Day 1: Lake of the Clouds Overlook Porcupine Mountains, Michigan

Lake of the Clouds. The Escarpment trail heads off to the left and parallels the lake on the level of the overlook.

Lake of the Clouds is the most photographed section of the Porkies. We were really looking forward to it because of this. The reality was not a phenomenal as the pictures make it out to be. I am not sure why this is. It may be the mob of people who drive up to overlook, or it may be that compared to Presque Isle, it just wasn’t as interesting.

We had planed on hiking the Escarpment Trail, which departs from the overlook. The trail was in the trees, however, and spoiled Coloradans as we are; we were in the mood for the wide-open spaces after, oh horror, being in the trees for half a day! So instead of lingering and hiking, we decided to head down to the lake shore and revel in Lake Superior. My Visions of Lake Superior post have the photos from our drive along the shoreline.


Big Carp River viewed from the Lake of the Clouds overlook.

If you go, the Lake of the Clouds is 10 miles up M-107 from the entrance to the park. The road dead ends at the overlook, which is a very broad chunk of uneven rock that some people had trouble navigating. I overheard two older gentlemen comment after walking the 100 yards to the view that it was well worth the effort. Everything is relative and for those who cannot get out into the woods, viewing the Lake of the Clouds will be a memorable experience.

Day 1: East and West Presque Isle River Trails (Porcupine Wilderness State Park)

Distance: 2.3 miles RT
Elevation: 602-802 ft
Elevation Gain: 200 ft

(Left: Detail of Manabezho Falls viewed from the East River Trail)

The Presque Isle area of the Porcupine Mountains is by far the most scenic and the most interesting. The Presque Isle River flows through an area of Nonesuch Shale, which has resulted in waterfalls, unusual rock crenelations, and in summer a wicked set of rapids. The crenelations are caused by rocks that have swirled in the rapids, carving out deep, perfectly curvaceous, holes in the rock. The water flows over these areas in a stunning manner. The shale itself is interesting to behold. Like fossilized Baklava, it is easy to see the rock’s thousands of layers. Nonesuch Shale was formed at the bottom of a lakebed 1 Billion years ago.



Shoreline of Lake Superior where Presque Isle River empties into the lake


Rocks along the Lake Superior shoreline


Crenelations in rock


Small rapids where you cross from east to west
The east/west river trail is a short and easy loop that can be taken in either direction. We chose to cross the river and head east side first. Before heading into the trees, we walked down to the lake and admired all blue water, clear skies, and interesting rocks along the shore. Little did we know that this would be the only sunny day on our entire trip.



The trail actually crosses the river along the rocks. Blue daubed of paint point the way.


A carved rock channel where the river no longer runs

There are three major falls on this short hike, Manabezho, Manido, and Newadaha. Manabezho is rather famous, appearing on coffee mugs, placements, and other tourist paraphernalia throughout the area.



Manabezho Falls from the East River Trail



Manabezho Falls from the West River Trail
The East River trail winds through the trees with oblique views of the falls. There are numerous social trails that lead to viewing spots. Some of these were very steep, slippery with mud, and crisscrossed with tree roots. The East River Trail ends at the road. You cross over a bridge, which provides an expansive view of the river itself, and then head off into the trees again. This side of the loop is called the West River Trail.



Nawadaha Falls



View of Presque Isle River from the bridge

The falls are more directly visible from the West River Trail. In several locations, the trail becomes a series of boardwalks, stairways, and viewing platforms. No root scrambling here.



Close up of the Nonesuch Shale with the river in the background
All in all the Presque Isle trail has it all, a cool forest, fascinating rock formations, picturesque waterfalls, and lots of moss (not something we see a lot in Colorado). If you journey to the Porkies, start your sojourn there.

Day 1: Summit Peak Trail Porcupine Wilderness State Park

Distance: 0.5 miles
Elevation: 1,678 - 1,978 ft
Elevation Gain: 300 ft.


View from the upper viewing platform
Summit Peak is 20 miles in from Silver City. It is a short hike of only 0.5 miles. Don’t bypass this trail for that reason oh seasoned hikers. The view is well worth swallowing your pride and strolling with the tourists.



Color at the trailhead

It starts out in the trees and ascends quickly uphill before transitioning to a series of boardwalks and stairs. There is an intermediate viewing platform, which is very nice, but the view from the final wooden tower will knock your socks off.



Maple leaves on the trail

I was schizophrenically alternating between jumping up and down like a child on Christmas day and pausing reverently to gaze if not drool over Mother Nature’s bounty. In the distance you could see the deep blue of Lake Superior. Out on the horizon was an ore carrier. We were able to see several of those up close on our trip later in the week to Sault St. Marie.




View from the lower viewing platform
The first hike we went on in the Porkies was near the Lake and so the colors there had yet to appear. We learned later that the areas near the lake turn last because it is warmer. Warmer?!! I beg to differ. A tree might have found the shore warmer, but we certainly didn’t.