NPS / DERRICK JAEGER You are going on a trip to Isle Royale.From trip planning, to packing your bag, to exploring...there are a lot of choices to make! Each one will impact your trip. Practice making those choices in this activity.
NPS Using these tools, you only got a few bug bites. They still itch, but it could’ve been a lot worse! These long layers made you sweat! Although they stopped most of the bugs, you still got some bites. 
NPS You are now prepared for all types of weather! Not only will your gear keep you dry if it rains, it will also keep you warm if the temperature drops. You did not bring a rain jacket since there wasn’t any rain in the forecast. But weather on Isle Royale can be unpredictable! You might wish you brought more rain gear when a surprise storm rolls in.
NPS You already have a route in mind for your backpacking trip. When you get to Isle Royale, a park ranger is able to answer your questions and you quickly get on the trail. When you arrive, you and your group talk to a park ranger about the trail options. You learn about current conditions - what it's like on each of the trails. Some of them have a lot of obstacles, like downed trees. You decide to take the trail that sounds best for your group. This on-island planning takes time away from hiking, but now you feel more prepared. 
NPS / MARGARET BARSE Your backpack is lighter, but you run out of water quickly during your hike. You will have to use a water filter and get more at the next lake or stream. On Isle Royale, the best places to get water are at campgrounds, which could be miles away. Your backpack is heavier with all the water you’re carrying, but you can hike without worrying about running out. 
NPS The Minong Ridge Trail can be tough to follow. At one point, you find yourself at a dead end - you must've accidentally followed a wildlife trail! Luckily, you can use your map and compass to get back on track. The Minong Ridge Trail can be tough to follow. At one point, you find yourself at a dead end - you must've accidentally followed a wildlife trail! Your only choice is to retrace your steps to get back on track. 
NPS / JIM PEACO The moose will get out of the way... right? Putting a barrier, like a tree or a rock, between you and a moose will give you a way to protect yourself if the moose were to come closer. It may take some time for the moose to leave, but it remains unstartled, and you can observe the wildlife from a safe distance! 
NPS After five miles, it finally POPPED! You and your group have to stop and apply a bandaid. This added time to your hike, and now you have a painful sore. This makes your backpack feel heavy. Once you start to feel a blister forming, you put on your extra socks for more cushion. This prevented the blister from popping or getting worse, but now your feet are sweaty, ew! 
NPS This allows you to stop, drink some water, and take in the views since you are hiking at a faster pace than the other member of your group. You can enjoy the views together while not taking as many breaks. 
YEVA CIFOR Although Isle Royale has many tasty berries, not all of them are safe to eat. You should never eat something from the trail without knowing exactly what it is. Luckily, the berry you ate turned out to be a blueberry, and not a blue-bead lily, which are toxic! You took or drew a picture of the berry to show a park ranger. You have to wait until the end of your trip to identify the berry, but you learned that it was a blueberry. Now that you're sure what the berry is, you can snack on them safely. Be sure to leave some for other visitors! 
NPS Even though it's not your trash, you decide to take action and pick it up. There won't be a trash can until the end of your trip, so you'll have to pack it out of the backcountry with you. But you've left the trail better than you found it! You decide that you don’t have any extra room in your pack. You won’t have to carry this extra weight with you until the end of the trip, but now the trash will remain on the trail. You did not leave the trail better than you found it, but someone else will definitely pick it up... right? 
You did it!You faced the same dilemmas that visitors to Isle Royale experience before and during their trips to the island. Now you're more prepared for your future adventures! |
Last updated: April 9, 2024