Lake Richie Trail - 1.9mi Rocky Backcountry

Q: What if I get lost on this trail?

Help is hours away. Bring map, compass, and pre-plan your route. Know your bailout options (turn back, signal for help) before starting. Cell service is nonexistent.

Q: Are bears a real concern on Isle Royale?

Yes. Isle Royale has bears, moose, and wolves. Keep 100 yards from bears/wolves, 25 yards from other wildlife. Make noise constantly while hiking—don't surprise them.

Q: Can I do this as a day hike from Moskey Basin?

Yes, it's 1.9 miles one way (1.5–2.5 hours). But factor in water taxi timing both directions. A true same-day return is tight logistics—most hikers stay overnight at Lake Richie Campground.

Q: Is the water along the trail safe to drink?

No. Filter or treat all water from streams using a filter or purification tablets. Carry a filter or chemical treatment before you start.

Harbor to Hills Section 4: Hike from Moskey Basin to Lake Richie

Distance

1.9 mi

Est. Time

1.5 to 2.5 hours for experienced hikers; add time if navigating by map/compass for the first time

Route Type

Out-and-back connector

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Spring, Summer, Fall (May to September when transportation services operate; peak July-August)

Overview

About This Trail

The Lake Richie Trail is a 1.9-mile backcountry connector through technical terrain on Isle Royale's remote wilderness network. You'll navigate rocky, rooty footing through streams, wetlands, and rocky outcrops on a narrow trail that demands constant attention. This is map-and-compass navigation hiking, not a stroll. Only for hikers comfortable with solitude and technical terrain.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Strenuous

Trail Highlights

This connector links the Harbor-to-Hills route to Lake Richie Campground through remote, technical backcountry terrain. Experience genuine wilderness solitude: streams, wetlands, and rocky sections with minimal infrastructure. Extends to wider backpacking networks via Indian Portage Trail south to Chippewa Harbor.

Insider Tips

• The trail is narrow (18 inches) with overgrown vegetation—watch your footing constantly; don't daydream • Rocks at stream crossings are slippery even when they look dry; use trekking poles or wade carefully • Rocky outcroppings at Miles 0.8 and 1.5 offer views but watch for drop-offs; use care • Multiple faint paths exist at junctions; keep compass bearing to Lake Richie Campground • Extend to Lake Richie Campground (0.2 miles west on Indian Portage Trail) for the full backcountry experience • If returning via Chippewa Harbor ferry (Voyageur II), allow 2+ additional miles on Indian Portage Trail south

Best Season to Hike

Spring, Summer, Fall (May to September when transportation services operate; peak July-August)

Hiking Tips

Bring map, compass, and navigation skills—trail markers are limited and conditions change
Stay hydrated; carry 2L water minimum and filter from streams
Watch for roots and rocks constantly; trekking poles save your knees
Keep aware of bears; make noise on the trail, maintain 100-yard distance
Expect overgrown vegetation; long pants protect legs from scrub
Weather changes fast at Isle Royale; pack layered clothing and rain gear
Book water taxi and return transport in advance—don't rely on day-of availability

Family Info

Not recommended for young children. Rocky footing, roots, and stream crossings require careful attention and constant supervision. Parents must maintain hand-holding on exposed sections. Requires navigation confidence and fitness.

What Hikers Say

Hikers describe this as a technical connector demanding serious navigation skills and constant route attention. The rocky, rooty terrain and overgrown vegetation force you to watch the ground every step. Remote logistics (water taxi required) and island isolation keep this trail wild and solitary—for hikers who crave backcountry authenticity over trail comfort.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 1.9 miles

Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours for experienced hikers; add time if navigating by map/compass for the first time

Difficulty: Strenuous

Route Type: Out-and-back connector

Surface: Rocky, rooty, and overgrown. About 18 inches wide with exposed roots, rocks, and vegetation overgrowth.

Getting There

Trailhead: Junction 0.2 miles north of Moskey Basin Campground. Access via water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge to Moskey Basin (advance reservations required).

Parking: No parking—island access only via ferry or seaplane. Water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge to Moskey Basin required.

Fills Up: N/A—island access only via water transportation

Requirements

Permit Required

Water taxi to Moskey Basin requires advance reservations with Rock Harbor Lodge. Backcountry camping at Lake Richie Campground requires separate backcountry camping permits through Isle Royale National Park reservation system.

Fees: $7 per person per day park entrance fee. Children 15 and younger are free. America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance.

Shuttle Required

Water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge to Moskey Basin Campground required. Advance reservations mandatory. Voyageur II ferry available at Chippewa Harbor for return option (via Indian Portage Trail extension, adds 2 miles).

Trail Rules

Dogs: No

Biking: No

Trail Markers: Limited. Changing trail conditions require map, compass, and navigation skills. Trail is not well-marked in places; overgrowth can obscure the path.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Streams and wetlands along trail. Filter or treat all water before drinking—no safe untreated water.

Shade: Mixed sun and shade. Tree canopy in forested sections; full exposure on rocky outcroppings. Bring hat and sunscreen; long sleeves for protection.

Cell Service: No reliable cell service. Bring satellite communicator or emergency beacon if available. Accept communication gap.

Hazards:

Trail is 18 inches wide with exposed roots and rocks throughout. Vegetation overgrowth can obscure hazards and paths. Bears and wolves present—keep 100 yards distance from bears/wolves, 25 yards from other wildlife. Make noise constantly. Weather changes rapidly; exposure on rocky sections means wind and cold. Remote location: help is hours away via water taxi. Stream crossings are slippery—use trekking poles for stability.

Emergency: Isle Royale National Park ranger stations at Moskey Basin, Lake Richie, and Chippewa Harbor. Report emergencies to ranger or use emergency signal device. Help is 1-2 hours away by water.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Ghost town—remote Isle Royale backcountry, water taxi required, extremely isolated

Peak Times: Mid-July to early August still sees sparse crowds compared to mainland trails due to logistics barriers

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rocky, rooty, 18-inch-wide trail with overgrown sections. Not wheelchair accessible. Steep footing and exposed edges present challenges for people with mobility limitations or balance issues. Not suitable for young children or those with navigation anxiety.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Moskey Basin Campground (trailhead area), Lake Richie Campground (trail destination 1.9 miles), Lake Richie Canoe Campground (alternate site), Chippewa Harbor Campground (2+ miles via Indian Portage Trail). Water and pit toilets at campsites. Rock Harbor Lodge offers limited supplies and ferry services.

What Hikers Say

Reviews

" Hikers describe this as a technical connector demanding serious navigation skills and constant route attention. The rocky, rooty terrain and overgrown vegetation force you to watch the ground every step. Remote logistics (water taxi required) and island isolation keep this trail wild and solitary—for hikers who crave backcountry authenticity over trail comfort."

Reviews from Google

FAQs

Do I need to know how to use a map and compass?

Yes, absolutely. The NPS explicitly states that 'changing trail conditions require a map, compass, and navigation skills.' This is non-negotiable on this trail. Overgrown sections and limited trail markers mean you're navigating, not following.

How do I get to the trailhead?

What if I get lost on this trail?

Are bears a real concern on Isle Royale?

Can I do this as a day hike from Moskey Basin?

Is the water along the trail safe to drink?