Minong Section 2: Hike from Todd Harbor to Little Todd
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Rock surfaces along the ridge become genuinely treacherous when wet. A rain shower can turn manageable scrambles into slip-and-fall hazards with real consequences — there's no quick evacuation from this part of the island.
Navigation skills are non-negotiable. Sections of this trail rely on cairns that can be obscured by snow, fog, or simply knocked over by weather. Losing the route on Minong Ridge means bushwhacking through dense boreal forest with no cell service.
Isle Royale is remote wilderness surrounded by the largest freshwater lake on Earth. Weather can shift from sunshine to cold rain and wind in under an hour. Carry layers and rain gear even on bluebird days — hypothermia is a real risk on exposed ridgeline.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Carry a physical map and compass — GPS signals can be unreliable on the ridge, and cairn-marked sections are easy to lose in fog or fading light. The NPS topo map for Isle Royale is worth every penny.
Trekking poles aren't optional here despite what the NPS 'recommends' language suggests. The steep inclines and root-choked descents will punish your knees without them, especially on the return when your legs are already cooked.
Time your hike for mid-morning on a weekday in late July or August. The ridge views toward Canada are clearest before afternoon haze builds, and you'll likely have the entire trail to yourself — Isle Royale's backcountry sees fewer visitors in a year than Yellowstone sees before lunch.
Photos
© SETH HIERS
