale National Park is an island of wild creatures, unspoiled forests, refreshing lakes, and rugged scenery. Hike trails known for moose sightings, amazing stargazing from reduced light pollution, and visit one of the least-frequented National Parks, as you can only reach the island via boat or plane. Discover this U.S. Biosphere Reserve known for its isolated population of wolves and moose. Trip fee includes a round-trip ferry from the mainland.
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Delicious meals in local restaurants or group prepared meals/snacks for on trail
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Double-occupancy or group rooms by gender or request
- Limited single-occupancy rooms available for extra cost
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- Transportation to and from trip start and end location (including airfare)
- Optional trip insurance
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
Location Map
Day 1 – Meet your group and spend the night at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino
Meet your group at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, check into rooms, and enjoy dinner together!
Day 2 – Take the ferry to Rock Harbor and check in to the lodge
Rise early in the morning to catch the ferry to Rock Harbor on Isle Royale. After arriving in the mid-afternoon, check into rooms at the Rock Harbor Lodge before exploring the harbor — a great introduction to Isle Royale. Return to the lodge for dinner as a group. Catch a ranger talk before spending your first relaxing evening on Isle Royale.
Day 3 – Hike to Scoville Point and practice your paddling skills as you explore the sheltered waters of Tobin Harbor
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before experiencing the rugged beauty of Isle Royale on a morning hike to Scoville Point. After lunch, practice paddling skills and look for wildlife as you explore the sheltered waters of Tobin Harbor.
Day 4 – Discover beautiful views of Mount Franklin and spend the evening on an optional sunset cruise
After breakfast, depart right from the front door of your lodge and discover beautiful aerial views on your way up Mount Franklin. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before stopping to explore Suzy’s Cave on your way back to Rock Harbor. Return to the lodge in the afternoon to relax and freshen up before enjoying dinner. Spend the evening on an optional, casual walk along a boardwalk through the spruce bog before taking in the sunset.
Day 5 – Explore the island on a scenic kayak tour and enjoy the last group dinner in Isle Royale
Take a casual morning hike after breakfast to explore another part of the island. Return to the lodge for lunch and have time to relax or check out the Rock Harbor gift shop. This afternoon, we’ll explore the island by water on a 2.5-hour guided paddling tour, scanning the shoreline for wildlife and unique rock formations. Take a refreshing dip in Lake Superior in the evening before enjoying our last dinner together as a group on the magical Isle Royale.
Day 6 – Enjoy final views of Isle Royale as you ferry back to Grand Portage and say goodbye to your trip mates
Rise early to catch the ferry back to Grand Portage. Enjoy your final views of Isle Royale while you reminisce about your northwoods island adventure before saying goodbye to your trip mates.
Our Approach to Accessibility
Wilderness Inquiry takes a creative and multifaceted approach to accessibility on trips and programs. Understandably, an ADA-level accessibility may not always be available in wilderness and even international settings. That is why we utilize Wilderness Inquiry’s Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) to guide our approach to accessibility by leveraging key resources such as adaptive equipment, support personnel, itinerary and activity choices, and weighing in unique environmental factors to create experiences that can be accessible to many individuals. While our trips may not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, our team does its best to ensure a variety of travel and program options that offer differing levels of accessibility for a variety of needs and abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip or program, our team is always willing to explore options and solutions that suit a traveler’s interest and ability – don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.
There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
What type of food will I eat during the trip?
Typical menus for overnight camping trips include pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
To view our full cancellation policy, please click here.
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