National park · United States
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Pay the $8 daily Michigan non-resident motor permit (2026 estimate) at the Visitor Center, then pick one: the 1.5 h Escarpment loop to Lake of the Clouds overlook, or a full day on the Big Carp River trail. Go late September for colour, or a weekday in July to dodge crowds.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
240 km² (93 sq mi)93 sq mi (240 km²)
approximate
Established
1945
Best months
Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 9Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- Upper Peninsula ↗A car is required. Cell coverage is patchy in the interior; AT&T and Verizon are the most reliable.
- Upper Peninsula ↗Winter driving is the main hazard: lake-effect snow, subzero temperatures and long gaps between open gas stations. Carry a blanket, food, water and a shovel.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 240 km² (93 sq mi)93 sq mi (240 km²)
- Roughly 240 km² (about 60,000 acres); figures vary by source (check).
- Established
- 1945
- Best months
- Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Silver City
The Porcupine Mountains — the Porkies — are the largest wilderness area left in Michigan's Upper Peninsula: about 240 km² of old-growth hemlock and hardwood, 40 km of Lake Superior shoreline, four inland lakes and a string of waterfalls. The park sits on the south shore of Superior near Silver City and Ontonagon, roughly 2.5 h from Houghton and 1.5 h from Ironwood. Most visitors come for the Lake of the Clouds overlook and the Escarpment Trail; backpackers use the same trailheads to reach the Big Carp River and the interior lakes. A Michigan state park motor vehicle permit is required to enter by car.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national siteNational Natural Landmark (check).
Size and age
240 km² (93 sq mi)93 sq mi (240 km²) · national park since 1945
Roughly 240 km² (about 60,000 acres); figures vary by source (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Silver City.
Why go
- Old-growth hemlock and hardwood forest, some of the last in the Midwest.
- Lake of the Clouds overlook is a 10-minute walk from the carpark — the park's signature view.
- Over 140 km (87 mi) of trails, from easy waterfall walks to multi-day backcountry routes.Over 87 mi (140 km) of trails, from easy waterfall walks to multi-day backcountry routes.
- Lake Superior shoreline, four inland lakes and rivers for kayaking, swimming and fishing.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprAvoid
- MayGo
- JunGo
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanDeep snow; nordic and downhill skiing, snowshoeing
- FebColdest; snowmobile trails busy
- MarSnow lingers; mud on lower trails
- AprThaw; trails almost impassably wet
- MayWaterfalls full; blackflies start
- JunWarm; bugs peak, carry repellent
- JulWarmest; busiest at the overlook
- AugWarm; music festival crowds
- SepDry, clear, early colour late month
- OctPeak colour early-to-mid month
- NovCold, grey; hunting season
- DecSnow; some roads close
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black bears around campsites and trailsMay–Oct · Store food properly; rangers post nuisance-bear areas at the Visitor Center. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Blackflies and mosquitoesMay–Jul · Peak in June; repellent and head nets help on interior trails. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no |
| Autumn colour in hardwood standsSep–Oct · Peak usually early-to-mid October. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Bald eagles and waterfowl along Lake SuperiorApr–May, Sep–Oct | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Houghton
US-41 and M-26 west to Ontonagon, then M-107 to the park; or M-64 via Silver City.
2.5–3 h
Open the page →
From Ironwood
US-2 east to M-64 north through Bergland to Silver City.
1.5–2 h
Open the page →
From Ontonagon
M-107 east along the lake to the Visitor Center and Lake of the Clouds road.
25 min
Open the page →
From Upper Peninsula plan
Where the Porkies fit with Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon and Isle Royale.
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Lake of the Clouds and Escarpment | The overlook, the Escarpment Trail and the steep drop to the Big Carp River. | Open with a motor vehicle permit; short walk from the carpark. |
| Union Bay and the shoreline | Campground, beach, river mouth and the Presque Isle river mouth area. | Open; camping by reservation. |
| Interior lakes and backcountry | Mirror Lake, Lake of the Clouds interior, Trap Falls and the Big Carp valley. | Foot or ski only; backcountry permit for camping. |
| Presque Isle and western waterfalls | Waterfall walk on the western edge near the Presque Isle campground. | Open; short boardwalk and steps. |
Sketch map
- 1Visitor Center · Headquarters≈46.767, -89.750Near the junction of South Boundary Road and M-107.Map ↗
- 2Lake of the Clouds overlook · Viewpoint≈46.805, -89.750Map ↗
- 3Union Bay Campground · Sleep≈46.770, -89.680Map ↗
- 4Presque Isle waterfall area · Trail≈46.710, -89.970Map ↗
- 5Silver City · Town≈46.790, -89.580Map ↗
- 6Ontonagon · Town≈46.871, -89.314Map ↗
Take the points offline
6 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions within the park and nearby towns, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan state park motor vehicle permit (non-resident, daily) | US$8 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; resident daily $6. |
| Michigan state park motor vehicle permit (non-resident, annual) | US$29 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; resident annual $24. |
| Union Bay Campground (modern site) | US$16–25 | night | 2026 estimate; varies by site. |
| Rustic campsite | US$14 | night | 2026 estimate. |
| Rustic cabin or yurt | US$60 | night | 2026 estimate; book well ahead. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Michigan state park motor vehicle permit permit or guide
Backcountry camping permit permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$8
- US$29
- US$16–25
- US$14
- US$60
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Michigan DNR — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park before you go.
Park rules
- Motor vehicle permit
- Required for any vehicle entering the park; buy at the Visitor Center or online.
- Backcountry camping
- Only at designated sites with a reservation; no camping at trailheads or overlooks.
- Food storage
- Hang or store food away from tents; bears are active in the park.
- Fires
- Only in provided rings at campgrounds; check fire danger before lighting anything.
- Pets
- Allowed on some trails and in campgrounds on a lead; not on ski trails in winter (check).check
Where to stay
In the park
Union Bay Campground
Modern sites on Lake Superior; book through the Michigan DNR.
In the park
Rustic cabins and yurts
Simple cabins and yurts inside the park; reserve months ahead.
Near the park
Silver City and Ontonagon
Motels, cabins and beach cottages within 25 min of the park.
Safety
Wet, muddy trails in spring medium
Black bears medium
Cliff edges on the Escarpment medium
Winter driving and cold high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The Lake of the Clouds overlook path is paved and short, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
- The Visitor Center, campground and some shoreline areas are reachable by car with short walks.
- Most interior trails are rough, steep or muddy; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked trails to protect old-growth forest and fragile shoreline.
- Pack out all rubbish; there are few bins in the backcountry.
- Keep campfires small and only in provided rings; buy firewood locally to avoid moving pests.
- Give bears and other wildlife space; never feed them.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Porcupine Mountains?
You need a Michigan state park motor vehicle permit: about $8 a day or $29 a year for non-residents, $6 and $24 for residents (2026 estimate). Buy it at the Visitor Center or online through the Michigan DNR. There is no separate per-person entry fee.
What are the best hikes in Porcupine Mountains?
For a short visit, the paved path to Lake of the Clouds overlook and the Escarpment Trail give the best views in 1–2 hours. For a full day, the Big Carp River Trail drops into the valley and back. The Presque Isle waterfall walk is the easiest family option on the western side.
When is the best time to visit Porcupine Mountains?
Late September to mid-October for dry trails and autumn colour, or July and August for warm weather and swimming. April is the worst month: thawing snow leaves trails almost impassably muddy. Winter suits skiers and snowshoers.
Do I need a reservation to camp?
Yes for campsites, cabins and yurts. Book through the Michigan DNR central reservations centre; popular summer weekends and the rustic cabins fill months ahead.
Can I see the park without hiking?
Yes. The Lake of the Clouds overlook is a short paved walk from the carpark, and the Visitor Center, Union Bay beach and Presque Isle falls are all reachable by car with little walking.
How do I avoid crowds?
Arrive at Lake of the Clouds before 9:00, visit on a weekday, and go in late September or early October rather than July. The interior trails are quiet even when the overlook carpark is full.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go