PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
A mile stretch of sandy beach on Union Bay. No bouys marking a designated beach.
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.
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.
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.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is
The Presque Isle day use area has a picnic shelter available for rent. For reservations contact the park.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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