r/isleroyale • u/Imaginary-Section864 • 1d ago
Backpacking September Trip Questions
I'm heading to the island for a 7 night backpacking trip in mid-September. I'm planning to carry an extra day's worth of food in case of a ferry delay on the return, but given the recent two day delay I'm now wondering if I should take enough for two extra days, especially with the RH store closed during shoulder season.
Does anyone have any advice or experience or opinions on this? I was kind of hoping there would be a secret hikers' box stash of extra food for delayed ferry passengers, because I don't want to carry the extra weight, but I think this is probably just a fantasy.
On a more minor note, could anyone speak to the current bug situation? Can I leave the bug net hat at home and get away with a tiny bottle of DEET?
Any other recommendations for shoulder season, especially related to cold/rain gear?
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u/Suspicious_Panda_104 1d ago
I can’t speak for the ferry. But when I went a few years ago flights were delayed for up to 3-5 days going into the last day of the season for flights. I was the last flight of the season to Michigan and luckily we were actually early cause there was a single window of visibility and they just pumped us off the island. People trying to fly to MN had been stuck for 3 day in Windigo, the rangers were starting to go into their personal reserves for ramen and other super basics cause people were out of food
I’d absolutely pack at least one days worth of food especially since it’s at the end of the season, everything is closed and it sucks to be bored and hungry. I could only eat so many Windgo apples
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u/Successful-Mall4477 1d ago
Any idea how long in the season the Rock Harbor restaurant is open? We’ll be there Sept. 17-25, hiking from Windigo to Rock Harbor. I don’t want to get my heart set on a burger at the end if that’s not the case! 😢🙏🏻
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u/Imaginary-Section864 1d ago
Sadly, I believe the store and restaurants in Rock Harbor close on 9/13 🥲
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u/Gr8lakesailor 1d ago
I thought I read something once about being able to store a bag at Rock Harbor. But even if I remember that right, it was probably a function of the lodge—which will be closed. Storing a “back up” bag there would a great safety net and wouldn’t weigh you down on the trail.
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u/Slow-Addition6431 9h ago
I biked across it last year in mid September and I think there were only two bugs on the whole island. According to the “experienced” (not old) people I talked to on the ferry,it’s always pretty bug free in September. Good luck and have fun!
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u/Soulcatcher74 1d ago
Skip the bug hat. A bit of deet as insurance should be more than adequate. Bonus points if you treat your clothing with permethrin. But bugs in Sept should not be an issue
Every trip I've taken, which has used air and both ferries, has had delay either getting to or getting off from the island, so be prepared. I'm sure the rangers won't let you starve, but packing a day's worth of buffer is pretty reasonable.