Greenstone 2: 2.8mi Ridge Hike

View from Mt. Franklin looking north to the Canadian shoreline.

Traverse the exposed Greenstone Ridge from Mount Franklin to Mount Ojibway on a 2.8-mile backcountry hike with relentless rocks and roots underfoot. The trail climbs along an exposed ridge offering unobstructed views of Lake Superior, patches of forest, and Isle Royale's eastern reaches. This is technical terrain demanding map and compass skills—changing conditions and minimal blazes can disorient unprepared hikers. The payoff is solitude and vistas most tourists never reach.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 2.8
Route Type: Point-to-point
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Elevation Gain Feet: 0

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 2.8
Route Type: Point-to-point
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Elevation Gain Feet: 0
Estimated Time: 4–6 hours depending on fitness and comfort with exposure. Slower hikers should allow 6–7 hours.
Trail Surface: Rocky and rooty throughout. Trail is 18 inches wide on exposed ridge sections. Loose footing when wet.
Trail Features: Lake Superior views
Exposed ridgeline
Mount Franklin scenic overlook
Mount Ojibway scenic overlook
Forest patches
Island vistas
Trail Highlights: Unobstructed Lake Superior views from an exposed ridge at Isle Royale's eastern end. Mount Franklin and Mount Ojibway both offer commanding overlooks with minimal tourist crowds. The ridge walking offers psychological exposure without extreme technical difficulty—the real challenge is the terrain and navigation.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Multiple access points: Rock Harbor (main), Three Mile Campground, Daisy Farm Campground, Hidden Lake, and Windigo. Most hikers start from Three Mile or Daisy Farm via ferry or water taxi.
Parking Lot Size: Not applicable—ferry-access only. No parking lot at trailhead.
Parking Fill Time: Not applicable—ferry-access only.
Shuttle Required: 1
Shuttle Details: Multiple water-based options (advance reservations mandatory): (1) Isle Royale Queen IV or Ranger III passenger ferry to Rock Harbor from Houghton, MI (May–Sept, 1.5–3+ hours); (2) Voyageur II ferry to Daisy Farm from Copper Harbor (May–Sept); (3) Private water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge to Three Mile or Hidden Lake; (4) Private boat rental from Rock Harbor Lodge. Contact Rock Harbor Lodge at (906) 337-4993 for taxi and rental bookings.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: Day hikes do not require permits. Backcountry camping (overnight) requires advance reservations through the National Park Service (available at recreation.gov).
Fees: $7 per person per day park entrance fee (children under 16 exempt). Trail use is free with park entry. America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all federal recreation sites.
Trail Status: Open (within seasonal window)
Seasonal Closures: Park closed November 1 to April 15 due to extreme winter weather. Water transportation (ferries, taxis) operates May–September only.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Lake Superior is the primary water source, accessible via Daisy Farm or Three Mile Campgrounds. Water must be filtered or chemically treated. The trail itself carries no potable water—bring sufficient supply (2L minimum).
Accessibility: 18 inches wide with rocks and roots throughout. Steep sections with psychological exposure. Not wheelchair accessible. Very difficult for those with mobility limitations or balance issues.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Exposed ridge
Rocky and rooty terrain
Sudden weather changes
Navigation challenges
Dehydration risk
Bears (100-yard distance rule)
Slippery footing when wet
Minimal trail markers
Hazard Details: The ridge is exposed to sudden weather shifts—wind can pick up rapidly in afternoon. Rocks and roots create constant ankle-turning traps; footing is treacherous when wet. Trail width of 18 inches in places creates psychological exposure (though not true cliff drops). Sparse blazes and changing conditions demand map-and-compass navigation. Bears inhabit the island (maintain 100-yard distance; make noise while hiking). No emergency services on trail; satellite communication recommended for solo hikes.
Cell Service: No cell service on trail. Bring a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or similar) for emergencies.
Crowd Level: Ghost town. This is deep backcountry; most tourists don't push this far. Expect to see a handful of other hikers on peak summer days.
Peak Crowd Times: July–August midweek afternoons (relatively quiet for Isle Royale standards). Weekends busier. Spring and fall are the quietest.
Best Season: Spring, Summer, and Fall (April 16–October 31). Park closed November 1–April 15. Ferry transportation limited to May–September only.
Best Time To Visit: Spring and fall offer the most stable weather on the ridge and smallest crowds. Start before 8 AM to claim daylight hours and beat the afternoon wind whipping across the exposed ridge. July–August is doable but hotter and busier.
Tips Advice: Bring map, compass, and solid navigation skills—trail markers are sparse and changing conditions obscure the route
Trekking poles reduce ankle strain on rocky sections by 30–40%
Pack 2L water minimum; nearest water source is Lake Superior (requires filtering) via Daisy Farm or Three Mile Campgrounds
Make noise for bears (100-yard distance rule); black flies and mosquitoes peak June–July
Wear sturdy boots with ankle support—roots are aggressive and footing is treacherous when wet
Descending is harder on knees than ascending; take the descent slowly

More details

Park Area: Eastern Isle Royale (Greenstone Ridge)
Trail Markers: Minimal blazes. Trail markers are sparse and inconsistent. Changing conditions can obscure the route. Map and compass are essential, not optional.
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Exposed ridge with scattered forest patches. 40–50% sun exposure. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket for wind protection.
Emergency Contacts: Isle Royale National Park Ranger Stations: Rock Harbor (May–Sept) or Windigo (May–Sept). Contact via satellite communication or upon return to trailhead. Non-emergency: (906) 337-3993.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Late October through April 15 (park closed). Snow possible by mid-October on high ridge sections. Spring thaw (May) can create boggy conditions.
Mud Season: Spring melt (mid-April through May) creates boggy sections in lower elevations. Early May can be muddy and wet.
Wildflower Peak: June to early July (limited alpine species; wildflowers sparse at this latitude and ridge elevation).
Fall Colors Peak: Late September through early October. Birch, maple, and aspen color the forest patches. Peak color lasts 2–3 weeks.
Bug Season: Peak mosquitoes June–July, especially in shaded forest sections. Black flies aggressive May–June. Bug net or strong repellent recommended.
Insider Tips: The false summits near Mount Ojibway will tempt you to stop early—the real views are at the actual peaks
Start before 8 AM; ridge wind picks up in afternoon and the descent becomes miserable
Pack snacks at the 2-mile point; the final 0.8 miles are mentally harder on empty calories
Ojibway Tower (historic fire lookout) is nearby—detour if you have energy; views rival Mount Ojibway itself
Descending rocky sections is harder on knees than climbing; trekking poles cut knee impact by 30–40%
Recent Updates: Trail conditions change seasonally. Contact Isle Royale National Park (906-337-3993) for latest trail status before departure. Late spring may have snow patches on ridge.
Family Friendly Notes: Not recommended for children under 10. The exposed ridge, rocky terrain, and navigation demands require strong hiking skills and comfort with exposure. Older teens (13+) with solid backcountry experience may manage. No handholds on exposed sections—maintain hand-holding if bringing kids.
Nearby Facilities: Daisy Farm Campground and Three Mile Campground are on-trail or nearby (both have backcountry campsites). Rock Harbor Lodge offers accommodations, supplies, boat rentals, and water taxi services (May–Sept). Windigo has basic facilities and ranger station. No resupply or facilities on the trail itself.
Review Summary: Hikers report the rocky terrain and exposed ridge are more demanding than anticipated, but Lake Superior views justify the effort. Most say the solitude and technical challenge deliver real backcountry satisfaction. Experienced backpackers rate it highly; casual day hikers sometimes find it harder than expected.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this harder than Greenstone 1 (Lookout Louise to Mount Franklin)?

Yes, this section is more exposed and has consistently rockier terrain. Greenstone 2 is about one step up in difficulty.

Can I do this solo and be safe?

Yes, but you must carry a satellite communicator (no cell service), tell someone your itinerary, and have solid map-reading skills. Solo is doable but high-consequence.

Do I need trekking poles?

Not mandatory, but they reduce ankle strain on rocks and cut knee impact on descent by 30–40%. Highly recommended.

How common are bears on this trail?

Sightings are rare but possible. Make constant noise while hiking and maintain 100 yards distance if you see one.

Can I do this as a pure day hike or do I need to camp?

Day hike is possible: arrive 9–10 AM, hike 4–6 hours, catch return ferry by 5 PM. Tight but doable. An overnight at Daisy Farm or Three Mile is more comfortable.

What happens if weather turns bad on the ridge?

You're exposed. If fog rolls in or wind exceeds 25 mph, visibility drops and footing becomes treacherous. Turn back immediately; no shame in aborting for weather.