-Porcupine Mountains-
Ever been to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? If not I would recommend putting it on your list of future travel destinations! A vast wilderness awaits. Filled with lush forests, raging rivers, gentle streams and Lake Superior, the Greatest of all the lakes in the world.
Jen and I both share July birthdays so this year we treated ourselves to a five day camping adventure in the UP. Our first destination, the Porcupine Mountains located in the north western part of the state. Just over 4 hours of driving through the north woods of Wisconsin in an SUV filled with camping gear, clothes and our new mountain bikes.
Our first adventure would send us off road on what Google maps listed as a shortcut to our first stop. Don’t always believe your GPS! A seven mile drive on a one lane dirt logging road was not part of the plan. Once returning back to pavement and a few laughs later we were back on track. Presque Isle River scenic area just a few miles away.
Presque Isle River Scenic Area
Our first stop, Presque Isle River scenic area home to three waterfalls that flow into Lake Superior. A pass is required for entry and we opted to get the annual pass for $32. This sticker allows entry into all of Michigan’s State parks for the calendar year. From the parking lot the trail head leads you down a set of stairs to the river.
There are three main waterfalls, Nawadaha Falls, Manido Falls and Manabezho Falls. We hiked the trail on the west side of the river and it ended up being around 2 miles out and back. The trees on the edge of the river are thick and give off an enchanted forest feeling. There are quite a few steep elevation changes along the trail as well so prepare for a leg workout.
The beauty of the waterfalls and the sound of flowing water make you forget your worries for the moment. The largest of the three, Manabezho Falls is 25 feet in height. Swimming is not allowed in the river, however there is a beachy area on Lake Superior just a few steps away. The park also has rustic campsites available and two pit toilets in the parking lot. (Just check for snakes before you sit down;)
Union River Big Bear Campground
Our home for the next two nights was at Union River Big Bear Campground, located just outside the Porcupine Mountains. Upon arrival we were greeted by a friendly and very helpful campground owner. He gave us a list of all the local spots to check out and a map leading to the highlights of the Porkies. The campground also has a nice bathroom/shower facility which we were impressed with.
Neither Jen or I have been tent camping in years but we had our site all set up in just a few minutes. Afterwards we took a bike ride down to the lake shore to cool off and watch an amazing sunset. After sunset, we grilled our meal, relaxed by the campfire with music and rested up for the next days adventure.
Lake of the Clouds Scenic Area
Day 2 of our trip would start with a short drive back into the park to the Lake of the Clouds Scenic Area. This is probably the most visited location in the park, however the tourist traffic was light when we arrived.
From the parking lot it’s just a short trail that leads you to the main overlook area. Once you reach the overlook you are immediately greeted with a spectacular view of the lake nestled within the valley. The deep blue color of the water surrounded by the emerald green old growth forest is a sightseers dream. Numerous trails surround the lake that allow for further exploration of the area.
We hiked the Escarpment trail, which is viewed as one of the best trails in all of Michigan. Along the trail you will transition from the rugged interior of the forest to open rocky edges along the bluffs. There are great wildlife viewing opportunities as well. We were able to watch an eagle soaring majestically along the cliffs and also spotted trumpeter swans on the lake. Another hiker on the trail informed us we had just missed a black bear eating blueberries along the trail. All in all we hiked around 3 miles out and back and got a great workout in the process.
Hiking Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: A Guide to the Area’s Greatest Hikes (Regional Hiking Series)
We also would recommend stopping in at the visitors center which is near the entrance to the park. They have a nice facility that offers lots of information on the history of the park and a gift shop. Our overall experience in the Porcupine Mountains was excellent! From the campground we stayed at to the quiet wilderness of the park and the views of Lake Superior. We consider ourselves blessed to have been able to see so much beauty in just a short time.
Here is a link to the park’s website https://www.michigan.org/property/porcupine-mountains-wilderness-state-park
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