Union Bay
Lake Superior's This long beach, where the Union River flows into Lake Superior, is mostly sand to the east of the river, stonier to the west. It's a popular place for rock-pickers. Toward sunset, the light effects are beautiful. Water temperatures vary in summer, depending on wind direction. It can be quite pleasant to swim here in late July, August, and September, disproving the myth that Lake Superior is too cold. Though the beach is adjacent to the large Union Bay Campground, it's visually separated by a rock shelf and low slope with shrubs and trees.
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| Dan Urbanski |
| Union Bay gives kayakers easy access to Lake Superior. The nearby staff of The Outpost is a handy source of perspective on weather conditions. The Outpost is a camp store with kayak and bike rentals. |
Canoes, kayaks, and mountain bikes can be rented at The Outpost (906-885-5612) on M-107 by the drive to the beach.
The large, modern campground at Union Bay gives the area a very developed look quite different from the park's trails, cabins, and rustic Presque Isle River campground under the pines by Lake Superior at the park's western end.
Along M-107 for 2 1/2 miles west, from the main park entrance by Silver City to the Union Bay Campground and beach. The Outpost is open from mid-May through fall color season. State park sticker required.
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Return to Porcupine Mountains State Park
POINTS OF INTEREST
Escarpment Trail. The U.P.'s most spectacular hiking trail has stunning views of Lake of the Clouds, the Upper Carp River, and the vast interior of the Porkies ... more
Hikes in the Porkies. From an hour to days-long, select hikes in the Porkies ... more
Lake of the Clouds Overlook. One of Michigan's most famous views looks down from a dramatic Porcupine Mountain ridge onto a peaceful lake and Big Carp Valley ... more
Lost Creek Yurt. Very cool adventure if you're up to it: a 6+ mile trek through deep winter snow in a remote, dense forest to a delightful yurt warmed by a wood stove. ... more
Shining Cloud Falls. One of the legendary U.P. hikes for hardy soles up to a rugged 10+ mile outing ... more
Union Bay. The most popular and easily reached Lake Superior beach in the Porkies, it's accessible by car and even has a concession stand by the large modern campground. ... more
Summit Peak Observation Tower. It feels like you're floating above an undulating sea of green here at the park's highest spot ... more
Presque Isle River Waterfalls & Picnic Area. Many consider the three waterfalls here among the most U.P.'s most beautiful ... more
Overlooked and Greenstone Falls. Two fine waterfalls, reached by fairly short hikes through old-growth hemlocks and past a gorge, are well worth the walk ... more
Explorers Falls. For those up to a long hike into the Porkies, the reward is experiencing the finest waterfall on the park's Carp River. ... more
Hike to Trap Falls. A 3 to 4 hour hike though hemlocks, hardwoods and big pines to a remote and picturesque waterfall ... more
Along the North Country Trail. Not the Porkies' most scenic trail, but its most remote. Connects to Black River waterfalls, Trap Hills, and Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness Area beyond the state park. ... more
Long trek deep into the Porkies. A recommended 3- to 4-day backpacking hike deep into the Porkies, through old-growth forest, past waterfalls, along the Little Carp River. ... more
Abinodja Falls, Ogimawke Falls & Ogima Falls. Just south of the state park, a marvelous series of waterfalls for those willing to take the trouble to find them ... more
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