Sunrise over Lake Superior at Copper Harbor
You cannot speak of Isle Royale National Park long without mentioning Lake Superior. The two have a symbiotic relationship just like the moose and wolves that reside here.
Being a 9 mile wide island in the largest fresh water lake in North America you never far from its rocky shores. In fact, according to the park newsletter, if you walked around the island along the Lake Superior shoreline, you would hike 337 miles.
The first step in getting to Isle Royale is to cross the huge lake. You can do this by either ferry or seaplane. I choose the Isle Royale Queen IV Ferry that leaves daily through September 1 from Copper Harbor, Michigan. I arrived in this tiny lake town to witness and unbelievable sunrise over Lake Superior.
Land ho from the Isle Royale Queen IV Ferry
Once we were loaded aboard, it was three and half hours across the lake. Fortunately, the waves were gentle on my cruise both coming and going. I met a couple who were on the ferry the day after I arrived and they referred to the boat as the barf boat as many people got sick due to six feet swells.
Lake Superior shoreline from the Tobin Harbor Trail
Once you land you are never far from the lake. Even if you hike the Greenstone Trail down the center of the island, you will get peaks here and there of Gitche Gumee from every high point or observation tower. If you are smart, you will divert off this trail from time to time and hit some of the wonderful Lake Superior Campgrounds like Three Mile, Lane’s Cove, McCargoe’s Cove, and Todd and Little Todd Harbor.
Sunset at Lane’s Cove
Along the Greenstone Trail there are many overlooks including the beautiful blue lake in the distance
More overlooks from the rocky interior
Isle Royale National Park
The view from Daisy Farm
From the pier at McCargoe’s Cove
McCargoe’s Cove at dusk
McCargoe’s Cove at dawn
Hiking along the shore near Daisy Farm
Lighthouse between Daisy Farm and Three Mile
Isle Royale National Park
On the way to Three Mile Campground
Isle Royale National Park
Between Daisy Farm and Three Mile I found this small rare sandy beach
Dusk at Rock Harbor
Rock Harbor where the Isle Royale Queen IV docks
If you want more Isle Royale photos, check out my inland photo essay.
TT
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did you see any wolves? (or hear?) We almost visit last July but decided against as this year there are only 8 wolves left in the island.
Cristina recently posted..The Trail to Grey Owl’s Cabin in Riding Mountain
No wolves or moose. Your research is correct, and there are still only 8 wolves left on the island. I hiked Isle Royale with my dad over 30 years ago, and at that time there were 30-40. We heard them then, but never saw them.
They are researching the possibility of reintroducing another pack into the island. They will release their decision later this year.
We heard that too. I’d like to visit when they have recovered.
Cristina recently posted..Mud-Munching Moose of Mount Engadine, Alberta
I swear you always find the most beautiful sunsets!!! What a gorgeous part of the States!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted..Bluffton, South Carolina: Day 2
Camping along one of the great lakes makes for an easy find in the sunset department.
Looks amazing. I’ve always imagined visiting cool places like this around the Great Lakes. Living so far away, though, I tend to think of visiting Chicago instead of the great outdoors if I come that way.
Trips By Lance recently posted..Family Fun at Indianapolis Central Canal
If you come to Chicago, you can still visit one of the Great Lake and see some beautiful outdoor places.
The sunset is absolutely stunning!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..A beginners guide to Champagne by @champagnejayne
Thanks Mrs. O!
I agree with Andi, what a beautiful part of the country. Looks so peaceful. Really like your sunset and dusk pictures.
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted..Seeing Athens from a Different Vantage Point
Thanks Raul. Isle Royale is one of the most amazing outdoor places in the Midwest.
Three and a half hours to get across the lake! Wow…
This is so beautiful, and I’m sure the photos don’t even do the beauty justice. I really must get here one day soon. 🙂
Erin at The World Wanderer recently posted..#CTC13: Capture the Color with @travelsupermkt.
The three and a half hour ferry can be quite an adventure in of itself when it is windy with big swells on Lake Superior. Fortunately, it was smooth sailing both ways on my trip.
Really beautiful pictures, Ted!
Thanks so much Charu!
UM.. Sunsets on the water and lush green surroundings… You kinda were living the good life. So gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Mary Anne,
I can’t wait to go back.
you know we’re not normally the outdoorsiest of ladies, but those sunsets might change our mind.
the lazy travelers recently posted..#lteuropa bucket list takedown: wine country
They do have a fancy lodge and restaurant on one side of the island, so you can have the best of both worlds.
Hello, Lake Superior. Judging by these pictures, I’m pretty sure I now know how it got its name. 😉
Leah Travels recently posted..Ambassador of Chili: Chef Dean Fearing brings Texas Red to Hawaii
It is the prettiest of the Great Lakes in my opinion, although I need to explore more of Huron before I make that announcement.
Wow, this place really is beautiful. I wasn’t expecting the ferry ride to be so long though. I hope the seas are calm when I make the visit.
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Hiking in the Hollywood Hills
I hope so too. It can be a long ride when the waves are bouncy, especially if you have a delicate stomach.
love the photos of the sunrise/sunsets. and the lighthouse. i have a thing for them!
lola recently posted..Highlights of Henley-on-Thames and the Royal Regatta
Lighthouses are quite amazing.
LOVE the sunsets! It would be cool for me to explore the Great Lakes beyond Lake Michigan, hmm…
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Interview with singer/songwriter/traveler Mike Mentz
Lake Michigan is awesome, but the other four are worth exploration as well. Especially Superior, as Leah says, it lives up to its name.