Lake Richie Trail - 1.9mi Rocky Backcountry

Wildflowers surround a plank bridge a part of a trail in the forest.

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1.9
Route Type: Out-and-back connector
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 0

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1.9
Route Type: Out-and-back connector
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 0
Estimated Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours for experienced hikers; add time if navigating by map/compass for the first time
Trail Surface: Rocky, rooty, and overgrown. About 18 inches wide with exposed roots, rocks, and vegetation overgrowth.
Trail Features: Streams and creek crossings
Rocky outcroppings and boulders
Wetland sections
Forest canopy
Backcountry wilderness terrain
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Junction 0.2 miles north of Moskey Basin Campground. Access via water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge to Moskey Basin (advance reservations required).
Parking Lot Size: No parking—island access only via ferry or seaplane. Water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge to Moskey Basin required.
Parking Fill Time: N/A—island access only via water transportation
Shuttle Required: 1
Shuttle Details: 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).

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: 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.
Trail Status: Open April 16 to October 31
Seasonal Closures: November 1 to April 15 — Island closed to all visitors due to extreme winter weather

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Streams and wetlands along trail. Filter or treat all water before drinking—no safe untreated water.
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Rocky terrain and root hazards
Overgrown vegetation obscuring footing
Stream crossings with slippery rocks
Wildlife (bears, moose, wolves)
Changing trail conditions
Remote location far from help
Rapid weather changes
Narrow trail edges (18 inches)
Hazard Details: 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.
Cell Service: No reliable cell service. Bring satellite communicator or emergency beacon if available. Accept communication gap.
Crowd Level: Ghost town—remote Isle Royale backcountry, water taxi required, extremely isolated
Peak Crowd Times: Mid-July to early August still sees sparse crowds compared to mainland trails due to logistics barriers
Best Season: Spring, Summer, Fall (May to September when transportation services operate; peak July-August)
Best Time To Visit: Late July through August when weather is most stable. Transportation services operate May to September. Start at first light to finish before afternoon storms. Pack rain gear regardless.
Tips Advice: 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

More details

Park Area: Lake Richie backcountry area, Isle Royale National Park
Trail Markers: Limited. Changing trail conditions require map, compass, and navigation skills. Trail is not well-marked in places; overgrowth can obscure the path.
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Mixed sun and shade. Tree canopy in forested sections; full exposure on rocky outcroppings. Bring hat and sunscreen; long sleeves for protection.
Emergency Contacts: 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.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Snow typically occurs November through April when park is closed
Mud Season: April through May during spring thaw; trail may be wet through June
Bug Season: Mosquitoes peak July to September, especially in wetland sections. Bring insect repellent and long sleeves.
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
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
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.
Review Summary: 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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

Water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge to Moskey Basin Campground in advance. The trailhead starts 0.2 miles north of the campground. Don't plan a same-day return unless you've confirmed ferry schedules.

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.

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.

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.

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.