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Distance:
0.3 Miles / 0.5 km
Type:
Out-and-Back
Difficulty:
Easy
Time to Hike:
~15 minutes
Features:
Surface Type:
Universal Access
Park:
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Town:
Ontonagon, Michigan
Directions:
46.803774, -89.765687
Added:
September 25, 2022
Updated:
September 28, 2022
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78 '

Total Change
94 '

Ascent
94 '

Descent

The Lake of the Clouds Overlook at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park near Ontonagon, Michigan is an easy 0.2-mile out-and-back universal access trail that leads to the stunning overlook above Lake of the Clouds.

Hike Description
Note that this is less of a hike and more of a walk that leads out to the most popular overlook above Lake of the Clouds within the Porcupine Mountains. The trail is universally accessible as of September, 2022 with a ramp that leads up from the parking lot. The paved trail leads uphill to the overlook. Note that the track provided includes a non-accessible route once the visitor reaches the bedrock of the mountain; however, the accessible overlook can be found just to the west of the first sighting of bedrock.

The Lake of the Clouds is unique geological feature for the area as it sits ~450-feet above Lake Superior within the heart of the Porcupine Mountains. 

Highly-Trafficked
This scenic overlook is one of the higher trafficked trails in the area, so expect a crowd unless you show up when the park opens. During peak foliage, the park can be overloaded with visitors (hence the large parking lot), so plan accordingly.

Parking & Fees
Visitors will find a very large parking lot at the coordinates provided that can fit several dozen vehicles. As of September 2022, there's a $10 entrance fee.

Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and their waste must be carried out by the hiker.

Warnings
Ledges: For those willing to venture away from the stone wall on the eastern side of the overlook to get a better view (away from the crowds), it's best to stay far away from the rock ledges since falling here would likely cause serious injury if not instant death.

Explore 4 trails near Ontonagon, MI
  1. Parking

    46.803774, -89.765687
  2. Main Trailhead

    46.803705, -89.765694
  3. View of Lake of the Clouds from the main overlook

    46.803233, -89.763672
    View of Lake of the Clouds from the main overlook
No community routes found. To add your own hike as a Community Route for this Trail guide, leave a Trip Report with an attached GPX file.

Hazards

Ticks - Lyme Disease More Info (CDC)
Rockfalls / Ledges / or Scrambles

Seasons

All

Photo Albums

2 Trip Reports

No Star-Ratings
Trail Guide By:
Admin user profile picture
0.3 miles / 0.5 km
Trail added
September 25, 2022
Hiked on
September 20, 2022
Updated on
September 28, 2022
0.3 miles / 0.5 km
September 21, 2022
Hiking

Weather Forecast

In Ontonagon, MI

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