Last updated: February 23, 2022
Thing to Do
Greenstone Section 7: Hike from South Desor to Island Mine
NPS
About this Trail
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Mileage: About 5.2 miles
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Changing trail conditions require a map, compass, and navigation skills
Trailheads
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Hidden Lake via private boat or water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge.
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McCargoe Cove via Voyageur II passenger ferry. Reservations are needed in advance.
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Malone Bay via Voyageur II passenger ferry. Reservations are needed in advance.
This trail section from Lake Desor to Island Mine weaves through a deciduous forest including plenty of sugar maple trees. Trek over one of the tallest ridge sections on the island. This trail section passes near Mount Desor, the tallest point on Isle Royale at about 1,362 feet elevation. Finding the summit can be tricky because the ridge is completely covered in trees. If you choose to venture off trail to find the summit, make sure to have a map, compass, and the knowledge to use them together.
Found Nearby
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South Lake Desor Campground
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Island Mine Campground
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Mount Desor
Details
Duration
1 Day
Activity
Backcountry Camping
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
South Desor 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.
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.
Island Mine Campground
Closed
Basic Information
Island Mine Campground is located .5 miles south from the junction of the Greenstone and Island Mine Trails, on the Island Mine Trail. This inland campground offers no canoe/kayak/boat access. Little Siskiwit River runs south of the campground, where water can usually be obtained for filtering, unless it is dried up. Check with a Visitor Center for current water status.
Stay Limit: 3 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Access: Foot
Stay Limit: 3 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Access: Foot
TOTAL SITES: 6
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 4
Walk to/Boat to: 6
Group: 2
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
Fire rings are located at each respective individual tent site and group tent site. Otherwise, self-contained stoves only.
Toilet Types
- Vault 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, MN 49931
Physical Address
800 E. Lakeshore DriveHoughton, MN 49931
Directions
The Island Mine Campground is located .5 miles south of the Greenstone and Island Mine Trails junction, off of the Island Mine Trail.Additional Information
The Little Siskiwit River runs south of the campground, where water can usually be obtained for filtering and treatment, unless the water source is dried up. Check with a Visitor Center upon arrival to the park for current status regarding obtaining water at Island Mine.
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.
Individual tent sites are first come, first serve. Group tent sites must be reserved in advance.
Image Gallery
NPS / Jenna Behnke
NPS / Jenna Behnke
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.