Last updated: February 23, 2022
Thing to Do
Harbor to Hills Section 5: Hike from Lake Richie to West Chickenbone
NPS / DERRICK JAEGER
About this Trail
-
Mileage: About 3.6 miles (including spur trails to campgrounds)
- Overgrown vegetation near trail
- Rocks and roots on trial
Trailheads
- Rock Harbor
- Windigo via Greenstone Ridge Trail
- McCargoe Cove
- Via Voyageur II, water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge, or private boat. Reservations needed in advance.
- Chippewa Harbor
- Via Voyageur II, water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge, or private boat. Reservations needed in advance.
- Moskey Basin
- Via water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge. Reservations needed in advance.
This section of the Indian Portage Trail has a decent amount of elevation gain to get from Lake Richie to the Greenstone Ridge. There are plenty of opportunities to purify water from interior lakes along this rolling trail. Make sure to check with rangers at a visitor center for the most up-to-date information on algal blooms in interior lakes.
Found Nearby
- Lake Richie Campground
- Moskey Basin Campground
- West Chickenbone Campground
- East Chickenbone Campground
- Chippewa Campground
- McCargoe Cove Campground
Details
Duration
1 Day
Activity
Backcountry Camping
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Indian Portage Trail at Isle Royale National Park
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Accessibility Information
The trail is about 18 inches wide and is covered in rocks and roots.
Closed
Basic Information
Lake Richie Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Richie, off of the Indian Portage Trail. Canoe/kayak access from .6 mile portage from Intermediate Lake, 2.0 mile portage from Moskey Basin, 1.2 miles portage from Chippewa Harbor, and .6 mile portage from Lake LeSage. Paddlers may want to consider staying at Lake Richie Canoe Campground.
Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak. No private boat access.
Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak. No private boat access.
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
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
Lake Richie Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Richie, off of the Indian Portage 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.
Image Gallery
NPS / Lori Honrath
NPS / Kelly Morrissey
NPS / Lori Honrath
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.
Closed
Basic Information
West Chickenbone Campground is located on the west end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the Indian Portage Trail This inland campground has no boater access. Canoe/kayak access from the 1.2 mile portage from McCargoe Cove or the 0.2 mile portage from Lake Livermore.
Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak
Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak
TOTAL SITES: 9
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 6
Walk to/Boat to: 9
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
West Chickenbone Campground is located on the west end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the Indian Portage 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.
Image Gallery
NPS / Paul Brown
NPS / Paul Brown
NPS / Mike Ausema
Accessibility Information
ADA Information - Uneven, rough terrain throughout campground. Facilities are not accessible.
Wheelchair Access - Not wheelchair accessible.
RV & Trailer Information - No RV/Trailer access.
RV Allowed - No
Trailer Allowed - No
Classification - This campground is a primitive camping area.
Closed
Basic Information
Chippewa Harbor Campground is located in Chippewa Harbor, on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park. Trail access is via the Indian Portage Trail. Boats can stay overnight at dock.
Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Shelters: 4
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 7’
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Shelters: 4
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 7’
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
TOTAL SITES: 7
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 2
Walk to/Boat to: 7
Group: 1
Horse: 0
Other: 4
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
Grills are available on 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 Site
1 Group Site 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)
Directions
Chippewa Harbor Campground is located in Chippewa Harbor on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park.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.
Image Gallery
NPS / Paul Brown
NPS / Derrick Jaeger
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.
Closed
Basic Information
Moskey Basin Campground is located in Moskey Basin at the west end of Rock Harbor Channel, off of the Indian Portage and Rock Harbor Trails. Boats can overnight at dock. Canoe/kayak access from Rock Harbor Channel or via 2.0 mile portage from Lake Richie.
Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Shelters: 6
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 8’.
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Shelters: 6
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 8’.
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
TOTAL SITES: 10
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 2
Walk to/Boat to: 10
Group: 2
Horse: 0
Other: 6
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
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
Moskey Basin Campground is located in Moskey Basin at the west end of Rock Harbor Channel, off of the Indian Portage and Rock Harbor Trails.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.
Image Gallery
NPS / Katie Keller
NPS / Mike Ausema
NPS / Lori Honrath
NPS / Lori Honrath
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.