Porcupine Mountain Backpacking Trip

Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Porcupine Mountain state park was established in 1945. Used for its mining properties in the 19th century, this park is home to a large stand of old-growth forest. Numerous sightings of black bears have been reported across the park's 87 miles of backpacking trails that include portions of the North Country Trail (NCT). Some of the various land features you will see here are rivers, waterfalls, swamps, and lakes that lie between rocky outcroppings.  A number of waterfalls can be found on the park's western border.

After arriving Thursday afternoon we will backpack to our campsite overlooking one of the most spectacular views in the Porcupine Mountains!  Over the course of the next 3 days, we will hike through the park camping at backcountry sites. Backpackers should expect to hike approximately 2 miles on Thursday, 9-10 miles on Friday, 12-13 miles on Saturday, and 4-5 miles on Sunday.

Backpackers attending this event should have previous experience in the wilderness. Members are responsible for obtaining their own gear. A recommended gear/food/clothing list will be provided prior to the trip. Essential gear includes a backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad/mattress, tent or shelter, cooking system with fuel, rain gear for you and your backpack, clothing suitable for hiking (we recommended not wearing cotton), trail runners, headlamp, food, water filtration device, bear-proof storage bag or container, and water. Other recommended gear: trekking poles, first aid kit, compass, bug repellent, 25-50' of high visibility paracord.

If you have never backpacked before this event is not designed for you. We suggest attending one of our Backpackers' boot camps. Contact us if you have a question concerning your readiness or equipment. Participants should be able to carry a load of up to 30 lbs. for up to 8 hours over multiple days. 

Registration fee includes camping registration, park entrance fee, and fuel surcharge. Carpooling pick-up locations will be based on the attendee's location.

Rental Package:

Rental gear is available and includes the following:

-Backpack

-Sleeping bag

-Sleeping pad

-UL Pillow

-2 person tent

-water purifier

-Stove/Fuel canister

-Headlamp

-Trekking poles

-Dry bag for food storage

Cancellations:

No refunds will be issued for cancellations less than 7 days from the date of the event. All other cancellations are subject to a 50% service fee. A refund will be issued in the form of a check. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing, we will notify you when the refund has been issued. Additional information will be emailed to you after registering.

Donate and Give Back to the Outdoor Community!

We are teaming up with *Gear Forward in an attempt to collect new and unused gear, specifically sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks. Illinois resident Scott Gauvin is the founder of Gear Forward, an independent nationwide non-profit that provides gear to non-profit community organizations, youth groups, and charities working with young people in the outdoors. If you have one of the above-mentioned pieces of gear and would like to donate it, please bring it with you. After our fall and winter events, the gear that we collect will be turned over to Gear Forward. 

*As stated above, Gear Forward is an independent nationwide non-profit that provides gear to non-profit community organizations, youth groups, and charities working with young people in the outdoors. Founded by Scott Gauvin, Gear Forward aims to encourage people to donate unused outdoor gear they no longer want or need. Gear Forward also seeks partnerships with outdoor retailers and manufacturers to encourage donations of unused gear or donations by customers.

The outdoors are our collective greatest treasure and gift that we offer the next generation. Gear Forward, simply is about providing the next generation of stewards, adventurers, Scoutmasters, and Girl Scout Leaders the resources they need to get outdoors. No child should be denied access to all the outdoors has to offer because they don't have the necessary equipment. Through the collection of gently used outdoor gear, Gear Forward will work with other youth and outdoor-focused organizations to get donated gear into the hands that need it. 

Through the donation of outdoor gear, Gear Forward will provide youth in need via various noteworthy organizations the ability to participate in outdoor-themed activities such as hiking, camping, and backpacking. You can find out more about Gear Forward by visiting their Facebook page or website.