Cushman Ridge Trail

Getting to Cushman Ridge is half the adventure — you're on an island in the middle of Lake Superior that requires a ferry or seaplane just to reach the trailhead. Once you're moving, the trail climbs steadily through dense boreal forest, thick with birch, spruce, and fir that block most of the wind and sun. The ridge sections open up to long views across the island's interior, where you might spot moose browsing in boggy clearings below. With nearly 1,500 feet of elevation change spread across the round trip, the climb is relentless rather than dramatic — no single killer pitch, just a steady grind that accumulates in your legs. The trail surface alternates between packed dirt, root-laced stretches, and rocky scrambles near the ridge crest. This is a trail for hikers who want Isle Royale's wild solitude without committing to a multi-day backpacking trip — just you, the wolves you won't see, and the moose you probably will.