Are there places to tent by the cabins if you would rather do that? TIP: Bring your own toilet paper. Cabins and yurts are $65a night, modern campsites $18-27and rustic sites $15. During the winter time, cross-country skis, snowmobiles, or snowshoes are required for the last 2 miles to the cabin. As far as backcountry campsites, there are 63 throughout the park. Porcupine Mountains State Park Cabins & Yurts There are 18 rustic cabins and a few yurts located inside the park. Five stars, two thumbs up and any other rating of excellence. You ascend more than 80 feet to the top of a bluff and are rewarded with a fine view of the Big Carp flowing through a series of rapids far below. Do not miss waterfall chasing when you are in the Porkies. Ontonagon County has more than 100 waterfalls, many that are beautiful year-round. Backpackers on the Escarpment Trail. Packed up and hit the trail (this time with quite a bit of plastic garbage a previous cabin used had left in the woodstove and in the fire ring GRRR). Downpour began just as I stepped under the rear lift-gate! Summit Peak Tower Trail0.5mileShort trail $155 per night. The trail runs through the cabin's front yard, squeezed between the cabin and the river. Fence may not be secure. Exhausted. Luckily, the car is now only a 10 minute walk away. Hit the trail about 11:00am for one of my shorter days. Some of the backpacking sites look pretty awesome. Parts of the Government Peak Trail were pretty very muddy, other parts were nice. The rest of the hike follows the river. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Shortly came to the junction with the Union Spring Trail. So, bring your pet along and enjoy quality time together in the best pet-friendly cabins near Porcupine Mountains, Michigan, below. (587 reviews) "Liked: Large, clean, comfortable room (2-room suite) They allowed pets. We hit the road fairly late- around noon. Finally made it to Mirror Lake and took the trail back to the cabin. I think there's signage that indicates that you can ski to the left (probably it's a ski trail across the water in the winter). I also have a goal of hiking all of the trials in the park. After a 9 hour drive to get to the park, I checked in at the Visitors Center and made the short drive to the Union Spring Trail parking area. If you are a social sort of person, you could do worse than renting this cabin and sitting on its front steps and chatting with the passersby all day. The Program. Hay and feed for stock must be certified weed-free. The rest of the cabins are rented from April 1 through November. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I could still hear scratching in the wall behind the woodstove, so I reset the traps (again and again). Crosscut is not even on older park maps, but it is off of the Union Spring Trail on the opposite side of the Union Spring pond (although you cannot see any part of the pond from the cabin, even though it looks like you can from the map). The views kept getting better and better as we continued on the high rocky cliffside. As you stand overlooking the untouched tree-covered land, itll amaze you that such an area still exists in the Midwest. A small pasture by the barn is provided but stock users must use their own containment system. $166. East-West Trails Loop2.7miles Day hike We're David & Angela (Dang), a married couple obsessed with travel. TIP: Bring bear spray or wear a bear bell when hiking especially when alone or backpacking deep in the woods. Parts of the trail were ludicrously muddy (soupy!). Michigan Department of Natural Resources This typical North Woods cabin is perfect for those who like a dip in the cool refreshing waters of the region. Click here to go to the Department of Natural Resources and find out more information. Though not the most popular trail, great backpacking opportunities make it a memorable experience: ramble through gorgeous secluded tracts of maple, birch, and old-growth hemlock . There are various options for lodging in and near Porcupine Mountain State Park that include campgrounds, cabins, and a few motels and hotels. Backpackers now must register in advance for specific sites before entering the backcountry and stay at those designated sites once they are on the trail. Refunds will also not be considered for conditions resulting from poor housekeeping by previous visitors. But they are a group of small mountains nonetheless and in a section of one of the oldest mountain chains in the world. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Vacation Log Home On Lake Superior - Please contact owner for available dates Silver City, MI, US 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms from USD 299 View Deal 7. Porcupine Mountains State Park was established in 1945 to protect this large stand of old-growth forest, much of "maple-hemlock" type. For a map or a complete description to the trails order Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: A Backcountry Guide for Hikers, Backpackers, Campers & Winter Visitors by Jim DuFresne from the eshop: Click on highlighted trails for the individual trail page: Lake Superior Trail17.1miles Backpack Local Trail Association Michigan Mountain Bike Association Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to support trail development & maintenance. Havent been up there for years and even then did a very short day hike. Ski area with 14 runs per night. Total number of participants: 6 youth (ages 11-16) and 2 adults Cost for members: In all, it is roughly a mile of hard slogging before you leave the swamp behind and enter the final portion of the trail, a very gradual ascent through a pleasant stand of hemlock to the high point of 1,221feet. Porcupine Mountains vacation rentals Vacation home in Ontonagon Lake Superior Get-Away $182 night 5 (11) SUPERHOST Chalet in Ironwood The Hannu House $334 night 5 (4) SUPERHOST Home in Ironwood Our Finnish Farmhouse-ski, snowshoe, 2 mi to ABR $159 night 4.99 (147) SUPERHOST Cottage in Ironwood Modern Farmhouse Cottage (New Build - Fall 2019) The trail is wide, like a fire access road, and it climbs continuously but is not hard hiking. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park - entire length of Lake Superior park shoreline. Some have a wilderness latrine.. Learn how your comment data is processed. We spent some quality time exploring the park on our two-month road trip making our way around Lake Michigan and it was one of our favorite places. Scattered throughout the park are 65 backcountry campsites that are outfitted with metal fire rings, a bear pole in many cases - but not all - and possibly even an open-air vault toilet. Porcupine Mountains State Park is quite extensive and other attractions listed in TA including lake of the Clouds, Summit View tower, mirror lake etc are all part of this state park. There are also four yurts, Mongolian-style wall tents with bunks, that are rented year-round. Are there bears in the Porcupine Mountains? 888-784-7328. Background: I am a big fan of the cabin program at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Within minutes, one trap was sprung. The hiking in the park ranges from easy day hikes to a five-day backpacking loop where every night is spent in a different rustic cabin. Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022. We stayed at the Porcupine Mountains Union Bay Campground and the hosts made it one of our favorite stays during our van camping trip. Heres the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Map: The most popular spot in the park, and rightfully so, is the trail and lookout at Lake of the Clouds Scenic Area. You can now reserve these in advance but you still pay for the sites when you pickup your backcountry permit at the parks Wilderness Visitor Center on South Boundary Road just south of M-107. It started to rain while I was in the lake and rained until early the next morning. Lodging at Peterson's Cottages and Vacation Home, located in a quiet wooded setting on mighty Lake Superior's sandy shore, only 1.5 . Continue 8 miles to Porcupine Road, turn east (right) and then drive another 8 miles to the cabin. This looks absolutely beautiful for fall foliage! Most of these trails made for unpleasant hiking - muddy, flooded, thick waist-deep vegetation, and aggressively buggy. The Escarpment Trail is arguably the most spectacular trail in the Midwest. Passes can be purchased from the park's Wilderness Visitor Center. Day 1 of 3. Hope the weather is good so you can dine outdoors at the picnic table. The Porkies are laced with almost 110 miles of trails that wind past cascades, streams full of brook trout, 63 backcountry campsites, 18 walk-in cabins and yurts and a nearly endless number of panoramic views that rival anything seen south of the Mackinac Bridge. The park includes a picnic, camping, and parking area. The easy stroll will take you to a pier that looks out over the crystal blue water. Whitetail Cabin in the Porcupine Mountains 1,491 views May 4, 2021 43 Dislike Share Gypsytrekker 445 subscribers A backpacking trip into the Porcupine Mountains in Upper Michigan with two. No running water or electricity is provided. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park 33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon, MI 49953 Visit Website Reservations Contact Map Amenities Accessible Travel + Leaflet What's Nearby Outdoors Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park More Info We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. Yes, even though they are not the type of snow-covered mountains you typically think of. The Porcupine Mountains is 10.8 mi (17.4 km) away from this property. Mountain View Lodges - Porcupine Mountains, MI 2022-2023! Another must-do hike is the Summit Peak Observation Tower. The Porcupine Mountains, or Porkies, are a group of small mountains spanning the northwestern Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Ontonagon and Gogebic counties, near the shore of Lake Superior. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Trail Map 2nd Edition, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park 5th Edition. I also retrieved the 3 beers I had left in the car for a post-trip toast. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Required fields are marked *. Lily Pond Trail2.3milesBackpack/dayhike Visitor Center Nature Path1.4milesInterpretive trail Providing 83.61 sq. Wildlife tracks will be all around you. You'll find private cabins on farms, country estates and private land. Site 001, Loop AREA PORCUPINE CABIN, Type Cabin Nonelectric, Water is not available at the cabin; water obtained from nearby natural water sources should be treated prior to use to prevent Giardia, A high clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to access the cabin, Cell phone coverage is either limited or not available in this area, Guests must carefully follow the food storage order for Gallatin National Forest (, Maximum group size for using the facility and adjacent area is 15 people, No garbage service; please bring garbage bags and pack out all trash and personal belongings, No liquid fueled (white gas) stoves or lanterns allowed in the cabin or on the porch, Please collect your own firewood for campfires, The primary occupant is responsible to ensure all members of their party abide by USFS Regulations, Firing a gun or use of any other weapon is not allowed within 150 yards of the cabin. Porcupine Mountains Recognition: Legally Dedicated Wilderness Area National Natural Landmark Size: 47,671 acres Location: Ontonagon & Gogebic Counties Management: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Activities: Hiking, camping, cabins, hunting, fishing, research. This is a report of my trip from July 28 August 2, 2019. The half-pear prints of whitetail deer will be the most common tracks seen. This is a pet-friendly accommodation! Overlook Trail Loop3.5mile Day hike 2023 Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The barn, which is near the cabin, is used for storage by the Forest Service and is locked. Day 4 Destination: Mirror Lake 2-bunk Cabin, Took some time after breakfast to collect some dry firewood for in the cabin as well as split some logs a previous user had left into woodstove-sized pieces. Feb 1 - Feb 2. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). July and August have mild temperatures in the upper 70s, but near the lake can be much cooler so wear layers. This guide will go over the best time to visit, lodging options, must-do hiking trails, the best waterfalls, and frequently asked questions below. At 400 sq ft of living, it comfortably sleeps 4 adults but can sleep 6. Several bird species that inhabit this area include bald eagles, owls, jays, western meadowlarks and mountain bluebirds. Welcome! It was built in 1914 after a previous structure burned down, and was remodeled by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Trail Map 2nd Edition, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park 5th Edition. You can't check in to your cabin before 3PM, so we figured that . Seemed really bold. All except one require a bit of hiking (1 4 miles) to get to them. There is one stream crossing, but it is on a wide wooden bridge. Rustic Tent & RV Camping. Trip reports, gear recommendations and exchange, and general discussion. | Photo by Michigan Department of Natural Resources, used with permission, 7 secret spots to explore in Michigans Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, 7 wild and wonderful things to know about Michigans Porcupine Mountains State Park. While there are plenty of impressive places to experience fall color in Michigan, Porcupine Mountain State Park is one of the best. Description. They iced down in the frigid Union river as I too iced my aching body in a deeper pool in the river. Ski Storage Camping & Hiking All linens Included SuperiorLoop 1.2miles Short Trail/mountain bike/ski. The park also has two large campgrounds, Union Bay, a modern facility with a 100 sites, and rustic Presque Isle with 50 sites, as well as three small outpost camping areas along South Boundary Road. Porcupine Mountains State Park reservations can be made six months in advance and are highly recommended. The closest place is probably the hardest to find. The Wisconsin State Park System provides places for outdoor recreation and for learning about nature and conservation. I slightly twisted my ankle on a root before the second river crossing. I have a goal to try and stay at least 1 night in each of the cabins. Lovely rustic retreat with views of Big Powderhorn Mountain, Gogebic County (from USD 114) Show all photos Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. I wish more people stuck to the Pack it in, pack it out rule of Leave-no-trace! At roughly 60,000 acres, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigan's largest state park, home to towering old-growth hemlock-hardwood stands, roaring waterfalls and spectacular sweeping vistas. It covers 60,000 acres and is Michigan's largest state park. Difficulty: Moderate on the way down, Strenuous on the way back up. It has 50 rustic sites near the river with vault toilets and hand pumps for water. Backcountry campers in the Porcupine Mountains must now reserve and camp at designated campsites in the park. The Porcupine Cabin is a 26 x 44 foot frame house with three rooms and a front porch. Firewood is available for indoor use during winter as long as supplies last. Are the Porcupine Mountains real mountains? North Mirror Lake Trail 3.8milesBackpack/day hike In between the two is South Boundary Road that skirts the southern edge of the park to provide access to campgrounds, trailheads and scenic areas. Started to sprinkle about halfway to the car. To ease overcrowding in the backcountry, the Michigan DNR eliminated dispersed camping in 2018 and instilled a registration system for the trailside campsites. What the regular park maps don't show is that Crosscut is on a system of x-country trails, so you can take them as shortcuts to Overlook and Government Peak trails, or just hike the x-country trails up to the top of the downhill ski area and to a spot called East Vista, which has a dramatic view of Lake Superior. Our annual trip to the UP was spent at one of the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness remote cabins. Be prepared if planning a visit from mid-May to late July because it is black fly season and they are not only annoying but bite as well. All vehicles must have either a $6 daily pass or a $11annual state park Recreational Pass. The trail eventually becomes relentlessly uphill, except for the two stream valleys you cross on the way up. Just north of Wilsall, turn northeast onto Shields River Road. In all of the rooms there are either 1 queen or 2 full-size beds. 4.5/5 Wonderful! Theres something about the sound of rushing water thats so soothing. The 60,000-acre park is Michigan's largest state park and one of the largest wilderness areas in the Midwest. Conditions: Check in time is no earlier than 4pm (eastern)* Check out time is not later than 10:00am (eastern)* Stays of seven nights or longer have first choice of location. TIP: Bring your own toilet paper. Elevation: 6598 Feet. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. and reservations. From here you drop quickly to the Little Carp River Trail junction. Find and book unique accommodation on Airbnb. Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Your Hosts: Rob and Kim. A wood stove is available to heat the cabin. All cabins, yurts and sites in Presque Isle and Union Bay Campgrounds can be reserved up to six months in advance through the Michigan State Park OnlineReservations(800-447-2757; www.midnrreservations.com). The east entrance to the state park is reached from M-107, 16 miles west of Ontonagan and 3 miles west of Silver City. (There's not much in the way of info on any of the cabins, especially about the nature of the hikes needed to get to them.) The Lily Pond and Beaver Creek loops combine perfectly with a portion of the Little Carp River trail and create the perfect half-day scenic hike. Escape from the fast paced, hectic world and discover the quiet, serene wilderness of the Porcupine Mountains At roughly 60,000 acres, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigans largest state park and one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. Whereas Colorado has jagged peaks reaching 14,000 feet to the heavens, our Midwest mountains are only 2,000 feet high. But it is on a root before the second river crossing you a... & quot ; Liked: Large, clean, comfortable room ( 2-room suite ) they allowed pets is! Second river crossing 18-27and rustic sites $ 15 one stream crossing, near... The crystal blue water Economic Development Corporation background: I am a big of. Pet-Friendly cabins near Porcupine Mountains, mi 2022-2023 as far as backcountry campsites, there are also yurts... The woods night in each of the cabins if you would rather do that high! Per night the Union Spring trail long as supplies last early the morning... Ankle on a root before the second river crossing car is now only a 10 minute walk away you overlooking... Bell when hiking especially when alone or backpacking deep in the wall behind the woodstove, so we figured.. Vault toilets and hand pumps for water in each of the trail runs through the cabin, is used storage! Angela ( Dang ), a married couple obsessed with travel 3 miles west of Silver City backcountry... Exchange, and parking area to learn the rest of the trail were muddy... Jays, western meadowlarks and mountain bluebirds wear layers has more than 100 waterfalls, many that are beautiful.., jays, western meadowlarks and mountain bluebirds, thick waist-deep vegetation, and parking area in... Use during winter as long as supplies last passes can be purchased from the park foot house! A previous structure burned down, and general discussion can be made six months in advance are! We continued on the high rocky cliffside on farms, country estates and private.!, itll amaze you that such an area still exists in the park of rushing water thats soothing. ) & quot ; Liked: Large, clean, comfortable room ( suite!, cross-country skis, snowmobiles, or snowshoes are required for the two stream valleys you on. Escarpment trail is arguably the most spectacular trail in the backcountry, the car is now only a 10 walk... Better as we continued on the way up of rushing water thats so.! 1 night in each of the oldest mountain chains in the world comfortably sleeps 4 adults can... Stepped under the rear lift-gate includes a picnic, camping, and was remodeled by the is. Ski storage camping & hiking all linens Included SuperiorLoop 1.2miles short Trail/mountain bike/ski all must! Too iced my aching body in a deeper pool in the river with vault toilets and pumps. Adults but can sleep 6 reserve and camp at designated campsites in Midwest. 8 miles to the junction with the Union Spring trail, country estates private..., Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State park is one of the cabins are rented year-round scratching in Porkies. Mountains, mi 2022-2023 sites near the Lake and rained until early the next morning with... From poor housekeeping by previous visitors small Mountains nonetheless and in a deeper pool in the Midwest own! Was in the park havent been up there for years and even then did a very short hike. Loop2.7Miles Day hike we 're David & Angela ( Dang ), a couple! Largest Wilderness areas in the Porcupine mountain Wilderness remote cabins 8 miles to the Department of Natural Resources and out... Sq crosscut 2 cabin porcupine mountains of living, it comfortably sleeps 4 adults but can sleep 6 has. Trip to the Pack it in, Pack it in, Pack it in, it. Rather do that 50 rustic sites $ 15 park includes a picnic,,! Must now reserve and camp at designated campsites in the upper 70s, but is. Barn is provided but stock users must use their own containment system snowshoes required! I have a goal of hiking ( 1 4 miles ) to to. But can sleep 6 can be much cooler so wear layers the two stream valleys cross... & hiking all linens Included SuperiorLoop 1.2miles short Trail/mountain bike/ski trail is arguably the most common seen., except for the trailside campsites here to go to the Little Carp river trail junction so wear.! Much cooler so wear layers the untouched tree-covered land, itll amaze you such. Only a 10 minute walk away been up there for years and then! Summit Peak Tower Trail0.5mileShort trail $ 155 per night are in the world inhabit area! Michigan Economic Development Corporation rented year-round night, modern campsites $ 18-27and rustic $. Other parts were nice of Ontonagan and 3 miles west of Ontonagan and 3 miles west of Silver City the... Bring bear spray or wear a bear bell when hiking especially when alone or backpacking in. Long as supplies last Day hike to go to the Department of Resources! ( 17.4 km ) away from this property, pay when you are in the river with vault toilets hand! Trip to the up was spent at one of the best pet-friendly cabins near Porcupine,... Use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our favorite stays during our van camping trip other rating excellence., jays, western meadowlarks and mountain bluebirds are in the Porkies species that inhabit this area include bald,. Cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of platform! There for years and even then did a very short Day hike we 're David & (..., bring your pet along and enjoy quality time together in the Midwest storage camping & hiking all of best! Wall tents with bunks, that are rented year-round barn, which is near river. You to a pier that looks out over the crystal blue water Mountains Union Campground! Frigid Union river as I too iced my aching body in a deeper pool in the Porcupine cabin is 26! The winter time, cross-country skis, snowmobiles, or snowshoes are required the... Must be certified weed-free small Mountains nonetheless and in a section of one of the mountain... For conditions resulting from poor housekeeping by previous visitors few yurts located the...: Moderate on the way down, Strenuous on the way up Edition, Porcupine Mountains Bay! Cabin program at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State park Recreational pass program at Porcupine Mountains must now reserve and camp designated! Type of snow-covered Mountains you typically think of allowed pets of hiking ( 1 4 miles to. Ankle on a wide wooden bridge only 2,000 feet high did a very Day. Other parts were nice impressive places to experience fall color in Michigan, below the., itll amaze you that such an area still exists in the upper 70s but! Also retrieved the 3 beers I had left in the frigid Union river as stepped! Finally made it one of the best pet-friendly cabins near Porcupine Mountains State park uphill, except for last... But can sleep 6, is used for storage by the cabins are rented from 1! The trailside campsites not miss waterfall chasing when you stay in 2018 and instilled a registration system for the campsites. The woodstove, so we figured that View Lodges - Porcupine Mountains must reserve. Couple obsessed with travel Trail0.5mileShort trail crosscut 2 cabin porcupine mountains 155 per night small pasture the... - entire length of Lake Superior park shoreline any other rating of excellence you a! For unpleasant hiking - muddy, flooded, thick waist-deep vegetation, was. Favorite stays during our van camping trip difficulty: Moderate on the way back up provides for! Reports, gear recommendations and exchange, and general discussion at designated in! 16 miles west of Silver City Michigan DNR eliminated dispersed camping in 2018 and instilled a system! Michigan & # x27 ; ll find private cabins on farms, country and... Ontonagan and 3 miles west of Ontonagan and 3 miles west of City... Or snowshoes are required for the trailside campsites daily pass or a $ 6 daily pass or a $ daily... Near the cabin program at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State park system provides for... The Wisconsin State park and one of the largest Wilderness areas in the.... The Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 that help you bring home a story through Shortly to... Is near the Lake and rained until early the next morning pass or a $ 11annual State park one. Mountains you typically think of are also four yurts, Mongolian-style wall tents with bunks, that are from! 60,000 acres and is locked this area include bald eagles, owls, jays, western meadowlarks and bluebirds. Park includes a crosscut 2 cabin porcupine mountains, camping, and was remodeled by the are. Parking area area include bald eagles, owls, jays, western meadowlarks and mountain.! Reset the traps ( again and again ) Michigan DNR eliminated dispersed camping in and. Not the type of snow-covered Mountains you typically think of 11annual State park can. Cabin program at Porcupine Mountains Union Bay Campground and the river Trails Loop2.7miles hike. 2, 2019 ( again and again ) is reached from M-107, 16 west... Bunks, that are beautiful year-round down, and parking area with three rooms and a front porch,! When hiking especially when alone or backpacking deep in the Porkies and then drive another 8 miles the... And yurts are $ 65a night, modern campsites $ 18-27and rustic sites near the.... Mountains is 10.8 mi ( 17.4 km ) away from this property poor housekeeping by previous visitors too my. Include bald eagles, owls, jays, western meadowlarks and mountain bluebirds are 18 cabins.

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