40Miles
4–6Days
5,500 ftGain
ThruType
Permits
System
NPS small-party permit (issued on the ferry or on arrival)Rangers issue permits aboard the Ranger III or at Windigo and Rock Harbor. Seaplane visitors self-permit. Campsites are first come, first served. Pay the daily entrance fee online in advance to speed things up.Apply or read more
Cost
Daily park entrance fee per person; no separate permit fee
Bear storage
Not required — no bears on the island. Hang food from foxes.
Season
Best
Late July – September, after the worst of the mosquitoes and black flies.
JFMAMJJASOND
PeakShoulderClosed
On trail
Water
Inland lakes and Lake Superior. Filter to 0.4 microns or boil (hydatid tapeworm).
Resupply
Small stores at Windigo and Rock Harbor.
Notes
The spine of the least-visited national park in the lower 48. Moose are common; wolves are rarely seen. Mount Desor (1,394 ft) is the high point.
Elevation
602 ftHigh 1,394 ft
Resupply towns
Windigo (store)
Rock Harbor (store)
Permit details checked 2026-10 · nps.gov