by Aiden Peltier
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Guide
- A Brief History of the Porcupine Mountains
- Planning Your Trip to the Porkies: What You Need to Know
- Concessions and Stores in the Porcupine Mountains
- Boat and Bike Rentals in the Porcupine Mountains
- Hiking and Biking in Porcupine Mountains
- Camping in Porcupine Mountains
- Lodges, Cabins, and Yurts in the Porkies
- Kayaking and Canoeing at Union Bay in the Porcupine Mountains
- Beach Day Fun at Union Bay
- Hunting and Fishing in Porcupine Mountains
- Disc Golfing at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex
- Winter Recreation in Porcupine Mountains
- Porcupine Mountains Nature Programs
- Beautiful Fall Foliage Viewing at Porcupine Mountains
- FAQs About Porcupine Mountains
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Guide
Porcupine Mountains are the perfect spot for your next Michigan outdoors adventure.
Ranked by some as the most beautiful state park in the United States, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is home to an abundance of natural beauty, including the majestic Lake of the Clouds.
It’s also considered the largest state park in Michigan, encompassing nearly 60,000 acres. Of those, more than 35,000 are part of a gorgeous old-growth forest.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is considered one of Michigan’s great historical sites because of its rich history and is one of nineteen Keweenaw Heritage Sites, in partnership with the Keweenaw National Historical Park.
What Are the Porkies?
Porcupine Mountains—AKA, “the Porkies”—are a series of mountains spanning across the northwestern region of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula near the shoreline of Lake Superior. They received their name from the native Ojibwa people, who decided on this name because of how the silhouettes of the mountains resemble crouching porcupines. The area is very popular for camping, hiking, snowmobiling, nature programs, and other fun outdoor recreation.
If you’re considering visiting the Porkies, then read on for more information and tips on how to make the most of your trip!
A Brief History of the Porcupine Mountains
Before becoming part of a state park, the Porcupine Mountains were the site of several copper mines.
The copper mines were active from the late-mid 19th century through early 20th century, one of which was the Nonesuch Mine.
To protect the vast acres of old-growth forest, the area was officially established as Porcupine Mountains State Park in 1945. After the passing of Michigan’s 1972 Wilderness and Natural Areas Act, the park from then on was known as Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
Planning Your Trip to the Porkies: What You Need to Know
Before you set off on your Porcupine Mountains Wilderness adventure, it’s a great idea to plan your trip in advance, so that you come prepared and know where to go. Maps and other important park information are available online and at the Visitor Center (see next section). I highly encourage you to check those out, but I’ll provide additional information here, as well.
What to Pack
Whether you’re camping or just taking a day trip, always make a packing list to ensure you don’t forget anything. Even for the shortest outings, make sure you bring the basic necessities:
- water bottle or canteen, bug spray
- bug net (the wearable kind, to guard your face from the blackflies)
- snacks (like granola bars)
- sunscreen
Just in case however, it’s good to bring survival gear like a first aid kit, a whistle, a flashlight, and a hiking knife, among other things that are good for emergency situations.
For longer stays (like camping), bring everything listed previously, in addition to
- changes of clothing
- soap
- sustainable food
- sleeping bags and tent (unless staying in a yurt or cabin)
- blankets
- personal hygiene products
- entertainment (like cards or reading material)
What to Wear When Visit in the Porkies
The clothing you wear is more than just a fashion statement—carefully choosing your outfit is vital for your safety and survival in the wilderness! While what you plan on doing at the park might have a slight impact on what to wear, a general rule of thumb wear closed-toe shoes, comfortable loose and flexible clothing that doesn’t restrict movement, a cap to shade you from the sun, and any vital gear mentioned in the previous section.
Long sleeves and pants will better protect you from blackflies, but if it’s hot out, you might want to wear shorts (comfortable ones, not short-short) and a tee shirt. Of course, there are exceptions like going to the beach, in which case you might want to bring sandals and a swimsuit. If visiting in winter, you will want to bundle up well and wear snowpants. Dress for the occasion, not just for selfies!
Porcupine Mountains Visitor Center
Address: 33303 Headquarters Rd, Ontonagon, Michigan, 49953
Phone: (906) 885-5275
Hours: May 15 – October 14: Daily, 8am-8pm; October 15 – May 14: Closed
Note: The Visitor Center is temporarily closed this summer due to road construction, and it will reopen after August 15th. During this time, the Ski Chalet will serve as the visitor center.
If you’re seeking further information on Porcupine Mountains or curious about the programs that the park has to offer, the Visitor Center is your go-to for all you need to know!
Campers are required to check in at the center before their stay, and the helpful staff are there to answer any questions and provide visitor guides. If you don’t have a recreational passport, that’s no problem because they sell them at the center, too!
The visitor center also features an auditorium, a museum detailing the park’s history and displaying exhibits on wildlife, and a gift shop for all your souvenir needs.
Concessions and Stores in the Porcupine Mountains
There are a few shops situated around the park, including Porcupine Mountain Outpost, the Ski Shop, and a gift shop located at the Visitor Center.
These places offer concessions and supplies like food, beverages, ice, firewood, gifts, and hiking/camping gear. To share my personal experience, my mom and I stopped by Porcupine Mountain Outpost on our way out of the park, and it was a fun visit! Inside we found many cool gifts and supplies, making it seem like the perfect stop on your way in if you forgot to bring something, or on your way out if you want a souvenir or refreshment.
We bought canned iced tea and hand-dipped ice cream (which tasted super AMAZING), and it was just what we needed after a long hike on a hot day. I’d highly recommend checking it out!
- Porcupine Mountain Outpost
Address: 107th Engineers Memorial Hwy, Ontonagon, MI 49953
Phone: (906) 275-4200
Hours: Daily, 10am-9pm - The Ski Shop
Address: M-107, Ontonagon, MI 49953
Phone: (906) 885-5612
Hours: Daily, 10am-8pm
Boat and Bike Rentals in the Porcupine Mountains
If you would like to go biking or boating but didn’t bring your own bicycle, canoe, or kayak, there are a couple of places around Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park that offer rentals. Porcupine Mountain Outpost also offers cool gifts, refreshments, and much-needed supplies for your trip, so make sure to check it out!
- Porcupine Mountain Outpost – Bicycles, Canoes, and Kayaks
Address: 107th Engineers Memorial Hwy, Ontonagon, MI 49953
Phone: (906) 275-4200
Hours: Daily, 10am-9pm - River’s Edge Boat Rentals – Canoes, Kayaks, and Pontoons
Address: 20 Superior Way, Ontonagon, MI 49953
Phone: (906) 390-2331 (It is recommended that you send a text before your visit because staff is not always onsite
Hours: Daily, 10am-6pm
Hiking and Biking in Porcupine Mountains
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park has some of the most gorgeous trails in Michigan, perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. I personally took the escarpment trail from the Lake of the Clouds Overlook trailhead, and while the hilly and rocky trail was rough, the breathtaking views made it all worthwhile (and the overlooks get better and better the further you go!).
Some trails are meant for going on foot (like the escarpment trail), but there are many great biking trails as well, and rentals are available for purchase (see “Boat and Bike Rentals”).
I’ve made a list of all the park trails, along with their length (most are point-to-point, so they could be twice as long as the length listed). While some may seem long, these distances are customizable, as you have the option to just go for the views and turn back whenever you feel ready.
Click here to view a map of the trail system.
- Beaver Creek Trail
Trail length: 1.2 miles - Big Carp River Trail
Trail length: 9.6 miles - Cross Trail/Correction Line Trail
Trail length: 7.3 miles - Deer Yard Trail
Trail length: 5 miles - Double Trail
Trail length: 3 miles - East and West River Trails
Trail length: 2.3 miles - East and West Vista Trail
Trail length: 2.5 miles - Escarpment Trail
Trail length: 4.3 miles - Government Peak Trail
Trail length: 7.3 miles - Lake Superior Trail
Trail length: 17.1 miles - Lily Pond Trail
Trail length: 2.5 miles - Little Carp River Trail
Trail length: 4.7 miles
- Log Camp Trail
Trail length: 5 miles - Lost Lake Trail
Trail length: 6.7 miles - Nonesuch Trail
Trail length: 3 miles - North Mirror Lake Trail
Trail length: 7.3 miles - Overlook Trail
Trail length: 2.7 miles - Pinkerton Trail
Trail length: 2.6 miles - South Mirror Lake Trail
Trail length: 3 miles - Summit Peak Tower Trail
Trail length: 0.5 miles - Superior Loop
Trail length: 1.5 miles - Triple Trail
Trail length: 3 miles - Union Mine Trail
Trail length: 1 mile - Union Spring Trail
Trail length: 4 miles - Visitor Center Nature Trail
Trail length: 1.4 miles - Whitetail Path
Trail length: 0.8 miles
Camping in Porcupine Mountains
Camping in Michigan State Park’s is a fun and rewarding experience, and what better place to experience the great outdoors at its finest than at Porcupine Mountains?
The park has several campgrounds available, both modern and rustic, for you to select from. I have listed each of the camping options here, along with a phone number to contact for more information. Keep in mind that while the general rules and regulations of the park apply to all areas, some campgrounds may have their own additional regulations to abide by.
- Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping
906-885-5275 - Porcupine Mountains Group Sites
906-885-5275 - Lost Creek Rustic Outpost Camp
800-447-2757 - Presque Isle Rustic Campground
800-447-2757 - Union Bay Modern Campground
800-447-2757 - White Pine Rustic Outpost Camp
800-447-2757 - Union River Rustic Outpost Camp
800-447-2757
Lodges, Cabins, and Yurts in the Porkies
- Backcountry Rustic Cabins
800-447-2757 - Union Bay Tiny Quill House
800-447-2757 - Kaug Wudjoo Modern Lodge
906-885-5275 - Backcountry Wilderness Yurts
800-447-2757
Kayaking and Canoeing at Union Bay in the Porcupine Mountains
Kayaking and Ccanoeing are peaceful ways to enjoy the beauty of Michigan’s nature and to unwind with a breath of fresh air in the great outdoors.
Union Bay is a great place to go boating, where you can paddle through the vast sparkling waters of Lake Superior. Lake of the Clouds and other rivers and streams within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park are too shallow for boats, but the Ontonagon River is another option, if you would like to take a serene backwoods trip just outside of the park.
Beach Day Fun at Union Bay
Have some fun in the sun at the 2-mile-long beach at Union Bay, accessible from multiple points on M-107. Build sandcastles, collect rocks, have a picnic, and stick around to watch the gorgeous sunset. If you’re brave, take a swim in the chilly and ferocious Lake Superior!
Hunting and Fishing in Porcupine Mountains
Lake Superior and the inland lakes and rivers of the Upper Peninsula are considered outstanding spots for fishing, with an abundance of trout, walleye, bass, salmon, pike, and more.
The Porcupine Mountains are a great place for fishing, with many water access areas. Even Lake of the Clouds is open to fishing with plenty of bass, but it’s catch-and-release and only artificial bait is allowed. The shoreline at Union Bay is another great spot, offering various species of trout and salmon, and you don’t have to release after catching.
Hunting is permitted in Porcupine Mountains during the fall season, including deer, black bear, and ruffed grouse. There are restrictions and guidelines in place, so please contact the park in advance at (906) 885-5275.
Shooting Range
Practice your aim and learn gun and archery safety at the Lake Superior Sportsman’s Club shooting range. Some events and activities are open to the public, but please contact the facility in advance for further information.
Lake Superior Sportsman’s Club
Address: 31433 M-64, Ontonagon, MI 49953
Phone: (906) 885-5334 (Club President)
Disc Golfing at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex
Enjoy a fun game of disc golfing during your stay at the park! The Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex offers an 18-hole course which winds through the woods leading to the ski hill, with beautiful panoramic views surrounding the area.
It’s a fun activity the whole family can enjoy, and it’s a great way to get some fresh air while staying active. The course is free to use and open from late May through mid-October. If you didn’t bring your own discs, they’re available for rent at the store near the Union Bay Campground on M-107.
Winter Recreation in Porcupine Mountains
While the main roads in the park including South Boundary Road are closed for the winter season, that doesn’t stop winter recreation enthusiasts from enjoying the winter trails! Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park is a beautiful Winter Wonderland during the snowy season, and it’s a great place to have some winter fun—especially for snowmobilers. Here are some fun activities you can enjoy in the snow at the park, along with information on how to get the best of it.
Skiing, Snowshoeing, and More
Enjoy some wintertime fun with activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, and fat-tire biking. Experience the beautiful frozen nature around you as you traverse through over 25 miles of groomed trails or take to the hills and fly like the wind!
For more experienced cross-country skiers, there are also nearly 90 miles of ungroomed ski trails deeper into the park, offering more challenge to your winter adventure. Don’t have skis or snowshoes? No problem! The Winter Sports Complex provides rentals and all the gear you’ll need, as well as lessons with expert staff.
Because the majority of the roads in the park are closed for snowmobiling, you will need to take M-64 to get to the Winter Sports Complex, which serves as your wintertime visitor center.
Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex
Address: 36672 M-107, Ontonagon MI, 49953
Phone: (906) 885-5209
Snowmobiling in the Porkies
Roads going through Porcupine Mountains are closed during the winter, offering over 350 miles of groomed snowmobile trails! Enjoy gorgeous views of Lake Superior and the surrounding wilderness as you ride the trails and additional stretches of untouched snow, and make sure to stop by the various shelters around the park to warm up and unwind.
For your convenience, there are parking areas just off to the side where each road ends. Forgot to bring some gear? Visit the Winter Sports Complex to find what you need!
Porcupine Mountains Nature Programs
Nature programs are a fun way to get involved at Porcupine Mountains, with outdoor activities, sustainable arts and crafts, and nature-based learning.
Some of these programs include archery, guided hikes, knot-tying, learning about plant and animal species, fun games, and much more. Interested in catching a program? The Visitor Center provides an online event calendar which is updated weekly!
Beautiful Fall Foliage Viewing at Porcupine Mountains
There are many great places to view the fall colors in Michigan, especially in the Upper Peninsula. However, in my personal opinion, Porcupine Mountains is THE BEST place to view the colorful foliage.
There is a big reason why tourists from all over the world travel to Michigan each year to visit Porcupine Mountains during the peak color changes of the fall season.
Nowhere else can you find views as magnificent as those from the viewing platforms overlooking Lake of the Clouds, or from the ski lift at the Winter Sports Complex. You will be astonished by the fiery hues of red, orange, and yellow spanning for miles across the sparkling reflective lake, as well as along the Lake Superior lakeshore.
Words cannot begin to describe how breathtaking the sight is, so I encourage you to go see for yourself. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
Also, make sure to check out the My Michigan Beach Fall Color Map, while you’re here!
FAQs About Porcupine Mountains
There are no upfront costs to get into the state park—However, recreational passports are required. If you do not have one, they can be purchased at the visitor center. Costs will vary depending on residential status.
Yes, but please bring a leash and pick up after your pet.
Yes, Porcupine Mountains is home to black bears, but they are relatively timid compared to other bear species. Always use caution when you see them, however. Wearing a bell while hiking may help keep bears away.
The state park is home to a wide abundance of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, moose, porcupines, beavers, otters, migratory birds, gray and red foxes, coyotes, squirrels, and many other species. Cougars and gray wolves are occasionally spotted, but not common.
This really depends on what you plan to do! If you would like to go camping and really enjoy all the park has to offer, plan to stay for at least three days. If staying in a cabin or lodge, some have minimum stay requirements which vary by season. Contact the park in advance for more information.
There are over 90 named waterfalls within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and its surrounding areas. These waterfalls range in size and accessibility, offering visitors a variety of options to explore and admire the natural beauty of the region. Some of the notable waterfalls in the Porcupine Mountains include Manabezho Falls, Manido Falls, Nawadaha Falls, and Summit Peak Falls, among many others.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is located partly in Ontonagon County, which includes Ontonagon, Greenland, Silver City, Rockland, Mass City, and White Pine. The rest of the park is part of Gogebic County, which includes Bessemer, Ironwood, Watersmeet, Marenisco, and Wakefield. The nearest major city is Houghton, located in Houghton County, which neighbors Ontonagon County to the northeast.
Summit Peak is the highest point of Porcupine Mountains, reaching 1,958 feet above sea level.
The state park is a great place to go for this magnificent natural phenomenon, but the lights are rarely seen from the mountains themselves. Going to the Union Bay lakeshore should give you a better view, as they’re more visible just above the horizon of Lake Superior.
Trees in this old growth hemlock forest are multi-aged, ranging from 80 to 550 years old. The mountains themselves are estimated to be around 2 billion years old.
The modern campgrounds offer phone service, but the rest of the park is all wilderness, and you might not get good reception, minus a few spots high in the mountains.
The Escarpment Trail and Lake of the Clouds Overlook are certain to give you the most breathtaking views in the park.
The nearest island to Porcupine Mountains is Michigan Island (roughly 36 miles from the park), which is actually part of Wisconsin, despite the name. Much further north of the Keweenaw however is Michigan’s Isle Royale (roughly 94 miles from Porcupine Mountains), home to Isle Royale National Park.
The nearest major park to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Ottawa National Forest (nearly 22 miles), located in Bruce Crossing, MI.
Yes, Porcupine Mountains is located within the Ni-Miitanaake Chapter of the North Country Trail, along with Ottawa National Forest and Gogebic County Forest.
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About the Author-
Aiden Peltier is a content writer for My Michigan Beach who is currently in their senior year studying at Grand Valley State University, with a major in Writing. They have enjoyed writing and drawing since they were a child, and they take a lot of inspiration from music and nature. They are currently exploring many opportunities in the writing field and plan to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in December 2022.