Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
The most common soil here is Michigamme, on about 4% of the land: a cobbly silt loam, smooth, like flour. Arcadian and Cathro come next.
About 15% of the land drains well, and 6% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 12% of it.
USDA rates 24% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 23% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 16% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 23% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 24% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.