Feldtmann Loop Section 2 - 10.3mi Strenuous Ridge Hike

Two people with backpacks hike along a ridge top trail

Feldtmann Loop Section 2 is a brutal 10.3-mile ridge traverse with zero water sources and dense overgrown vegetation that feels like swimming through tall grass. You'll climb steeply to Feldtmann Ridge for views of Feldtmann Lake, Grace Harbor, and Rock of Ages Lighthouse, pass the halfway-point Feldtmann Fire Tower, then descend to Siskiwit Bay Campground. This is backpacker grit—relentless, remote, and rewarding for those who earn it.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 10.3
Route Type: Linear (Loop component)
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1200

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 10.3
Route Type: Linear (Loop component)
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1200
Estimated Time: 7-10 hours depending on pace and breaks; most backpackers split across two days.
Trail Surface: 18 inches wide, covered in rocks and roots; later section follows old logging road now filled with dense vegetation.
Trail Features: Feldtmann Ridge scenic overlook
Feldtmann Fire Tower (midway landmark)
Views of Feldtmann Lake
Grace Harbor vista
Rock of Ages Lighthouse view
Historic CCC logging camp clearing
Siskiwit Bay Campground dock
Trail Highlights: Feldtmann Ridge offers panoramic views of the western wilderness. The fire tower marks the halfway point with 360-degree vistas. Descend through old logging road overgrown with tall grass to reach Siskiwit Bay Campground with dock access.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Feldtmann Lake Campground (from Windigo trailhead) or Rock Harbor via Greenstone Ridge Trail
Parking Lot Size: N/A - Access via ferry (Ranger III, Isle Royale Queen IV, or seaplanes)
Parking Fill Time: N/A - Ferry-based access
Shuttle Required: 1
Shuttle Details: Ferry or seaplane required to reach Isle Royale. Ranger III and Isle Royale Queen IV operate May-September. Seaplane service (Isle Royale Seaplanes) available same season. Ferry dock at Windigo or Rock Harbor.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permit required for day hikers. Backcountry campers must register at arrival (included in park entry fee).
Fees: $7 per person per day entrance fee; children 15 and under exempt. America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry.
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Isle Royale National Park is closed November 1 to April 15 due to extreme winter weather. Transportation services (ferries, seaplanes) run May-September only.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: NONE easily accessible from this trail. The NPS explicitly warns: 'There is no water source easily accessible from this trail.' Carry all water needed (minimum 3 liters). Siskiwit Bay Campground has water access at the end.
Accessibility: The trail is 18 inches wide and covered in rocks and roots. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Requires solid footing and mobility.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep ascent to Feldtmann Ridge
Rocks and roots throughout
Overgrown vegetation with poor visibility
No water sources (dehydration risk)
Ridge exposure to elements
Tall dense grass (disorienting, slow pace)
Hazard Details: Steep climbing to ridge entrance creates exposure risk. Rocky and rooted terrain causes ankle twist risk. Dense overgrown vegetation near trail limits visibility and pace. The critical hazard: zero water sources means dehydration is a real threat on a 10.3-mile day. Ridge sections are exposed to wind and afternoon heat.
Cell Service: Unreliable to unavailable on Isle Royale. Plan for no communication.
Crowd Level: Moderate to light (backcountry; fewer crowds than popular harbor trails)
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends in July-August
Best Season: Late May through September
Best Time To Visit: Start by early morning and bring plenty of water (no sources on trail). Late May through September is operational; aim for June-August when rock scrambling is safer. The ridge exposure is brutal in afternoon heat—plan for a dawn start.
Tips Advice: Bring more water than you think—there is NO accessible water source. Carry 3+ liters minimum.
Tighten your boots and wear gaiters—roots and rocks everywhere.
Start early to avoid afternoon exposure and heat on the ridge.
The dense vegetation near trail is real—long sleeves and pants protect from scrape.
Feldtmann Fire Tower at the halfway point is a legitimate rest stop with views.

More details

Park Area: Western Isle Royale - Feldtmann Ridge Region
Trail Markers: Maintained trail with visible markings, but dense vegetation and overgrowth can obscure the path in sections. Bring a map.
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Mixed; forest patches, then exposed ridge, then tall grass sections. Ridge exposure is significant—wear sunscreen and a hat.
Emergency Contacts: Isle Royale National Park Ranger Station (Rock Harbor or Windigo). In emergency, signal aircraft or use emergency supplies. Dial 911 if cell signal available.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Rare but possible late April/early May; trail closed November-April
Mud Season: Wet conditions possible June-July after rain; rocks become slippery
Fall Colors Peak: Late September through October (park closes October 31)
Bug Season: Mosquitoes peak mid-June through July; biting flies present June-August. Bug spray essential.
Insider Tips: The fire tower at the halfway point is a demoralizing false summit—it marks progress, not the end. Keep mental pace up.
The descent through overgrown logging road is disorienting and slow. Expect to move 1-2 mph through dense grass.
Camp at Feldtmann Lake Campground the night before, arrive early, and start climbing by 6 AM to summit ridge before afternoon exposure peaks.
Pair this section with other Feldtmann Loop sections for a multi-day epic (Sections 1, 3, 4 available).
Clear day views of Rock of Ages Lighthouse are gold—if clouds roll in, the ridge payoff vanishes.
Recent Updates: Overgrown vegetation on the logging road section (old CCC road) continues to encroach; sections may feel like bushwhacking. Verify with ranger at Windigo or Rock Harbor on arrival for latest condition reports.
Family Friendly Notes: Not suitable for young children due to steep climbing, rocky terrain, and no water sources. Teenagers (14+) with backcountry experience and strong fitness can manage with adult supervision. The dense vegetation and lack of water make this a commitment, not a casual family stroll.
Nearby Facilities: Feldtmann Lake Campground (start point, shelter, dock). Siskiwit Bay Campground (end point, two shelters, dock). Rainbow Cove (0.8 miles from Feldtmann Lake Campground—short detour for sunset views and lighthouse sighting). Windigo Marina (western hub, supply stop).
Review Summary: Backpackers respect this trail for its remoteness and ridge payoff, but they don't sugarcoat the pain: the steep climb is relentless, water is a critical planning issue, and the overgrown descent feels longer than it is. Those who prepare (plenty of water, early start, map) and embrace the grit leave with the views and solitude they earned.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is the water situation really that bad?

Yes. NPS explicitly states: 'There is no water source easily accessible from this trail.' Plan to carry 3+ liters. If you run out, reach Siskiwit Bay Campground at mile 10.3 (no earlier rescue option).

Can I do this as a day hike?

Possible if you're ultra-fit and start at dawn. Most backpackers split it across two days (camp at Feldtmann Lake the night before, push to Siskiwit Bay, camp there). A single 10.3-mile day with 1,200+ feet gain and no water is survivable but punishing.

Is the steep climbing as bad as they say?

Yes. The ascent to Feldtmann Ridge is relentless and exposed. Rocky terrain, no shade. Expect 3-4 miles of sustained climbing. Trekking poles and quad strength essential.

Do I need special gear or experience?

Backcountry camping experience required. Trekking poles strongly recommended. Gaiters protect your shins from roots and vegetation. A waterproof map and compass (or GPS) are essential—trail markers exist but dense growth can obscure the way.

Are there bears or wildlife hazards?

No bears on Isle Royale. Moose, wolves, and foxes exist but avoid humans. Maintain 100-yard distance if spotted. More realistic hazard: hypothermia from exposure on the ridge in bad weather, and disorientation in dense vegetation.