Thing to Do

Feldtmann Loop Section 1: Hike from Windigo to Feldtmann Lake

Isle Royale National Park

A person hikes along a trail on a ridge top. Trees cover the rolling landscape.
Hike about 8.5 miles one way from Windigo to Feldtmann Lake along this minimally maintained trail.

© VALERIE MARTIN

About this Trail

  • Mileage: About 8.5 miles

  • Overgrown vegetation near trail

  • Rocks and roots on trail

Trailheads

Begin your trip near the Windigo Dock. The Feldtmann Lake trailhead is located just southwest of the dock and pavilion. The trail begins snug against the harbor shoreline offering views of Beaver Island and Washington Harbor. After about a mile in, the trail cuts inland and ascends the ridge. The trail rides the ridge and passes a scenic overlook called Grace Creek Overlook. This is a fine spot for a water break overlooking Grace Creek, Grace Harbor, and Lake Superior. The trail continues along the ridge and then descends gently downward towards Grace Creek—previously seen from the overlook. Small rocks fill the trail shortly after passing Grace Creek. These rocks are remnants of an old Lake Superior shoreline. From here the trail weaves gently downward through wooded areas to Feldtmann Lake. Overgrown vegetation lines the trail on the descent to Feldtmann Lake. At times it may feel like you are swimming through vegetation. Long pants and sleeves are recommended. Rain gear may be necessary if vegetation is wet. 

Don't Miss Rainbow Cove

Rainbow Cove is located about 0.8 miles from the Feldtmann Lake Campground. Set up camp at the campground and take a short hike to Rainbow Cove. This cove includes a rocky Lake Superior Shoreline, scenic sunset watching, and a view of the Rock of Ages Lighthouse on a clear day. 

Found Nearby

  • Windigo

  • Washington Creek Campground

  • Rainbow Cove

  • Feldtmann Lake Campground

  • Grace Creek Overlook

Details
Duration
1 Day
Activity
Backcountry Camping
Pets Allowed
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Feldtmann Lake Trail at Isle Royale National Park
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Accessibility Information
The trail is 18 inches wide and covered in rocks and roots.

Isle Royale National Park

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Washington Creek Campground

Closed
Basic Information
Image of campground site
Washington Creek Campground is located along Washington Creek near Windigo on the southwest end of Isle Royale, off of the Feldtmann Lake, Minong, and Greenstone Ridge Trails. The Windigo Visitor Center, Windigo Store, and Windigo Comfort Station are all accessible from the campground. Boats can stay at Windigo Dock (average depth at dock 4'-20') or stay and walk .3 miles to campground.

Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – September 17 annually
Shelters: 10
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
TOTAL SITES: 19
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 5
Walk to/Boat to: 19
Group: 4
Horse: 0
Other: 10

Image Gallery
Aerial view of the winding Washington Creek surrounded by a green forest.
Washington Creek is a popular spot to look for moose.
NPS / Paul Brown
Tent campsite; sign post with bare patch of ground and picnic table surrounded by trees.ounded by tr
Washington Creek Campground has more shelter sites than tent sites.
NPW / Uwe Konopka
Tents pitched in a tent site with a picnic table; all surrounded by trees.
Where will you pitch your tent?
NPS / Margaret Barse
Wooden shelter for camping with a picnic table.
A shelter in Washingington Creek Campground
NPS / Margaret Barse
Accessibility Information

ADA Information - Uneven, rough terrain throughout campground. Facilities are not accessible. Some facilities are accessible in the immediate Windigo area.

Wheelchair Access - No wheelchair access in campground. Some roads are wheelchair accessible in the immediate Windigo area.

RV & Trailer Information - No RV/Trailer access.

RV Allowed - No

Trailer Allowed - No

Classification - This campground is a developed campground.

Feldtmann Lake Campground

Closed
Basic Information
Image of campground site
Feldtmann Lake Campground is located on the shoreline of Feldtmann Lake, off the Feldtmann Lake and Feldtmann Ridge Trails, on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park. This is an inland campground.

Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Access: Foot
TOTAL SITES: 7
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 5
Walk to/Boat to: 7
Group: 2
Horse: 0
Other: 0

Image Gallery
Yellow tent sits on the edge of trees which sit on the edge of Feldtmann Lake.
Feldtmann Lake Campground awaits off the typical Isle Royale backpacking routes.
Kaitlyn Knick
The sun rises through trees on the edge of Feltman Lake. A yellow tent sits in the foreground.
Feldtmann Lake Campground awaits off the typical Isle Royale backpacking routes.
Kaitlyn Knick
Accessibility Information

ADA Information - Uneven, rough terrain throughout campground. Facilities are not accessible.

Wheelchair Access - No wheelchair access.

RV & Trailer Information - No RV/Trailer access.

RV Allowed - No

Trailer Allowed - No

Classification - This campground is a primitive camping area.

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Last updated: February 23, 2022