Feldtmann Ridge Trail

Feldtmann Ridge Trail is a 10.3-mile, one-way hike from Feldtmann Lake Campground to Siskiwit Bay Campground, crossing the ridge in the southwest part of Isle Royale. It climbs steeply to a fire tower about halfway through, then descends toward the bay. The National Park Service describes this as a one-day section of the much longer Feldtmann Loop; it is not the 30.1-mile loop itself. This is a strong choice if you’re already backpacking across the island, but it takes real planning. Walking it back to the start makes a 20.6-mile day, so plan the next leg before setting out.

The route begins in patches of forest, then climbs steadily and steeply to Feldtmann Fire Tower. The tread is only about 18 inches wide, with rocks and roots underfoot. The tower is a natural place to stop; remains of the earlier tower stand just beyond it. On a clear day, the ridge opens to views over Feldtmann Lake and Grace Harbor, with Rock of Ages Lighthouse visible in the distance. Frame the tower or a strip of ridge with the lake behind it to show where the climb has brought you.

Past the old tower site, the route follows the ridge before easing downhill toward Siskiwit Bay. This section uses a former logging road, now crowded with dense vegetation and tall grass. Slow down where the grass closes in so you can keep the narrow tread in view. Near the bay, a clearing marks the old logging camp; the Civilian Conservation Corps later used the site after the 1936 fire. The trail ends at Siskiwit Bay Campground, where two shelters and a dock serve hikers and boaters.

There’s no easily accessible water source along the ridge section, so start early with enough water for a full day. The two remote campgrounds have food-storage lockers and non-potable water, but no camp store; bring your food and treat any campground water before drinking it. There’s no road or vehicle parking at either end: reach Feldtmann Lake Campground on foot from the island trail network. The park lists access from Windigo and from Rock Harbor via the Greenstone Ridge Trail. Overnight camping requires a free permit, and pets aren’t allowed anywhere in Isle Royale. The park’s operating season is roughly mid-April through October.