Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains

Ontonagon, Michigan

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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Distance

1.23 miles

Elevation Gain

364 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Shalee Blackmer

No service, no light pollution, no worries. Escape to one of the most back-country wildernesses in the Midwest at Lake of the Clouds.

Hiking in the porcupine mountains could be a day trip or a week trip. From a short rim hike overlooking Lake of the Clouds to a three day back country camping excursion, there are endless amounts of options for planning a getaway to the Porcupine Mountains.

Located in the far northwest of Michigan, the Porcupine Mountains are the only designated mountain range in state. They sit on the edge of Lake Superior, and hundreds of miles from any major city.

The light pollution is extremely low, and if you're lucky you'll catch a glimpse of the northern lights. The most popular time to visit is in October, when fall colors are at their peak.

If you plan to make a trip here in the fall or spring, prepare for low temperatures at night. The weather in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is quite unpredictable. Sometimes there is snow as early as September and as late as May.

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Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains Reviews

Stacie Bryant

Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains

10/19/24

Well maintained ramp good for stroller. $11 day pass that I was unaware of but was generously gifted the fee because they just really wanted to make sure my family got to see, knowing we would not be disappointed. We were not disappointed. Clean bathrooms. Easy parking. Good for dogs, children. Short walk good for strollers/wheelchairs.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Escarpment Trail

Enjoy scenic views of Lake of the Clouds and Big Carp River Valley. This hike on Michigan's upper peninsula is a great place for fall colors in late September or early October. Upon arriving at Porcupine Mountains State Park (from Highway 107) in Ontonagon, Michigan, follow signs to the Lake of the Clouds Overlook parking lot. From this overlook you will get a taste of the many views of Lake o...

Backpack the Big Carp River and Lake Superior Trails in the Porkies

We started our hiking in the afternoon at the Lake of the Clouds parking lot. Our original plan for the hike was to thru hike the Lake Superior Trail, however, due to muddy conditions and recent rain, we chose the Big Carp River Trail as a dryer route to get to our mid-camp point near the Big Carp cabins. The beginning of the hike offered fantastic views of the overlook area. The cliffs and she...

Summit Peak Observation Tower

Mirror Lake Cabins Loop

The trip to Mirror Lake begins at the Summit Peak Scenic Area. To extend your hike, start at the Lily Pond trail-head farther south on Summit Peak Road (5.3 miles to cabin). The initial trail towards the lake is the Beaver Creek trail (1.2 miles). The trail climbs down the peak slope into some lower valley and towards the Little Carp River. The trail was well managed and fairly dry, with select...

Backpack the Little Carp River Trail in the Porkies

The Little Carp River Trailhead is located in the center of the Porcupine Mountain State Park, about 16 miles west of the park headquarters on S. Boundary Road. At the start of the trailhead, hikers can see Overlooked Falls. About a mile in one the trail, Greenstone Falls can be seen past both the Greenstone Falls and Section 17 hiker cabins (reservable at Michigan DNR Website). Continuing on t...

Snowshoe to the Lost Creek Yurt in the Porkies

The Porcupine Mountains offer a lot of fantastic winter options including cabin and yurt rentals for winter excursions. The most remote trek available in the park is towards the Lost Creek Yurt, a 6.8 miles route that is 2.8 miles on cross country ski trail, and 4 miles on a flagged route into the woods. To start the hike, enter the park at the Headquarters Office off of the junction of M-107 ...

Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains

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Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Escarpment Trail

Backpack the Big Carp River and Lake Superior Trails in the Porkies

Summit Peak Observation Tower

Mirror Lake Cabins Loop

Backpack the Little Carp River Trail in the Porkies

Snowshoe to the Lost Creek Yurt in the Porkies

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