Porcupine Mountains Intro to Backpacking
Price
Activity Level
Between 2-3
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
Overview
Discover the experience of a backpacking adventure from the practical comfort of a front-country campsite. Sitting on Michigan’s largest body of water, the Porcupine Mountains, or, the “Porkies,” offers breathtaking views of the world’s largest freshwater lake combined with a rugged old-growth forest holding many enchanting attractions. This setting allows you to gain the essential skills and logistics of self-supported hiking without the immersion of a remote backcountry setting. Learn the intricate, day-to-day requirements of backpacking, mastering everything from gear setup to trail nutrition. Challenge yourself with longer, rewarding day hikes that feature spectacular views, while also having dedicated time to recharge and enjoy other adventurous activities.
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Delicious, healthy campfire meals & snacks prepared together
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Shared, spacious tents
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- Transportation to and from trip start and end location (including airfare)
- Optional trip insurance
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
Location Map
Day 1 – Welcome to Porcupine Mountains State Park!
Arrive at Union Bay Campground, meet your trip mates, and set up camp. Learn how to pitch your tent, go over safety guidelines, and organize any borrowed gear. Get your legs ready for the trip by hiking the short but beautiful Lake of the Clouds trail (1.8 mi). Head back to enjoy dinner at camp, and after gather around the campfire for s’mores.
Day 2 – Explore the trails of Porcupine Mountain State Park
Start the day with breakfast before heading out on the Escarpment Trail Hike (8.2 mi), a longer hike through the park that is aimed to prepare you for future backpacking trips. Enjoy views of peaks, valleys, and lakes along the way. Stop for lunch somewhere scenic along the way before continuing your adventurous hike. In the evening after your hike, relax around camp with your trip mates and enjoy the views of lake Superior before dinner, a campfire, and of course… s’mores!
Day 3 – Explore the park through the lens of Lake Superior
Start the morning early with a hearty breakfast at your campsite, and set out for a half-day on the water to give your legs a rest. Once the paddle is finished, find a scenic area to eat your lunch. In the afternoon, explore more of the park’s scenic views on the beach, and go for a swim in the world’s largest freshwater lake. Cook dinner at camp, and then take it down to the beach to enjoy your meal on the beach around dusk before another campfire.
Day 4 – Adventure deeper with hike on Big Carp River Trail Hike
Dive deeper into the park with another adventurous and your most challenging hike, the Big Carp River Trail Hike ( 16.2 mi). This longer out-and-back style hike will take all day and is added on the trip to simulate some of the same situations you would encounter on a backcountry backpacking trip. Stop somewhere along the way for your lunch, and enjoy the beautiful views Porcupine State Park has to offer. Head back to camp where you’ll enjoy your last dinner, campfire and s’mores with your group.
Day 5 – Enjoy a relaxing morning before saying farewell to your trip mates
Eat breakfast, pack up gear, and break down camp. Walk back to the parking lot and say goodbye before heading home.
Our Approach to Accessibility
Wilderness Inquiry takes a creative and multifaceted approach to accessibility on trips and programs. Understandably, an ADA-level accessibility may not always be available in wilderness and even international settings. That is why we utilize Wilderness Inquiry’s Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) to guide our approach to accessibility by leveraging key resources such as adaptive equipment, support personnel, itinerary and activity choices, and weighing in unique environmental factors to create experiences that can be accessible to many individuals. While our trips may not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, our team does its best to ensure a variety of travel and program options that offer differing levels of accessibility for a variety of needs and abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip or program, our team is always willing to explore options and solutions that suit a traveler’s interest and ability – don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.
There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
What type of food will I eat during the trip?
Typical menus for overnight camping trips include pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
To view our full cancellation policy, please click here.
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