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Isle Royale NP: Feldtmann Ridge Trail



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Trail Details

County
Houghton
Regions
Western Upper Peninsula
Latitude
N 47° 51' 34.56"
Longitude
W 089° 06' 45.36"
Distance
10.3 miles
Trail Type
Backpacking
Terrain
Forested and open ridges
Difficulty
Moderate
Nearest City or Town
Houghton
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The Feldtmann Ridge Trail is another one of Isle Royales great walks, a 10.3-mile trek across the high ridge from Feldtmann Lake to Siskiwit Bay. Because of a major forest fire in the 1930s, stretches of its crest are open, providing sweeping views of the islands most remote corner. Halfway across it is an old firetower that you can ascend for even better views.When combined with the Feldtmann Lake Trail, a 8.5-mile walk to Feldtmann Lake Campground, the 4.8-mile Island Mine Trail and a portion of the Greenstone Ridge Trail, this trail is the highpoint of a three-day, 30.7-mile circuit that is one of the most scenic in the park.
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Description
The Feldtmann Ridge Trail is another one of Isle Royale’s great walks, a 10.3-mile trek across the high ridge from Feldtmann Lake to Siskiwit Bay. Because of a major forest fire in the 1930s, stretches of its crest are open, providing sweeping views of the island’s most remote corner. Halfway across it is an old firetower that you can ascend for even better views.

When combined with the Feldtmann Lake Trail, a 8.5-mile walk to Feldtmann Lake Campground, the 4.8-mile Island Mine Trail and a portion of the Greenstone Ridge Trail, this trail is the highpoint of a three-day, 30.7-mile circuit that’s one of the most scenic in the park.

But best of all, Feldtmann Ridge experiences far fewer hikers than the Greenstone or the trails at the east end of the island. The loop is popular with backpackers from Minnesota who arrive at Windigo as hikers who step ashore in Rock Harbor have to make additional transportation arrangements to reach this trail. But this loop is well worth the additional costs and is the perfect choice for anybody not up for a five to six-day traverse of the island along the Greenstone or Minong ridges.

The other alternative is to ferry to Windigo and hike this loop to the Greenstone Ridge Trail near Island Mine Campground. Here you head east, instead of west, to return to Rock Harbor. Such a grand adventure would require seven to eight days but would be unmatched by any other walk on the island in terms of scenery, wilderness solitude and the possibilities of spotting wildlife, particularly moose. Just make sure you pack plenty of gorp.
Amenities & Services
Camping
Difficulty - Moderate
Foot Path
Trail Guide

The Feldtmann Ridge & Island Mine Trails is covered  with maps in Isle Royale National Park: Foot Trails & Water Routes by Jim DuFresne. To order the 184-page guide to the wilderness island, Click Here.

Facilities

Shower tokens, clean towel, and bar of soap can be purchased at the camp store at Rock Harbor or Windigo. It\'s also possible to book a cabin at Windigo for lodging. The Windigo Cabins feature table and chairs, a sofa, two bunk beds and electrical outlets but no indoor plumping. For reservations, contact the park concessionaire, Forever Resorts (866-644-2003 or 906-337-4993 in summer; www.rockharborlodge.com).

Supplies

In the Upper Peninsula, on the way to Isle Royale National Park, the best place to pick up equipment is Downwind Sports which has two stores at 514 N Third St. in Marquette (906-226-7112) and 308 Shelden Ave. in Houghton (906-482-2500). Once on the island, information, maps and backcountry permits can be obtained from the Rock Harbor or Windigo Visitor Centers at the foot of the ferry wharf. There are also small stores at each entry port with limited and very expensive supplies.

Hours & Fees

Isle Royale National Park opens April 16 and closes on Nov. 1 to all visitors for the winter.  The park has a entrance fee of $7 per person per day or an annual pass for $60. You can pay the entrance fee once you arrive at the park or in advance at at pay.gov  and avoid congestion and long waits on the island. All park visitors who plan to camp overnight at campgrounds or cross-country sites are required to obtain a camping permit. This permit can be obtained free of charge at the visitor center at Windigo or Rock Harbor when you arrive or on board Ranger III on the way to the Island.

Directions

To reach Windigo and return to Rock Harbor, book passage on the Voyageur II. Alternatively, you can book a flight to Windigo with Isle Royale Seaplanes, which flies out of the Portage Canal Seaplane Base near Hancock.

Information

Call the Isle Royale National Park headquarters in Houghton (906-482-0984) or check the Isle Royale National Park website (www.nps.gov/isro).


Geo-referenced maps from MichiganTrailMaps.com range from $1.99 to $2.99 each.

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