Porcupine Mountains Hike and Explore

Overview

Discover the experience of a backpacking adventure from the practical comfort of a front-country campsite. Sitting on Michigan’s largest body of water, the Porcupine Mountains, or, the “Porkies,” offers breathtaking views of the world’s largest freshwater lake combined with a rugged old-growth forest holding many enchanting attractions. This setting allows you to gain the essential skills and logistics of self-supported hiking without the immersion of a remote backcountry setting. Learn the intricate, day-to-day requirements of backpacking, mastering everything from gear setup to trail nutrition. Challenge yourself with longer, rewarding day hikes that feature spectacular views, while also having dedicated time to recharge and enjoy other adventurous activities.

Sample Itinerary

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Arrive at Union Bay Campground, meet your trip mates, and set up camp. Learn how to pitch your tent, go over safety guidelines, and organize any borrowed gear. Get your legs ready for the trip by hiking the short but beautiful Lake of the Clouds trail (1.8 mi). Head back to enjoy dinner at camp, and after gather around the campfire for s’mores.

Start the day with breakfast before heading out on the Escarpment Trail Hike (8.2 mi), a longer hike through the park that is aimed to prepare you for future backpacking trips. Enjoy views of peaks, valleys, and lakes along the way. Stop for lunch somewhere scenic along the way before continuing your adventurous hike. In the evening after your hike, relax around camp with your trip mates and enjoy the views of lake Superior before dinner, a campfire, and of course… s’mores!

Start the morning early with a hearty breakfast at your campsite, and set out for a half-day on the water to give your legs a rest. Once the paddle is finished, find a scenic area to eat your lunch. In the afternoon, explore more of the park's scenic views on the beach, and go for a swim in the world's largest freshwater lake. Cook dinner at camp, and then take it down to the beach to enjoy your meal on the beach around dusk before another campfire.

Dive deeper into the park with another adventurous and your most challenging hike, the Big Carp River Trail Hike ( 16.2 mi). This longer out-and-back style hike will take all day and is added on the trip to simulate some of the same situations you would encounter on a backcountry backpacking trip. Stop somewhere along the way for your lunch, and enjoy the beautiful views Porcupine State Park has to offer. Head back to camp where you’ll enjoy your last dinner, campfire and s’mores with your group.

Eat breakfast, pack up gear, and break down camp. Walk back to the parking lot and say goodbye before heading home.

Dates & Fees

Wilderness Inquiry leads trips to this area, but currently has no dates scheduled for this itinerary. If you have a group of people interested, we can set up a customized adventure just for you! Please contact us or request a trip quote below if you are interested in a group trip to this destination.

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What to Expect

TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: This trip is aimed to prepare you for future backpacking endeavors. Expect to do a ton of hiking with built off time to recuperate for more hiking. Off time will be a mix of engaging day long activities (canoeing on Lake Superior), relaxing around camp, and going swimming in the Lake if desired. You will be challenged to complete between 25 and 30 miles of diverse hiking, with up to 1,600 ft of elevation gain.

TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: While on the trip you will be shuttled from location to location in a Wilderness Inquiry vehicle. Expect to get all of your steps in, and do lots of hiking/ walking. Hikes will range from 2-16 miles in length per hike. Your group paddle on Lake Superior will last between 2 and 4 hours on the water.

WEATHER: Weather should be absolutely beautiful this time of year, fluctuating between mid 50’s at night into the 80’s during the day. Nights can feel chilly, so don’t hesitate to bring a down coat and warm pants!

YOUR GROUP: The group size ranges from 6 to 12 participants, plus 2 Wilderness Inquiry staff. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities, including people with disabilities. Our trips are cooperative adventures and people pitch in with camp chores as they are able.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Sleep under the stars in a tent and take in the beautiful views of the “Porkies” at Union Bay campground in Ontonagon Michigan. Quiet and early mornings will be spent enjoying coffee around the site, and nights will be spent star gazing around a fire.

MEALS: Enjoy preparing meals together using fresh, healthy ingredients for bountiful dishes. Rise to the smell of freshly brewed coffee to enjoy with your breakfast and pack trail lunches with hearty snacks before heading off to explore. In the evening, we’ll prepare our dinner together over stoves and campfires and then finish with s’mores. IF YOU HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY RESTRICTIONS, BE SURE TO LIST THEM ON YOUR REGISTRATION.

EQUIPMENT: This trip is intended to prepare you for a future backpacking adventure, all while staying in the front country. This is an excellent opportunity to bring what you have, and see how it would “pan out” in a backpacking situation. Items needed: Hiking shoes, Backpack, water container (bladder or bottles). Items we encourage you to try but not needed: Hiking socks, tent, sleeping bag & pad, camping pillows, headlamps, stoves, bear canister, camp shoes, trekking poles, pack out systems

CLOTHING: Pack for both warmer summer days and chilly fall weather. This time of year can produce some bigger ranges in temperature fluctuations. Be safe and bring clothing that will keep you warm in breezy 50 degree temperatures. On the other hand, don’t forget to pack a sun hoody, swim shorts and some water shoes as the days will still contain some summer heat!

COVID POLICY: We continue to monitor and update our COVID-19 policies. Wilderness Inquiry strongly encourages everyone to be fully up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination and take other necessary steps for the health and wellness of all. We ask you to self-screen for any signs of illness before your trip’s departure. Please contact Wilderness Inquiry if you are exhibiting signs of illness. We will also continue to follow all guidance and requirements of locations that we travel, keeping in mind some international destinations do require vaccinations and/or negative COVID tests.

SAFETY WHILE ON TRAIL: All Wilderness Inquiry guides possess experience in administering First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety, carry fully-stocked first aid kits, GPS communication devices, and are trained on how to respond to emergencies while on trail. If a loved one is participating in a Wilderness Inquiry experience and you need to contact them due to an emergency, please call the Wilderness Inquiry main phone line at (612) 676-9400. We will work to get in contact with trip leaders as soon as possible.

MEDICATIONS: Please list all of your medications on your registration form. Consider bringing two sets of your medications: one set that can be kept with you, and another set that will be kept by your trip leaders. If you need assistance taking your medications, please explain on your registration form. Wilderness Inquiry will bring a collection of over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, Advil, anti-nausea, etc.).

CELL PHONES AND OTHER DEVICES: You are welcome to bring cell phones and other devices like cameras, but they are your responsibility to take care of. You may have spotty cell service, so we’d encourage you to take the opportunity to unplug! Wilderness Inquiry isn’t responsible for any lost or broken electronic devices.

CONTACTING TRIP PARTICIPANTS: If there is an emergency and you need to get in contact with your camper, please contact the Wilderness Inquiry main phone line at 612-676-9400. We will work to get a message to the trip leaders.

EMERGENCIES ON TRAIL: All Wilderness Inquiry guides carry current First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety Certifications and are trained on how to respond to emergency situations while on trail.