Thing to Do

Greenstone Section 1: Hike from Lookout Louise to Mount Franklin

Isle Royale National Park

The forested islands of Isle Royale National Park surrounded by Lake Superior.
Lookout Louise is a scenic stop along Isle Royale's most popular trail, the Greenstone Ridge Trail.

NPS / CLAIRE JACKSON

About this Trail

  • Mileage: About 5 miles

  • Rocks and roots on trail

  • Less trafficked trail making navigation difficult

  • Changing trail conditions require a map, compass, and navigation skills

Trailheads

Hike from Lookout Louise to Mount Franklin. Experience the exposed ridge on the east end of Isle Royale. This less traveled trail is the most eastern section of the Greenstone Ridge Trail that transects the island. Water access is unavailable on this section. Scenic views can be found at Lookout Louise and Mt. Franklin. Lookout Louise can be reached via a 1 mile hike from Hidden Lake. Hidden Lake can be reached by private boat, water taxi, or by joining a tour with the MV Sandy. Stop into the Rock Harbor Visitor Center for current of information.

Difficult to Reach Trail Section

This trail section is remote, even for Isle Royale. Backpackers enter the park through Rock Harbor or Windigo. Most backpackers choose to hike to/from Rock Harbor by foot rather than hiking to/from Lookout Louise and catching a pre-scheduled water taxi from Hidden Lake to Rock Harbor. Make sure to make arrangements before your trip if you choose to begin or end your trip at Hidden Lake/Lookout Louise.

Found Nearby

 

Details
Duration
1 Day
The trail is 18 inches wide and covered with rocks and roots. 
Pets Allowed
No
Backpackers may choose to get dropped off at Lookout Louise on a MV Sandy, separate fees apply. 
Location
Lookout Louise on Isle Royale National Park
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
The trail is about 18 inches wide and is covered in rocks and roots. Access to Lookout Louise via Hidden Lake is accessible by private boat, water taxi, or a tour on The Sandy. 

Isle Royale National Park

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Rock Harbor Campground

Closed
Basic Information
Image of campground site
Rock Harbor Campground is located in Rock Harbor on the northeast end of Isle Royale, off of the Rock Harbor and Tobin Harbor Trails. Additional fees for boats to stay overnight at marina.

Stay Limit: 1 night from June 1 – September 15 annually.
Shelters: 9
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 3’-12’.
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
TOTAL SITES: 23
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 11
Walk to/Boat to: 23
Group: 3
Horse: 0
Other: 9

Image Gallery
Wooden campground shelter with picnic table in front.
Shelters are very popular and not reservable.
NPS / Alan West
Bare ground spot between trees for setting up a camping tent with a picnic table in foreground.
Rock Harbor Campground is the busiest in the park being closest to the transportation hub for RANGER III, QUEEN IV, and seaplane.
NPS / Alan West
Aerial view of Rock Harbor and the Rock Harbor Lodge complex.
The Rock Harbor Lodge provides amenities and lodging to the Rock Harbor area.
NPS / Paul Brown
Water spigot and faucet in the woods.
Rock Harbor and Washington Creek campgrounds are the only campgrounds where potable water is available.
NPS / Katie Keller
Campsite for multiple tents with several open spaces surrounded by trees.
There are 3 group sites for parties of 7-10 people camping and traveling together.
NPS / Alan West
Accessibility Information

ADA Information - Uneven, rough terrain throughout campground. Facilities are not accessible. Other facilities in the general Rock Harbor area (associated with the Lodge) are accessible.

Wheelchair Access - No wheelchair access in campground. Paths surrounding marina and Lodge area are accessible.

RV & Trailer Information - No RV/Trailer access.

RV Allowed - No

Trailer Allowed - No

Classification - This campground is a developed campground.

Three Mile Campground

Closed
Basic Information
Image of campground site
Three Mile Campground is located on Rock Harbor Channel off of the Rock Harbor and Mount Franklin Trails. Boats can overnight at dock.

Stay Limit: 1 night effective June 1 – September 17 annually
Shelters: 8
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 9’
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
TOTAL SITES: 15
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 4
Walk to/Boat to: 15
Group: 3
Horse: 0
Other: 8

Image Gallery
Scenic view of Lake Superior's Rock Harbor Channel from a camp site with a tent.
Three Mile Campground is very busy due to its proximity to Rock Harbor and the ferry terminals.
NPS / Mike Ausema
Campground shelter with picnic table.
Shelters are very popular on Isle Royale. Don't expect one to be available your first evening in a campground.
NPS / Alan West
Dock in Lake Superior through a tunnel of trees.
Enjoy chilling your feet off the Three Mile Campground dock.
NPS / Alan West
Accessibility Information

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

Wheelchair Access - No wheelchair access.

RV & Trailer Information - No RV/Trail access.

RV Allowed - No

Trailer Allowed - No

Classification - This campground is a limited development campground.

Lane Cove Campground

Closed
Basic Information
Image of campground site
Lane Cove Campground is located in Lane Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Lane Cove Trail. The Lane Cove Trail can be accessed via the Greenstone Ridge Trail.

Stay Limit: 1 night effective June 1 – September 17 annually
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak. No boat access.
TOTAL SITES: 5
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 5
Walk to/Boat to: 5
Group: 0
Horse: 0
Other: 0

Image Gallery
Backpack with a hat atop it resting in a cleared area, Trees edge the shoreline of Lake Superior.
Lane Cove is one of the few campground on the north side of Isle Royale
Seth Hiers
An empty campsite ringed by trees along Lake Superior.
A tent site waiting for you...
NPS / Lori Honrath
Yellow Tent in a campsite along Lake Superior with trees along the shoreline.
Lane Cove Campground can be very crowded during July and August.
NPS / 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: August 17, 2023