A full day can be spent paddling from Rock Harbor Lodge to Mott Island and hiking the beautiful and little-used Mott Island Trail. The paddle is about 4 miles from Rock Harbor, and in good weather conditions you can plan on 2-3 hours each way.

Mott Island trail is a 2.6-mile loop that hugs the Mott shoreline. A cross over spur allows you to reduce that to 1.8 miles but the most scenic portion of the trail is at east end.

Mott Island is the site of park headquarters and is a bustling place during the summer, as rangers, maintenance people, and trail crews pass through. Paddlers secure their boat to the beach on the east side of the harbor. The circular trail begins and ends near the seaplane dock. By staying to the left, the trail follows the protected shore of Rock Harbor, rising and dipping gently.

This is a great adventure for backpackers who have been hauling a backpack for a few days and have a final day on the island before heading home. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from the Rock Harbor Marina.