Last updated: February 23, 2022
Thing to Do
Greenstone Section 6: Hike from Ishpeming Tower to South Desor
NPS / DERRICK JAEGER
About this Trail
- Mileage: About 3.5 miles
- Rocks and roots on trail
- Overgrown vegetation near trail
- Changing trail conditions require a map, compass, and navigation skills
Trailheads
- Windigo
- Rock Harbor
-
Hidden Lake via private boat or water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge.
- McCargoe Cove via Voyageur II passenger ferry. Reservations are needed in advance.
- Malone Bay via Voyageur II passenger ferry. Reservations are needed in advance.
The section of trail between Ishpeming Tower and Lake Desor is smooth compared to others along the Greenstone Ridge Trail. This section winds its way through a mostly deciduous forest. After trekking through a wooded wilderness hikers come upon a scenic view of Lake Desor.
Diverge from the Greenstone and Hike to Malone
At the Ishpeming Tower is the junction to Ishpeming Trail that leads to Malone Bay Campground. This alternative route is about 7 miles long. The Ishpeming Trail is less traveled and is minimally maintained for the ultimate wilderness experience. Water access for purifying isn't available until about 3.5 miles down the Ishpeming Trail at Siskiwit Lake. There is a ranger station at Malone Bay that is staffed intermittently. Check in with the park before your trip for the most up-to-date information. There is a dock at Malone Bay where the ferry, the Voyageur II, offers passenger transportation. Reservations for the Voyageur II are necessary ahead of time. The ferry only services Malone Bay if people have made reservations in advance.
Found Nearby
- Ishpeming Tower
- Hatchet Lake Campground
- South Lake Desor Campground
- Malone Bay Campground
- Isle Royale Lighthouse
Details
Duration
1 Day
Activity
Backcountry Camping
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Isle Royale National Park
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Accessibility Information
The trail is 18 inches wide and covered in rocks and roots.
South Lake Desor Campground
Closed
Basic Information
South Lake Desor Campground is located inland on the south side of Lake Desor off of the Greenstone Ridge Trail. There is no canoe/kayak/boat access.
Stay Limit: 2 nights effective from June 1 – Labor Day.
Access: Foot
Stay Limit: 2 nights effective from June 1 – Labor Day.
Access: Foot
TOTAL SITES: 10
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 7
Walk to/Boat to: 10
Group: 3
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Amenities
- Cell Phone Reception
- No
- Internet Connectivity
- No
- Trash/Recycling Collection
- No
- Food Storage Lockers
- No
- Camp Store
- No
- Ice for Sale
- No
- Firewood for Sale
- No
- Staff On Site
- No
- Amphitheater
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Dump Station
- No
- Potable Water
- Non-Potable Water
Fire/Stove Policy
Self-contained stoves only.
Toilet Types
- Composting Toilets - seasonal
Shower Types
- None
Weather
Isle Royale National Park is a remote archipelago in the middle of Lake Superior. To make the most of your visit, it is necessary that you plan ahead and prepare. Be aware that many services and items that are available on the mainland are not available at Isle Royale. Due to the unpredictable waters of Lake Superior and its effect on island weather, be prepared for any and all weather conditions.
Small-party Camping (6 people or less)
No fee for small-party camping. A free overnight permit is required.
$0.00
Group Tent Sites
3 Group Sites by advanced reservation only. All parties of 7 or more must submit group permit requests through the park's online request system. The fee is a per permit cost for each party within a group of 7 or more.
$25.00
Email Address
Phone number (Voice)
Mailing Address
800 E. Lakeshore DriveHoughton, MI 49931
Physical Address
800 E. Lakeshore DriveHoughton, MI 49931
Directions
South Lake Desor Campground is located on the south side of Lake Desor off of the Greenstone Ridge Trail.Regulations
All park visitors pay an entrance fee. Self-contained stoves only. Dogs, cats, and other pets are not allowed. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT/ 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. CDT.
Fishing licenses are not required for inland lakes and streams on the island. However, Michigan size, season, and possession limits still apply. Only barbless hooks and artificial lures and flies may be used on inland lakes and streams. A State of Michigan fishing license is required to fish in the waters of Lake Superior.
Individual tent sites are first come, first serve. Group tent sites must be reserved in advance.
Image Gallery
NPS / Paul Brown
NPS / Katie Keller
NPS / Katie Keller
Accessibility Information
ADA Information - Uneven, rough terrain throughout camp. 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.
Hatchet Lake Campground
Closed
Basic Information
Hatchet Lake Campground is located on Hatchet Lake off of the Hatchet Lake Trail. This campground is located near the center of the island.
Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Access: Foot
Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Access: Foot
TOTAL SITES: 8
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 5
Walk to/Boat to: 8
Group: 3
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Amenities
- Cell Phone Reception
- No
- Internet Connectivity
- No
- Trash/Recycling Collection
- No
- Food Storage Lockers
- No
- Camp Store
- No
- Ice for Sale
- No
- Firewood for Sale
- No
- Staff On Site
- No
- Amphitheater
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Dump Station
- No
- Potable Water
- Non-Potable Water
Fire/Stove Policy
Self-contained stoves only.
Toilet Types
- Composting Toilets - seasonal
Shower Types
- None
Weather
Isle Royale National Park is a remote archipelago in the middle of Lake Superior. To make the most of your visit, it is necessary that you plan ahead and prepare. Be aware that many services and items that are available on the mainland are not available at Isle Royale. Due to the unpredictable waters of Lake Superior and its effect on island weather, be prepared for any and all weather conditions.
Small-party Camping (6 people or less)
No fee for small-party camping. A free overnight permit is required.
$0.00
Group Tent Sites
3 Group Sites by advanced reservation only. All parties of 7 or more must submit group permit requests through the park's online request system. The fee is a per permit cost for each party within a group of 7 or more.
$25.00
Email Address
Phone number (Voice)
Mailing Address
800 E. Lakeshore DriveHoughton, MI 49931
Physical Address
800 E. Lakeshore DriveHoughton, MI 49931
Regulations
All park visitors pay an entrance fee. Self-contained stoves only. Dogs, cats, and other pets are not allowed. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT/ 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. CDT.
Fishing licenses are not required for inland lakes and streams on the island. However, Michigan size, season, and possession limits still apply. Only barbless hooks and artificial lures and flies may be used on inland lakes and streams. A State of Michigan fishing license is required to fish in the waters of Lake Superior.
Individual tent sites are first come, first serve. Group tent sites must be reserved in advance.
Image Gallery
NPS / Katie Keller
NPS
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.
Malone Bay Campground
Closed
Basic Information
Malone Bay Campground is located in Malone Bay, on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Ishpeming Trail. Boats can overnight at dock. A ranger station, information station, and dock can be found just further east of the campground. The ranger station is not always staffed.
Stay Limit: 3 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Shelters: 5
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 3’-6’.
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Stay Limit: 3 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Shelters: 5
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 3’-6’.
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
TOTAL SITES: 7
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 0
Walk to/Boat to: 7
Group: 2
Horse: 0
Other: 5
Amenities
- Cell Phone Reception
- No
- Internet Connectivity
- No
- Trash/Recycling Collection
- No
- Food Storage Lockers
- No
- Camp Store
- No
- Ice for Sale
- No
- Firewood for Sale
- No
- Staff On Site
- No
- Amphitheater
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Dump Station
- No
- Potable Water
- Non-Potable Water
Fire/Stove Policy
Campfire rings are located at each shelter and group tent site. Otherwise, self-contained stoves only.
Toilet Types
- Composting Toilets - seasonal
Shower Types
- None
Weather
Isle Royale National Park is a remote archipelago in the middle of Lake Superior. To make the most of your visit, it is necessary that you plan ahead and prepare. Be aware that many services and items that are available on the mainland are not available at Isle Royale. Due to the unpredictable waters of Lake Superior and its effect on island weather, be prepared for any and all weather conditions.
Small-party Camping (6 people or less)
No fee for small-party camping. A free overnight permit is required.
$0.00
Group Tent Sites
2 Group Sites by advanced reservation only. All parties of 7 or more must submit group permit requests through the park's online request system. The fee is a per permit cost for each party within a group of 7 or more.
$25.00
Email Address
Phone number (Voice)
Mailing Address
800 E. Lakeshore DriveHoughton, MI 49931
Physical Address
800 E. Lakeshore DriveHoughton, MI 49931
Directions
Malone Bay Campground is located in Malone Bay, on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Ishpeming Trail.Regulations
All park visitors pay an entrance fee. Campfire rings or standing grills provided. Dogs, cats, and other pets are not allowed. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT/ 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. CDT.
Fishing licenses are not required for inland lakes and streams on the island. However, Michigan size, season, and possession limits still apply. Only barbless hooks and artificial lures and flies may be used on inland lakes and streams. A State of Michigan fishing license is required to fish in the waters of Lake Superior.
Shelters are first come, first serve. Group tent sites must be reserved in advance.
Image Gallery
NPS / Paul Brown
NPS / Val Martin
NPS / Val Martin
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 limited development campground.