Feldtmann Loop

Feldtmann Loop is a 30.1-mile backpacking circuit from Windigo and back, linking Feldtmann Lake, Feldtmann Ridge, Siskiwit Bay, Island Mine, and the western Greenstone Ridge. Plan four to five days; the park describes it as an intermediate backpacking route, and the longest leg is 10.3 miles. The four section mileages add to about 29.6 miles; the full-loop figure includes campground spurs, so use 30.1 miles for planning. This is a remote trip for someone who wants the whole west-end route, not a quick walk from the dock.

All overnight camping requires a park permit, and groups of seven or more need an advance reservation. Pets are prohibited throughout the park. Windigo has no road access, so arrange your ferry or seaplane trip before you plan the hike.

The trail begins just southwest of Windigo Dock and the pavilion. For about a mile it follows Washington Harbor, with Beaver Island and the harbor in view, then leaves the shore and climbs inland to Grace Creek Overlook. Beyond the creek, look for small stones left by an old Lake Superior shoreline. The route rolls through woods to Feldtmann Lake campground. The descent toward the lake is brushy; when it is wet, sleeves and pants can get soaked.

The 10.3-mile stretch from Feldtmann Lake to Siskiwit Bay is the biggest day. A steep climb brings you onto Feldtmann Ridge, past forest patches to the former fire tower. You can climb partway up it for a 360-degree view over the west end of the island, including Siskiwit Bay and the surrounding ridges; on a clear day Rock of Ages Lighthouse is visible. This is the route's signature stop, so leave time to take in the view rather than treating the tower as a pass-through.

After the tower, the trail keeps to the ridge before an easier descent on an overgrown former logging road. The clearing before Siskiwit Bay campground was once a logging camp and later a Civilian Conservation Corps camp after the 1936 fire. There is no easily reached water source on this leg, so plan water before leaving Feldtmann Lake, carry enough for the whole 10.3 miles, and treat any water collected from natural sources.

From Siskiwit Bay, the route starts along the shore and crosses Big Siskiwit River on a bridge. Beaver activity sometimes washes out the beach tread; in that case the route shifts onto the rocky shore, but you still need the bridge to cross the river. The walk reaches treeline, crosses Senter Point, and follows Carnelian Beach before turning inland.

Watch for the old well and mining remains at Island Mine. A pile of rocks in the woods conceals an old steam engine, a strange little reminder of the island's mining era. Island Mine Campground sits about half a mile south of the Greenstone Ridge junction.

The final 6.5-mile leg follows the western Greenstone Ridge back to Windigo. It trends downhill on an old mining road through sugar maple forest, a quieter finish after the open ridge and shoreline sections. Keep going to the Windigo dock and pavilion to close the loop; the trail does not end at the Island Mine junction.

The listed overnight stops are Feldtmann Lake, Siskiwit Bay, and Island Mine, with Washington Creek campground at Windigo. Windigo's visitor center, store, and comfort station are a separate start-and-finish stop; plan meals and supplies before leaving for the backcountry. The route is not a day hike with a single turnaround: its camping permits, limited water on the longest leg, and four-to-five-day commitment are part of the trip. Mosquitoes and black flies often peak in June or July and can continue into August.