Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Survey Area MI606• Michigan

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Isle Royale National Park, Michigan. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Water (Lake Superior)	409K			Not rated	Not rated
Michigamme-Peshekee-Rock outcrop complex, 4 to 26 percent slopes, very stony	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lupton and Cathro soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water (Inland)	10K			Not rated	Not rated
Michigamme-Peshekee complex, 5 to 21 percent slopes, very rocky, stony	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Michigamme-Peshekee-Arcadian complex, 5 to 33 percent slopes, very rocky	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cathro, Lupton, and Arnheim soils, drainageway, 0 to 4 percent slopes, frequently flooded	7K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Chippewa Harbor-Michigamme complex, 3 to 19 percent slopes, rocky	5K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Michigamme-Peshekee complex, 7 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky, stony	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nevens-Cathro complex, 1 to 7 percent slopes	4K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Chippewa Harbor-Nevens complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes, very rocky, very stony	4K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Montreal-Michigamme complex, 3 to 17 percent slopes, rocky, very stony	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Quetico-Peshekee-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 27 percent slopes, very stony	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arcadian-Nipissing complex, 2 to 14 percent slopes, very rocky, very stony	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nevens-Gratiot complex, 1 to 7 percent slopes, rocky	3K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arcadian-Quetico-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 37 percent slopes, very stony	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Montreal-Nevens complex, 1 to 9 percent slopes, very stony	3K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sabattis-Cathro complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes, very stony	3K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arcadian-Minong-Rock outcrop complex, 4 to 40 percent slopes, very stony	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Michigamme-Arcadian complex, 9 to 45 percent slopes, rocky, very stony	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

Most soils are reasonably suitable for conventional septic systems, though site-specific conditions always matter. Get a perc test to confirm.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.