Dogs at Isle Royale National Park
Know the rules before you travel: Isle Royale does not allow pet dogs on the island, with limited exceptions for permitted service dogs.
Isle Royale National Park MI Dog Policy
Isle Royale has one of the strictest dog policies in the National Park System. Pet dogs, cats, and other mammals are not allowed on the island or on boats within park boundaries.
The National Park Service prohibits dogs, cats, and other mammals on Isle Royale to protect wildlife from disease and parasite transmission. The park specifically notes that canine parvovirus was likely introduced by a pet dog in 1980 and affected the island's wolf population. If you are traveling with a service dog, contact the park well in advance to complete the required veterinary certificate and superintendent approval process.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
Dog-Friendly Trails
There are no dog-friendly trails on Isle Royale for pet dogs. The trails below are real Isle Royale routes that are only accessible to approved service dogs under the park's advance permit process.
Stoll Memorial Trail (Scoville Point)
1.9, 3.2, or 4.2 miles round-trip options; easy to moderate. A flexible loop hike near Rock Harbor with wooded stretches, exposed rocky shoreline, and a climb to Scoville Point.
Rock Harbor Area, Isle Royale National Park, MI
Visit WebsiteRock Harbor Trail to Three Mile
About 3.6 miles one way; strenuous. This shoreline section includes rocks, roots, slippery surfaces, and repeated ups and downs between Rock Harbor and Three Mile Campground.
Rock Harbor to Three Mile, Isle Royale National Park, MI
Visit WebsiteGreenstone Ridge Trail
About 41.7 miles; strenuous. Isle Royale's longest trail crosses the island through forest, exposed ridges, inland lakes, swamps, and remote wilderness terrain.
Windigo to Hidden Lake/Rock Harbor corridor, Isle Royale National Park, MI
Visit WebsiteFeldtmann Ridge Trail
About 10.3 miles for the Feldtmann Lake to Siskiwit Bay section; strenuous. Expect a steep climb, exposed ridge walking, limited water, and scenic west-end views.
Feldtmann Loop, Isle Royale National Park, MI
Visit WebsiteDuncan Bay to Tobin Harbor Portage
0.8 mile; strenuous. Short but very steep portage with about 175 feet of elevation change between Duncan Bay and Tobin Harbor.
Duncan Bay Portage, Isle Royale National Park, MI
Visit WebsiteTobin Harbor to Rock Harbor Portage
0.2 mile; easy. A short connector with gradual elevation change between Tobin Harbor and Rock Harbor.
Rock Harbor Area, Isle Royale National Park, MI
Visit WebsiteTips for Visiting Isle Royale National Park with Your Dog
For most travelers, the best tip is simple: do not bring a pet dog to Isle Royale. The park bans pet dogs, cats, and other mammals on the island and even on boats within park boundaries. If you are traveling with a trained service dog, start planning early because you must secure the park's veterinary certificate and approval before departure. Isle Royale is remote, reached by ferry, seaplane, or private boat, and there are no roads or cars on the island. Conditions can be rugged even for experienced hikers, with rocky trails, roots, steep grades, cold water, sudden weather changes, and limited services. Bring extra water, food, and waste supplies for any approved service dog, and be prepared for long travel times and emergency limitations. Keep a wide distance from wildlife, especially moose and wolves, and avoid letting a dog interact with wild animals or shoreline carcasses. Weather on Lake Superior can shift quickly, so pack rain gear, insulation layers, and paw protection if your dog is an approved service animal traveling on rough rock. Because there is no kennel service in the park, travelers with pet dogs should arrange mainland boarding before taking a ferry or seaplane to Isle Royale.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Houghton
Mainland gateway via Ranger IIIHome to the Houghton Visitor Center and park headquarters, where leashed pets are allowed outdoors.
Copper Harbor
Common ferry departure pointA Keweenaw Peninsula harbor town used by many Isle Royale visitors before boarding the Isle Royale Queen IV.
Hancock
Near HoughtonA practical mainland base near seaplane service and the Keweenaw waterway.
Grand Portage
Minnesota gatewayA North Shore departure point for Voyageur II and Sea Hunter III service to Isle Royale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed at Isle Royale National Park?
No. Pet dogs, cats, and other mammals are not allowed on Isle Royale National Park, including on boats within park boundaries.
Can I bring my dog on the ferry or my private boat to Isle Royale?
Not as a pet. The park states that pets are not allowed on boats within park boundaries, which extend 4.5 miles into Lake Superior from the outermost land areas.
Are service dogs allowed on Isle Royale?
Yes, but only with advance approval. Handlers must obtain the park's required veterinary certificate and permit before travel, and the paperwork must be completed within the park's stated timeline.
Are there any dog-friendly trails on Isle Royale?
No trails are open to pet dogs because pets are not allowed on the island. Only approved service dogs may accompany handlers.
Can dogs stay in Isle Royale campgrounds or lodges?
Pet dogs cannot stay in island campgrounds or other island areas because pets are prohibited from the park.
Is there a kennel at Isle Royale National Park?
No. Isle Royale does not offer a kennel, so travelers with pet dogs need to arrange care on the mainland.
What is the entrance fee for Isle Royale National Park?
The standard entrance fee is $7 per person per day, and children 15 and under are exempt.