Project Description
Porcupine Mountains Backpacking
HIGH RIDGES, HIDDEN WATERFALLS
Trip Overview
The windswept and sun-drenched Lake of the Clouds Escarpment rises high above the valley floor, affording awesome views of Lake Superior and the surrounding Gogebic Range in Michigan’s upper peninsula. Participants grab their internal frame backpacks, loaded with supplies for the next three days, and begin a hike along this breathtaking Escarpment. The trail eventually dips into old-growth forest, trademark of the Porcupine Mountains, and passes hidden rivers with rippling rapids and roaring waterfalls. During the second day, participants emerge from the forest at the shore of Lake Superior, and are treated to a lakeside campsite just a few footsteps from a hidden swimming hole, complete with a natural waterslide! Memories are made with a Lake Superior sunset and Northpoint trail food favorites!
The Details
The Porcupine Mountains backpacking trip teaches introductory backpacking skills; including Leave No Trace ethics, care of self and personal gear, supporting members of the group through physical challenge, and responsibility within a team. Participants learn about wilderness hygiene, backcountry food preparation, and wilderness safety. Led by experienced Northpoint trip leaders certified in 1st Aid/CPR, Lifeguarding, and/or Wilderness First Aid.
July 6th through July 8th, 2026 – Trip I
July 21st through July 23rd, 2026 – Trip II
Offered during Sessions I & II
Recommended for Participants age 12+
Introductory level backpacking experience – 13.5 miles over 3 days
Difficulty
Trip Length
Who’s Going Along?
Trip I Leaders & Participants:
Ellie Valeta – Leader
Lucy Darrow – Leader
Caroline Groden – Leader
Emilia M.
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Trip II Leaders & Participants:
Lucy Darrow – Leader
Caroline Groden – Leader
Ana C.
Mir C.
Nina H.
Maggie L.
Space Available
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Packing List
The following items are necessary for a safe and comfortable Porcupine Mountains experience. If you have questions, please e-mail Northpoint Adventures.
THE BASICS
– 2 pair Synthetic Socks for hiking – anything other than cotton works, Smartwool brand hikers are best
– 1 pair Nylon Athletic Shorts
– 1 pair breathable Hiking Pants, or one pair Athletic Pants as a substitute works well
– 1 short-sleeve Polypropylene Hiking Shirt – no cotton, please
– 1 long-sleeve Polypropylene Hiking Shirt – no cotton, please
– 1 Polar Fleece Top – not cotton, NO sweatshirts
– 1 pair Rain Pants
– 1 Rain Jacket – no ponchos, please – Nylon Raingear recommended
– 1 T-Shirt for sleeping
– 1 pair lightweight Pajama Pants
– 1 pair Socks for sleeping
– 2 pair Underwear
– Sports Bras as necessary
– 1 Swimsuit
– 1 Baseball Cap, Visor, or Bandana
FOOTWEAR
– 1 pair of Hiking Boots – All-Terrian shoes also work well for Porcupine Mountains Backpacking
-1 pair of Sandals you can strap to your feet (Chacos, Tevas, etc.)
EXTRAS (but still important…)
– 1 Chapstick or Blistex
– Toothbrush & Toothpaste
– 1 Headlamp – important to have your own
– Camera*
– Bug Spray – preferably Black Fly Formula
– Sunscreen
– Sunglasses
-1 package of Wet Ones or similar hand wipes
-1 small Towel or “Pack Towel”
-1 small Sleeping Bag
-2 Nalgene-brand Water Bottles (wide-mouth, one-quart size. MUST be Nalgene-brand to work with our water purifiers.)
– 1 Crazy Creek Chair or Sleeping Pad – not both, space is limited*
*denotes optional item
Northpoint Adventures will supply packs, bungees, eating and cooking equipment, and the rest of the gear for the trip.
Photos
This mini-gallery is from past trips! Additional photos are found on our Facebook Page.
Maps
Take a moment to explore the route!
