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Michigan State Parks

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USA Parks
Michigan
Upper Peninsula Region
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
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Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Little Carp River © Anthony D. Edlebeck
Morning Sunshine through the hemlocks on the Little Carp River
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Self Carving © Anthony D. Edlebeck
Ash stump carved by a creative beaver during the winter of 2009. Picture taken on April 30, 2009 near Union Spring, note the snow.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Lake Superior © Wes Gerber
Lake Superior coastline at Presque Isle Campground.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Lake of the Clouds © Wes Gerber
Birds-eye view of the Lake of the Clouds.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park © Nancy Nastvold
Lake superior straight ahead.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park © Nancy Nastvold
The river trail, gorgeous
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park © Nancy Nastvold
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park The Beach © Nancy Nastvold
Perfect July Day
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Lake of the Clouds © Nancy Nastvold
Roger Mario
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park July Sunset © Nancy Nastvold
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Lake of the Clouds Fall © Larry Gaskill
from the Lake Of the Clouds Overlook
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Big Dipper © Anthony D. Edlebeck
The Big Dipper May 1, 2010 in the lightless Porcupine Mountain Sky.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park © Nancy Nastvold
Interesting stump along the trail.
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PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK
PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK
33303 Headquarters Rd.
Ontonagon, Michigan   49953

Phone: 906-885-5275
Reservations: 800-447-2757
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is 15 miles west of Ontonagon in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The park's 60,000 acres are one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. Towering virgin timber, secluded lakes, and miles of wild rivers and streams make a visit to the "Porkies" a trip to remember.

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park was established in 1945 by Michigan's Legislature. Since then, many changes have taken place in the way we live; however, the Porcupine Mountains are almost unchanged. The remote interior with its towering pine and hemlock seems to defy time. The solitude of the park is mysterious and exciting. A hiker to the interior of the Porkies must actually turn back the clock and call on skills that were second nature to our ancestors. One must appreciate the ways of a wilderness area to thoroughly enjoy backpacking the Porkies. Remember: the difference between tired feet and the satisfaction of an outstanding view is mostly a condition of the mind. A backcountry campsite map is available here.

Black bear are frequently encountered in the park. When camping, hang all food and valuable items on a rope between two trees at least 25-30' above the ground and at least 100 feet away from your camp. DO NOT FEED THE BEARS ANYWHERE IN THE PARK.
Passes
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
Park Store
A concession store is located at the Union Bay campground area on M-107. Visitors can purchase firewood, ice, gifts and refreshments. Mountain bike, canoe and kayak rentals are also available. The concessionaire also provides shuttle service to all areas in the park. Make arrangements by calling (906) 885-5612.
Visitors Center
Wilderness Visitor Center Park visitors should plan to begin at the Visitor Center near the junction of South Boundary Road and Highway M-107. There you will find an exciting multi-media show, displays, maps and information, park products and a ranger to answer questions. The center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET from mid-May to mid-October.
Camping
Lost Creek Outpost-Rustic(906) 885-52753 site(s), Rustic Site, Vault Toilet

Porcupine Mountains Back Country Camping63 site(s)

Porcupine Mountains Presque Isle-Rustic(800) 447-2757 50 site(s), Rustic Site, Vault Toilet

Porcupine Mountains Rustic Cabins(800) 447-2757 19 site(s),Cabins & Lodges, Vault Toilet, Walk-in Sites

Porcupine Mountains Union Bay-Modern(800) 447-2757 100 site(s), Electrical Service, Modern Restrooms

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Yurts(800) 447-2757 3 site(s),Yurt

Porcupine Mountains-- Kaug Wudjoo Lodge(906) 885-52751 site(s)

Porcupine Mountains-Group Use Area(906) 885-5275 0 site(s), Contact the park Group Use Area, Vault Toilet

Union River Outpost-Rustic(906) 885-5275 3 site(s), Rustic Site, Vault Toilet, Walk-in Sites

White Pine Extension Outpost-Rustic(906) 885-5275 8 site(s),Rustic Site, Vault Toilet
Swimming
A mile stretch of sandy beach on Union Bay. No bouys marking a designated beach.
Boating
Two Lake Superior boat launches are available to visitors. One launch is located at the Union Bay campground area, and the second is located at the Big Iron rivermouth in Silver City.

Boat rentals are available from May 25 to October 15 for canoes and kayaks. Call the concession office at 906-885-5612.
Canoeing
The rivers and streams running through the Porkies are shallow rock bottom and are unsuitable for canoeing. However the concessionaire provides shuttling to other areas locally more suitable for canoeing.
Fishing
Natural brook trout habitat is found throughout the Porkies watershed. Fishing at Union Spring is prohibited. Fishing in the Lake of the Clouds is artificial lure only. Bass fishing on the Lake of the Clouds is catch and release only. The entire park is open to hunting during established seasons with a few exceptions. Please the park for restrictions.


Location
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is

Day Use Area
The Presque Isle day use area has a picnic shelter available for rent. For reservations contact the park.
Picnicking
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers scenic picnic areas with tables, grills and stunning views of Lake Superior.
Bicycling
Mountain biking is an excellent way to reach some of the most remote areas of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. See the trail information below to identify which trails allow mountain biking. For a map of the mountain biking trails please
Cross-country Skiing
As part of the downhill ski area, 42k of groomed cross country ski trails are maintained. All other trails in the park are available for ungroomed cross country skiing. Enjoy the quiet splendor of wooded trails and breathtaking vistas blanketed in winter white from any of the Porkies cross-country trails.
Trails
Along with the park's extensive trail system, the North Country Trail includes 23 miles within the state park. The national scenic trail hiking route from North Dakota to New York uses the following park trails: West River, Lake Superior, Little Carp River and Lily Pond trails.

Trails in the park:

Porcupine Mtns.--Lake Superior Trail - 17.1 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts -- Pinkerton Trail - 2.6 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts -- Escarpment Trail - 4.3 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts -- Government Peak Trail - 7.3 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts -- Overlook Trail - 2.7 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts -- East and West River Trails - 2.3 mi, Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts -- Lost Lake Trail - 3.4 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts Union Spring Trail 4 mi, Hiking, Mntn. Biking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts -- Union Mine Trail - 1 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts - Visitor Center Nature Trail 1.4 mi, Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts -- Whitetail Path - 0.8 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts -- Cross Trail/Correction Line Trail 7.3 mi, Hiking, XCountry Ski

Porcupine Mts -- Lily Pond Trail - 2.5 mi, Fishing, Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts -- South Mirror Lake Trail 3 mi, Fishing, Hiking, XCountry Ski

Porcupine Mts -- Summit Peak Tower Trail 0.5 mi, Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts -- Beaver Creek Trail - 1.2 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts -- Big Carp River Trail 9.6 mi, Fishing, Hiking, XCountry Ski

Porcupine Mts -- North Mirror Lake Trail 3.8 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts-River Trail - 10.5 (Miles), Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts.-Double Trail - 3 (Miles), Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts. - Triple Trail - 3 (Miles), Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts. - Nonesuch Trail - 3 (Miles), Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts. - East and West Vista Trail 2.5 mi, Mountain Biking, XCountry Ski

Porcupine Mts. - Log Camp Trail - 5 (Miles), Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts. - Deer Yard Trail - 5 (Miles), Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski

Porcupine Mts. - Superior Loop - 1.5 (Miles), Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 200 species recorded. It's a hotspot for migratory birds.

Birdwatchers can spot raptors, warblers and waterfowl among others in the park's varied habitats.

There are several trails suitable for bird watching including Lake of Clouds Scenic Area and Summit Peak Tower Trail.

During spring migration (April-May), large numbers of hawks pass through the area offering spectacular viewing experiences.

Winter brings sightings of finches, grosbeaks, owls while summer is ideal to see breeding songbirds like thrushes or vireos.

Fall season attracts sparrows migrating southward along with other late-season migrants such as kinglets and creepers.
Nature Programs
Wilderness Visitor Center Park visitors should plan to begin at the Visitor Center near the junction of South Boundary Road and Highway M-107. There you will find an exciting multi-media show, displays, maps and information, park products and a ranger to answer questions. The center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET from mid-May to mid-October.
Area Attractions
Downhill Skiing:

The Park is the home of the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area, a major Michigan winter sports area and an excellent place to introduce the family to the fun of winter. Located in the Lake Superior "snowbelt," the Porkies receive an average annual snowfall of 175+ inches. A 640' vertical drop, long tree-lined runs (the longest being 5,800'), and a spectacular view of Lake Superior make the Porkies some of the finest skiing in the midwest. The Ski Chalet offers a cafeteria, ski shop, ski rentals, certified repairs and first aid room. Large fireplaces provide a cozy setting to warm you while picture windows provide an excellent view of ski runs and skiers schussing down the slopes.

Metal Detecting Areas:

Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage the natural and cultural resources in Michigan State Parks nor violate applicable state statues. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
February 26 The BEST!
park review stars; one to five This is the best place in Michigan to camp and hike. We have done 3 family trips over the last few years. The kids like to stay around camp and I end up hiking at least 10 miles during our stay.
January 31 A must see
park review stars; one to five Well worth the drive from anywhere. The views from the mountain and from the tower are spectacular. Many waterfalls to explore. The campground is a little sparse on trees but not much time spent at the camper.
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