Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (29.0 miles; d=36.00)
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Porcupine Mountains Backpack Route Map
The approximate track of our three day backpacking trip at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park...
This shot shows the Carp River as it nears Lake Superior. Upstream the river is much rockier and includes numerous falls such as Traders, Trappers, and Explorers.
The trail drops quickly from Summit Peak to Lily Pond. This is along the Lily Pond Trail just before it joins the Little Carp Trail.
Little Carp Rivermouth
My brother Nate and I above the Little Carp River.
I hurry to set up the tent, Lake Superior was calling my name. It was a long, hot, buggy 10 miles or so from Summit Peak to the lake and I was ready to soak my weary muscles.
After only a mile of following the Lake Superior shore we turned inland again at the Big Carp River.
Big Carp River - Unlike the Little Carp River the Big Carp is a little more elusive as the trail stays above it and thick forests closely surround it.
This falls, although I think maybe the prettiest of the trip, is unnamed as far as I know. Just upstream is the more well-known Shining Cloud Falls but as you can see from its picture in the waterfalls 3 album it is not as photogenic.
As the Big Carp Trail neared the junction with the Correction Line Trail. As you may or may not know mud=mosquitos and, along with the 85 degree heat made this tough going.
This shelter, located near the Big Carp/Correction Line Trail junction provided a welcome escape from the bugs. The shelters are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
I enjoy the views along the Escarpment Trail. The trail follows, for the most part, right along the cliff edge. Photo by D. Weemhoff
A refreshing breeze met us as we broke out of the woods after a steep climb up the escarpment. This photo is looking back down the Big Carp River valley from where we came. Lake Superior would be visible in the distance if not for the haze.
Lake of the Clouds begins to come into view as we make our way along the ridge.
Escarpment Trail
Lake of the Clouds gives us a good point of reference to guage how far we've travelled.
Every so often the trail would drop off the back side of the ridge and then before long climb steeply back up to the edge. This was tiring work.
Lake of the Clouds as seen from our campsite. Wow.
Day 2 Camp - We made camp at one of the most scenic spots I think I ever pitched a tent. The next picture was taken from the tree that my dad and brother are under.
Thunder rumbled in the distance the morning of the third day. The sun breaking through the clouds offered a unique photo op.
There is not much of a beach at Lake of the Clouds but it is still beautiful to look at.
It was a quick drop off the ridge down to Lake of the Clouds.
The bridge that crosses the stream below Lake of the Clouds offers a look back up to the Lake of the Clouds overlook.
Huge Hemlocks - The climb up Government Peak Ridge is one of the toughest climbs in Michigan. The numerous downed trees and roots don't help much either. Its kind of a choose-your-own-adventure kinda trail.
