Lake Richie

Overview

Lake Richie is a big, quiet inland lake tucked into Isle Royale’s granite-and-forest interior. It’s a favorite waypoint for backpackers on the Indian Portage corridor and a hub for canoe/kayak travelers looking to trade Lake Superior’s swells for calm, reflective water.

Why It’s Special

Most camps sit on the Superior shoreline; Lake Richie gives you that deep‑woods, inland‑lake feel—wide horizon, mirrorlike water, and granite shelves under the pines. It’s known as a solid spot for northern pike and as a keystone link in the island’s interior paddling routes.

Access & Routes

There’s no road or dock—reach it by foot or by paddle. Multiple short portages connect the lake to neighboring waters, including roughly 0.6 miles from Intermediate Lake, 1.2 miles from Chippewa Harbor, 2.0 miles from Moskey Basin, and 0.6 miles from Lake LeSage. Hikers often pass through en route to West Chickenbone; that section climbs steadily toward Greenstone Ridge and rolls along forested terrain.

Camping at the Lake

Two adjacent campgrounds sit on the north shore: Lake Richie Campground and Lake Richie Canoe Campground. Expect tent‑only sites (about four regular sites plus a couple of group sites), first‑come first‑served. You’ll find a simple pit toilet, but no shelters, no showers, no potable water, no pets, and no campfires. Sites perch on granite just off the Indian Portage Trail—close enough for occasional hiker traffic, but tucked up for a bit of separation and lake views.

Water and Safety

Plan your water carefully. Interior lakes here—including Lake Richie—have had harmful algal blooms. During a bloom, do not drink, filter, or boil water from affected lakes; instead, carry from safe sources and confirm current conditions with rangers before relying on lake water. Even when blooms aren’t present, treat or filter what you draw.

What You’ll See

Expect classic interior lake scenery: granite slopes, forested shorelines, and broad water vistas with striking reflections on calm days. Wildlife sightings are very possible—moose browse the wetlands, and loons are commonly heard; you may also encounter other birds around the coves and marsh edges.

Who It’s For

• Backpackers connecting Rock Harbor, Moskey Basin, and Chippewa Harbor who want a quieter inland stop.
• Paddlers threading a canoe route via short portages between lakes.
• Anglers happy to carry a rod for pike.

Best Time to Visit

There are no posted hours—it’s backcountry. Aim for periods when there are no active algal bloom advisories on interior lakes, and give yourself time in the day to handle the climb toward Greenstone Ridge if you’re hiking out to West Chickenbone.

Need-to-Know

• Bugs can be heavy in season—pack real repellent.
• Everything’s pack‑in, pack‑out; there are no food services or stores.
• Stay limits apply in peak season at the campgrounds.