Feldtmann Lake Loop

The Feldtmann Lake Loop is one of Isle Royale's premier multi-day circuits, tracing a roughly 30-mile route through the island's quieter southwestern corner. Starting and ending at Windigo, the loop connects the Feldtmann Lake Trail, the Feldtmann Ridge Trail, and a stretch of the Island Mine Trail, offering a well-rounded sampling of the island's diverse landscapes over 3–4 days.

The trail winds through dense boreal forest of spruce, birch, and fir before opening up to the shores of Feldtmann Lake, one of Isle Royale's largest and most scenic inland lakes. The lakeside campsite is a favorite among backpackers — a peaceful spot to watch moose wade through the shallows at dawn or listen to loons calling across the still water. From there, the trail climbs to Feldtmann Ridge, where hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Superior's southern shore, the distant Keweenaw Peninsula, and the vast undeveloped interior of the island stretching to the northeast.

The ridgeline section is the loop's highlight, following open meadows of wildflowers and scattered rock outcrops that feel a world apart from the dense forest below. On clear days, the views rival anything on the Greenstone Ridge with a fraction of the foot traffic. The trail eventually descends through old-growth forest and past remnants of historic copper mining operations near Island Mine before completing the circuit back to Windigo.

The terrain is moderate, with the most significant climbing along the Feldtmann Ridge segment. Trail conditions vary from well-worn footpath to rocky and rooted stretches, and boggy sections are common in the lowlands, especially earlier in the season. Backcountry campsites and three-sided shelters are spaced along the route, though planning around water availability on the ridge is important.

Like all of Isle Royale, the Feldtmann Lake Loop offers a deep sense of isolation. The southwestern end of the island sees fewer visitors than the trails near Rock Harbor, making this loop an excellent choice for hikers seeking solitude. Moose encounters are frequent in the lowland areas and along the lakeshore, and the birding is exceptional throughout. Blackflies and mosquitoes are a constant companion in early summer, so timing a trip for late July through September can make for a more comfortable experience.

The Feldtmann Lake Loop delivers the full Isle Royale experience in a manageable package — boreal wilderness, expansive ridgeline views, pristine lakeshores, and the kind of quiet that only comes from hiking one of the most remote trails in the national park system.