Isle Royale Minong Ridge Trail

Isle Royale National Park (McCargoe Cove to Windigo)

The National Park Service calls the Minong Ridge Trail Isle Royale’s “most challenging trail,” with bare ridges, changing trail conditions, and steep climbs and descents along the island’s north shore. Guidebook author Jim DuFresne called it “arguably the hardest hike in Michigan” in a 2019 Great Lakes Echo article.

It runs from McCargoe Cove west to Windigo. The NPS rates it for experienced backpackers who can navigate with map and compass.

The hike

Getting to the start takes planning. The NPS says to ride the Voyageur II ferry to McCargoe Cove (reserve ahead) or hike in from Rock Harbor or Windigo. DuFresne writes that most hikers spend two days walking from Rock Harbor to McCargoe Cove first, which builds strength and lightens food loads.

The NPS splits the trail into four sections. McCargoe Cove to Todd Harbor (about 6.7 miles) is the easiest, with views of Lake Superior and the Canadian shore and a spur to the Minong Mine, a National Historic Landmark. The NPS mentions the Haytown Mine, and Hiking Project calls the climb out of McCargoe strenuous. A 2024 Reddit trip writer agreed: “the hardest part was figuring out how to get out of McCargoe.”

Todd Harbor to Little Todd (about 6.8 miles) is strenuous by NPS reckoning. Hiking Project mentions marshy lowlands, a hard log crossing (“Trekking poles are a near necessity here”), and a steep drop into Little Todd Harbor. The Reddit writer saw views of Sleeping Giant and Pie Island.

Little Todd to North Desor (about 5.7 miles) is the hardest section, according to the NPS, with strenuous climbs and unsure footing. Hiking Project warns, “Do not under-estimate the challenge of this short day.”

North Desor to Windigo (about 13 miles) is the longest. The NPS mentions old wildfire remains and beaver dams; its photo caption notes that backpackers walk on sturdy dams to stay on the trail. The Reddit writer found few cairns on the ridges and called this section “ROUGH.”

DuFresne says the trip takes three to four days. He also notes that the open ridge is a good place to watch the stars and the northern lights. For the easier cross-island route, see the Greenstone Ridge Trail.

Tips

Carry a map and compass. The NPS says some sections are marked only by cairns.
Fill up where you can. The 2024 Reddit hiker says to fill at or just before Little Todd.
Use trekking poles for log crossings and slippery rock.
Expect wet feet in marshy lowlands and at beaver dams.
Leave an itinerary. Sections are remote and see few hikers.

Camping

Small parties (one to six) get a free permit from a ranger on the Ranger III ferry or on arrival at Windigo or Rock Harbor; seaplane passengers self-permit (NPS). Campgrounds are first come, first served, and groups of seven or more need advance group reservations. Display the permit on your pack and at camp. Fires are allowed only in designated metal rings or standing grills, and the NPS says to filter and chemically treat all backcountry water. NPS trip pages list no pets.

Hiking Project says McCargoe Cove is popular with boaters, Todd Harbor has only one shelter, Little Todd Harbor has four secluded sites, and North Lake Desor has three secluded tent sites. Washington Creek, near Windigo, ends the trail.

Inside Intel: Hiking Project says Little Todd Harbor is “known for sunsets” and has easy harbor access for swimming and washing. The 2024 Reddit writer praised the sunsets at Todd Harbor and wrote that “North Desor felt like the most isolated place on the continent.”

Trail facts

Distance: Over 32.1 miles with spurs (NPS); 29 to 29.2 miles (other sources)
Route type: Point to point, McCargoe Cove to Windigo
Difficulty: Strenuous; the NPS calls it the island’s most challenging trail
Campgrounds: McCargoe Cove, Todd Harbor, Little Todd Harbor, North Lake Desor, Washington Creek
Water: Scarce on the western ridges (trip report); filter and treat
Permits: Free small-party permit (1-6)
Pets: Not allowed (NPS trip pages)
Access: Voyageur II to McCargoe Cove, or hike in from Rock Harbor or Windigo
Last verified: October 8, 2026

The Lowdown

The hard log crossing near Todd Harbor:

Between Todd Harbor and Little Todd, one guide says a hard log crossing makes trekking poles a near necessity, before a steep drop into Little Todd Harbor. Here's how to use them well.

See the pole tips →

Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.