West Huginnin Cove Trail

West Huginnin Cove Trail is the western branch of the Huginnin Cove routes on Isle Royale, running from the Minong Ridge–West Huginnin junction to Huginnin Cove. Treat it as a 6.2-mile out-and-back: the trail is about 3.1 miles each way, and the return follows the same ridges. Allow about four hours from the junction. It suits hikers who want the rocky Lake Superior shoreline without taking the separate full Huginnin loop; the way back repeats the climbs, so this is more than a beach stroll.

The trail first hugs Washington Harbor, then turns north across the actual Minong Ridge. The wooded route rolls over several ridges, with glimpses of the harbor through the trees. It drops into stream-cut hollows, climbs a steep rise of about 80 feet, and later makes another roughly 120-foot climb before descending toward the cove. Moose are sometimes seen near the ponds and streams.

The trail ends at Huginnin Cove’s rocky, cobbled shore beside a primitive campground. The water is cold, and on a clear day you can see distant shores of Minnesota and Ontario across Lake Superior. For a photo, keep a strip of cobble in the foreground so the water and wooded shoreline still read as a cove. The campground has seasonal composting toilets and non-potable water; overnight camping requires a permit.

The West Huginnin junction is reached on foot from Windigo via about 1.4 miles of Washington Creek Trail. That approach is extra: starting and ending at Windigo by the same route makes the whole walk about nine miles. The tread is narrow and can be overgrown, with rocky roots, stream crossings and short planks across wet marsh. Those planks can be slippery when wet; carry a map and compass, and leave pets behind because they are not allowed on Isle Royale.