Isle Royale Backpacking, Kayak Basecamp Trip-Rock Harbor (2022)

Event Details

This event is listed as a Class 2, Intermediate Level, backpacking trip. You should be conditioned for hiking 5-8 miles a day, and able to carry a load of 30-40 lbs for a few days in a row. If you have not traveled with us in the past, we will call you after registering to confirm that you will be able to complete this trip. For an explanation of the way we classify events, visit this page.

Some places are hard to get to, and that can be a good thing. Accessible only by ferry or seaplane or personal watercraft, Isle Royale, located on an island in the middle of Lake Superior north of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, offers Alaska-like solitude and a badge of honor for Midwesterners in search of unique hiking experiences. The remoteness of Isle Royale National Park makes it one of America’s least-visited, and we think that makes it even more special. Let True North Expeditions take on the daunting work of planning a backpacking trip to Isle Royale for you. 

Your ticket price will include transportation from predetermined locations, lodging in Grand Portage, and round-trip transportation to Isle Royale from Grand Portage. Your total gear weight must not exceed 40 lbs. Travel on the boat may be treacherous, depending on the weather and lake conditions. You should expect to be on the boat for up to 8 hours on the first day of the trip. If you want to bring your own kayak you may do so, but only kayaks 12 feet in length with dry bulkheads are acceptable for this event. 

For general information about Isle Royale National Park, please visit this link.

Pick-up from Grand Marais Airport is also available (KCKC, 123 Airport Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604).

A registration deadline will be set for this event. Please see our cancellation policy as it differs from all of our other events. 

Itinerary

We will begin on August 20 at Rock Harbor.  We are required to stick to our itinerary and can not deviate from it. We will spend the first day hiking to Three Mile campground where we will camp for the night. The rest of the week we will stay at the Rock Harbor Lodge for 3 nights, and take an overnight kayak trip, camping at a group campsite. This trip option gives you the best mix of backpacking, kayaking, and day hiking while allowing you to spend the majority of the nights in the comforts of the lodge.

Aug 20 - 3 miles - Start at Rock Harbor / Camp @ Threemile

Aug 21 - 3 miles - Threemile / Stay at Rock Harbor Lodge

Aug 22 - Day hike/Stay at Rock Harbor Lodge

Aug 23 - Overnight kayak excursion-Camp TBD/Stay at campsite TBD

Aug 24 - Return from kayak excursion/Stay at Rock Harbor Lodge

Aug 25 - Depart Rock Harbor for Windigo, then Grand Portage

(All mileage is approximate. Please be aware that our trip dates may need to be adjusted based on the availability of the boat transportation company).

Cost

We have a few different ticket options for this event.

1. Admission-Double Occupancy Hotel. The ticket price is $1809. This ticket price includes transportation from a predetermined location in the Midwest, 2 nights of double occupancy lodging at the Grand Portage Casino Hotel, 3 nights of double occupancy at the Rock Harbor Lodge, 2-day kayak rental while on Isle Royale, National Park permits/camping, round trip transportation to Isle Royale via boat, map, guide fees, and access to a satellite phone while on Isle Royale.
2. Admission-Single Occupancy Hotel. The ticket price is $2601. This ticket price includes transportation from a predetermined location in the Midwest, 2 nights of single-occupancy lodging at the Grand Portage Casino Hotel, 3 nights of single occupancy at the Rock Harbor Lodge, 2-day kayak rental while on Isle Royale, National Park permits/camping, round trip transportation to Isle Royale via boat, map, guide fees, and access to a satellite phone while on Isle Royale.
3. Admission-No Lodging on the mainland. The ticket price is $1627. This ticket price includes transportation from a predetermined location in the Midwest, 3 nights of double occupancy at the Rock Harbor Lodge, 2-day kayak rental while on Isle Royale, National Park permits/camping, round trip transportation to Isle Royale via boat, map, guide fees, and access to a satellite phone while on Isle Royale. This ticket option does not include lodging at the Grand Portage resort.
4. Gear Rental. The ticket price is $425. This ticket includes gear rental for one person and includes all of the items listed below. We will contact you with a list of additional required gear prior to the start of the trip. Gear Rental includes a backpack, 1 or 2 person tent, Sleeping bag, Sleeping pad, Sleeping pillow, Backpacking stove, water filter, trowel, Ursack food storage bag, headlamp, and trekking poles. 

Meals

You are responsible for your own meals during the entirety of this trip. For information on dining options on Isle Royale, click here. 

Safety

All True North Expeditions staff are certified in Wilderness First Aid/CPR. This event will also have one paramedic/EMT-B assigned to each group. Our guides are experienced in wilderness and outdoor travel and are equipped with GPS and satellite phones during every portion of this event.

 

Cancellation Policy

No refunds will be issued for cancellations 14 days or less from the date of the event. The deadline to receive a refund is Aug 4, 2022.  All other cancellations are subject to a 50% service fee. A refund will be issued in the form of a check, or the original payment method. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing, we will notify you when the refund has been issued. 

True North Expeditions, Inc. reserves the right to substitute the routes or transportation listed in the description above in the event of inclement weather, availability, or other uncontrollable events.

(Permitted with approval of the National Park Service)