The island is part of the Huron Nation forest and has a campsite on it called #84. The cache is located a few hundred feet from the campsite; however, please do not disturb any campers on the island. If there are no campers, you can access the island by the closest point to the river channel (an easily visible sandy access). However, if there are campers, you will need to take a more difficult route by using the shallower channel that follows along the West side of the island and beaching your boat along the shore of the steeper slope. This will put you closer to the cache, but the climb up the slope can be difficult and there are deadheads in the side channel that can bump against larger boats. Of course, most areas along the island are easily accessible if you are using a small boat such as a canoe or kayak.
If you wish to reserve campsite along the Au Sable River, you can call Huron Shores Ranger Station - (989) 739-0728.
Fishing is prime along the Au Sable River. There are large and small mouth bass, rock bass, walleye, pike, blue gills, pan fish, pumpkin seed, and more. The lower Au Sable River also has steelhead and salmon.
River dangers: This upper section of Foote Pond is dangerous to boat on with motor boats unless you know the channel. The channel is somewhat easier to see late in the season since much the river grass has grown well above the water line. But there are numerous underwater deadheads (logs and stumps) which are difficult to see. Please use extra caution when boating in this section of the river.
Even though this section of the river can be difficult to navigate, for people who are not familiar with Foote Pond, it is also extraordinarily beautiful. There is an abundance of wildlife to watch and fish to catch. The water is somewhat clouded with algae and sand early in the season, but it is very clear later in the season as the growing river grass filters the water. The water gets clear enough to see about 14 feet below the water surface.
There are three boat launches along Foote Pond:
- 1: Foote Pond Park located near the Foote Dam. This boat launch has a paved ramp, wood dock, and a bathroom, along with plenty of parking. It is the best boat launch for motor boats and is the closest to the town of Oscoda. The River Queen paddle boat is nearby and offers river tours. This launch has a fee of $4.00 per day, or $20.00 per year. You can pay the daily fee at the ramp and the annual fee is paid at the Oscoda Township hall.
- 2: A dirt ramp located just below the Cooke Pond Dam. This launch is great for small motor boats, canoes, tubes, and Kayaks. Parking and a bathroom are nearby. Larger boats can launch here, but the current is swift and there is no dock. This launch is free.
- 3: Old Orchard Park. This launch is located a little further up the lake from the Foote Pond park launch. It is great to use if you are camping at Old Orchard Park, but costs more due to an entrance fee and takes longer to get to if you are not camping here because of slow speed limits and numerous people. Old Orchard is a very popular camping park.