#Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

[benminkoff]

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan

[bonomovesinmysteriousways]

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan.

[the-adam-driver-files]

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan.

[blingxblang]

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan.

[compressionerrors]

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan.

[bellamy-blakesgirl]

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan.

[debbieallen]

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan.

[placeswordsdreams]

Escarpment Trail, Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park, Michigan

[potatoes83]

One of the amazing things about our Great Lakes is just how incredibly clear and clean they are. This is Lake Superior, and you can see the rocks like they were under glass.

Somewhere between Silver City and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Ontanogon County, Michigan.

8/24/24. 🥔

[dfroza]

nice view.

[Michelle Lutke]

One of my favorite parts about living here...the night sky is insanely beautiful 😍🙌🌌

July 30, 2024 (very early morning)

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Michigan's Upper Peninsula ❤️

7.31.24 • Facebook

why won’t you interact? where is your starting line?

will you leave the night sky a blank space with no starry light?

[evankroeze]

What to Know About Hiking in Michigan

There were nearly 58 million hikers in the United States in 2023. Hiking provides individuals with numerous benefits, including improved heart health, better sleep patterns, and a lower risk for diseases, including depression. Hiking is also a great way to exercise; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than one in three Americans meets recommendations for physical activity. Michigan residents interested in hiking should conduct the proper research.

There is no shortage of popular hiking destinations located throughout the state. A few of the most well-known trails in Michigan include Mosquito Falls and Chapel Falls via the Chapel Loop at Rocks National Lakeshore, Penosha Trail at Brighton State Recreation Area, and the North Country National Scenic Trail in Lowell, which is roughly one-quarter of a proposed 4,600-mile trail system. At 1,250 miles, Detroit’s Iron Belle Trail will be the longest state rail in America upon completion. While these trails are popular for good reason, novice hikers should understand that these trails are busier than others.

This leads to another area of research for new hikers in Michigan: the best and worst times of year to hike. Spring and fall provide mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Casual hikers are unlikely to venture far during the winter months when Michigan temperatures tend to stay below freezing. The summer months, meanwhile, are balmy and bring summer storms.

There are a few ways for Michigan hikers to account for the harsh weather during summer and winter. Individuals should follow weather forecasts up to the moment of departure and avoid hiking if the forecast calls for a rain or snowstorm. It is important to research regional and historical weather patterns, as certain trails may be associated with sudden lightning or flash floods. Individual hikers must set personal limits, though hiking in temperatures above 85 degrees can pose a serious health risk. Hikers should dress in layers when hiking during the winter.

Inexperienced hikers should avoid trails beyond their skill limit, regardless of conditions. The Dune Climb Trail at Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the highest-rated trails in the state. However, the 3.6-mile trek traverses loose beach sand and takes most people about 101 minutes to complete. Michigan residents should discuss their physical condition and stamina with a medical professional before taking on more advanced hiking trails. Other popular but challenging trails in Michigan include the 8.4-mile Escarpment Trail at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and the 19.2-mile Manistee River Section of the North Country Trail.

Finally, hikers should familiarize themselves with local animals and plants. Michigan is home to deadly spiders, including the brown recluse and black widow, as well as large predators, ranging from the American black bear to grey wolves. Non-predatory animals can also pose a threat to unsuspecting hikers. White-tail deer can use sharp antlers and strong hooves when provoked, while moose have earned their unfriendly reputation among humans. Hikers should thoroughly research the behavior of any animals in their region, which may also include cougars, rattlesnakes, and the toxic Fowler’s toad.

Hikers should also educate themselves on troublesome plants, which include poison ivy, poison hemlock, water hemlock, and poison sumac. Poisonous hemlock and wild parsnip are easy to overlook. Giant hogweed, fortunately, is hard to overlook: the plant can grow up to 12 feet in height. Hikers who come into contact with the giant cow parsnip become highly sensitive to ultraviolet light and experience blistering and, in some cases, permanent blindness.

[ogdenpartyrentals]

Wild Ogden: A Guide to Wildlife Watching and Nature Trails

Nestled in the verdant embrace of Utah, Ogden emerges as a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. This guide unfurls the tapestry of Wild Ogden, inviting you to explore its abundant wildlife and scenic trails. Here, where the air is crisp and the landscapes are lush, the wilderness whispers ancient tales, beckoning explorers to tread lightly on its sacred grounds.

The Whispering Wilderness: Ogden’s Wildlife Ogden's rich geographical diversity paints a vibrant backdrop for an array of wildlife. The area thrives with life, from majestic birds of prey circling the azure skies to secretive mammals that tread the underbrush of dense forests. Among these natural treasures, Antelope Island State Park stands out as a sanctuary where antelope roam freely, alongside bison herds and nimble porcupines. This locale offers a serene setting for wildlife observation, especially during the golden hours of dawn and dusk when nature stirs into action.

Not far from the bustling city, the Ogden Nature Center offers an educational foray into the wild. Here, families can meander through trails woven into the landscape, revealing scenes of native birds and the tranquil beauty of nature. It's a place where the harmony between flora and fauna is palpable, offering lessons not just on the ecosystem but on the delicate balance of life.

For those who find solace in the gentle flow of rivers, the Weber River Parkway is a haven. The rippling waters attract an assortment of bird species, offering a peaceful retreat for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Here, amidst the sound of flowing water, the stress of daily life ebbs away, replaced by the serene calm of the natural world.

Treading the Trails: Ogden’s Natural Beauty Unveiled Ogden is a labyrinth of trails, each revealing a different facet of its natural beauty. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail, with its sprawling vistas of the Great Salt Lake, offers a panorama that captures the heart. In spring and early summer, the trail bursts into a riot of colors as wildflowers bloom, painting the landscape in hues of brilliance.

Another gem, the Waterfall Canyon Trail, promises an adventure through the shade of oak and maple forests, culminating in the grand spectacle of a 200-foot waterfall. The trail is a reminder of nature’s power and grace, offering a space for reflection and rejuvenation.

For the bold at heart, the Mount Ogden Via Beus Canyon Trail presents a challenge. The ascent to the peak is a journey through diverse terrains, rewarding hikers with breathtaking views of the Wasatch Range. It’s a path less traveled, where the silence of the high altitudes whispers the ancient secrets of the mountains.

The Ethos of Exploration: Respecting Nature As we embark on these adventures, it is imperative to tread with respect and mindfulness. Observing wildlife from a distance ensures their natural behavior remains undisturbed. Staying on designated trails helps preserve the fragile ecosystems underfoot. Practicing the principle of "leave no trace" safeguards the pristine beauty of these natural habitats for future generations to enjoy. In the silence of the wilderness, let's listen more than we speak, allowing the sounds of nature to fill our souls.

Embarking on Your Journey With this guide to Wild Ogden, you are equipped to embark on your journey into the heart of nature. Whether you seek the thrill of wildlife observation or the solace of a scenic hike, Ogden offers a mosaic of experiences. So, lace up your boots, pack your binoculars, and step into the wild. Remember, every footstep on the trail is a step closer to understanding the intricate web of life that thrives in these landscapes.

As you explore the wild wonders of Ogden, let the beauty of the natural world inspire you. In the rustling of the leaves, the chirping of the birds, and the whispering winds, there is a story of coexistence, resilience, and the undying spirit of adventure. Welcome to Wild Ogden, where every path leads to discovery and every moment is a gift from nature. Happy exploring!

About Ogden Party Rentals:

Ogden Party Rentals epitomizes the spirit of community support, offering a comprehensive selection of party essentials that cater to the vibrant events of Ogden's locals. Dedicated to elevating local celebrations, they ensure access to a variety of rental options by partnering with esteemed local businesses, including Bounce Party Utah. This synergy not only broadens their inventory but also reinforces the quality and reliability of their services. From intimate gatherings to grand community festivities, Ogden Party Rentals remains committed to making every occasion memorable with their bespoke and dependable rental solutions.

Support our local members: We highly appreciate your support to our local members. It means a lot to us. Support us here:

Bounce Party Utah Address: 425 W 1750 S Perry, UT 84302 Phone: (435) 295-4161 Website: https://www.bouncepartyutah.com/ogden

[nageltrailerrepair]

Unforgettable RV Camping Adventures: Discovering the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Hey fellow travelers and adventure seekers! Looking to embark on an epic RV camping adventure? Look no further than the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan! 🌲⛰️

Picture this: pristine lakes, dense forests, towering waterfalls, and breathtaking shorelines—all waiting for you to explore in your cozy RV home-on-wheels. The Upper Peninsula, affectionately known as the UP, is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Let's dive into some of the unforgettable experiences awaiting you here!

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning cliffs, vibrant sandstone formations, and crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior. Park your RV at one of the nearby campgrounds and embark on a boat tour or kayak excursion to witness the iconic Pictured Rocks up close. The vibrant colors and unique geological features will leave you in awe.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park: Get ready for a rendezvous with some of the most impressive waterfalls in the region. The Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls, surrounded by lush forests, offer a sight to behold. Set up camp in the park's RV-friendly campground and hike the trails to witness the raw power and beauty of these magnificent falls.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Seeking rugged wilderness and breathtaking vistas? Look no further than the Porcupine Mountains. Strap on your hiking boots and hit the trails to explore this expansive wilderness area. Witness stunning overlooks, traverse serene forests, and discover hidden waterfalls. With RV-friendly campgrounds like Union Bay, you'll have a cozy basecamp to return to after your outdoor adventures.

Keweenaw Peninsula: Venture to the northernmost tip of the UP, where the Keweenaw Peninsula awaits with its unique mix of copper mining history and natural wonders. Explore the historic towns of Copper Harbor and Houghton, and soak in the stunning views of Lake Superior. Don't forget to visit the picturesque lighthouses dotting the shoreline. There are RV parks and campgrounds nestled in the heart of this scenic peninsula, ensuring you're close to all the action.

Hiawatha National Forest: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Hiawatha National Forest, a true wilderness paradise. Set up camp in one of the RV-friendly campgrounds and enjoy the peace and serenity of the forest. Explore the numerous trails, fish in the pristine lakes, or simply relax and soak in the beauty of nature surrounding you.

Mackinac Island: While technically not part of the Upper Peninsula, Mackinac Island is a must-visit destination for RVers in the region. Park your RV at one of the nearby campgrounds and hop on a ferry to this enchanting island. Explore the Victorian architecture, rent a bike to tour the island, and indulge in some famous fudge. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time.

So, fellow adventurers, pack your bags, fuel up your RV, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. From stunning waterfalls to pristine lakeshores and serene forests, this region offers RV camping experiences that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Embrace the beauty of nature and let your RV be your gateway to discovering the wonders of the UP! 🚐💨✨

[lawofficetales]

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan.

[xtruss]

A kayaker paddles into a sea cave in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Bayfield, Wisconsin. The area was once teeming with volcanic activity. Photograph By David Guttenfelder

How To Explore A Billion-Year-Old Volcanic Mystery Along Lake Superior

The Upper Midwest once teemed with fiery geologic activity. You can still see traces of it in cascading waterfalls, red sandstone sea caves, and towering cliffs.

— By Jacqueline Kehoe | February 23, 2023

A billion years ago, if you’d looked out from the top of Michigan’s now densely forested Summit Peak, you’d have seen a fiery, volcano-lit battleground. Steaming fissures, molten rocks, and lava flows dominated the landscape.

The dramatic scene was caused by one of the Earth’s grandest volcanic events. “Around 1.1 billion years ago,” says Esther Stewart, a geologist for the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, “the continent we call North America started to rip apart.” The Midcontinent Rift caused a nearly 1,300-mile horseshoe-shaped gash from Lake Superior west to modern-day Kansas and east toward Ohio.

Driving along Lake Superior, from Michigan through Wisconsin into Minnesota, visitors can retrace the results of this billion-year-old story via cascading waterfalls, red sandstone sea caves, and towering cliffs. It’s a hidden landscape for most travelers to the Midwest—unless you know what to look for.

A Molten History

Geologists agree the Midcontinent Rift was caused by a mantle plume—a chimney of extra-hot rock that rises from deep in the Earth’s interior, stretching the land above until it breaks—similar to how Hawaii was formed. (Imagine a wax bubble inside a lava lamp rising—then splitting the bubble above). The rift largely produced flows of basalt, runny lava that formed low-lying shield volcanoes. “You’d have fissures, these big long cracks,” Stewart says. “They might have been kilometers long with this runny basalt lava coming out of them.”

A cyclist takes in the scenery at Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Travelers can find traces of the Midcontinent Rift along the steep-sloped ridges running parallel to Lake Superior’s shore. Photograph By Christian Heeb, Laif/Redux

But unlike most basalt flows—such as the Columbia River basalts covering Washington State—the lava didn’t make it far. “The Lake Superior area is a very unusual case,” says Tyrone Rooney, professor of igneous petrology and geochemistry at Michigan State University. “Most of the time, flood basalts erupt onto a flat area and then spread out.” Instead, he describes how these lavas filled up an existing basin and created stacks of basalt much thicker than average. The Greenstone Flow alone pooled to some 1,600 feet deep. “It was so massive that it differentiated within the rift. You can see it across the green and black rocks of the Keweenaw Peninsula. It’s a fascinating place.”

Some geologists, including Stewart, argue mountain formations to the east reversed the rift; others, like Rooney, believe it was the continent moving at high speeds—much faster than today’s fingernail-esque pace. “When you do that sort of movement,” he argues, “it does all sorts of things to the mantle beneath. It’s still an area of active research.”

Regardless of the reasons why, over roughly 30 million years, the Midcontinent Rift produced more than 240,000 cubic miles of volcanic rock—44 times the volume of all the Great Lakes combined.

Now imagine what we’d see if the water weren’t there.

“Below Lake Superior, it’s insane,” says George Hudak. The senior geologist at the University of Minnesota Natural Resources Research Institute describes how tens of kilometers of sedimentary rocks piled into the rift as it opened up, covering a molten, volcanic sea. “This was one of the biggest magmatic events to ever occur on Earth,” he says.

Those sediments would become important, too—they’re responsible for beloved spots like the Apostle Islands and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

On the Path of Volcanoes

Today, volcano-chasers in Michigan can head from the rhyolite-rich Porcupine Mountains up to the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, via M-41 to Copper Harbor, to see lava flows visible in the roadcuts. Rooney adds that, across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, visitors can discover stromatolites, the oldest known fossils. “If you look at some of these conglomerates, you can see odd layers. Some of these layers are actually early forms of very small life.”

At High Rock Bay, on the peninsula’s tip, travelers can see where these conglomerate layers made contact with lava flows—the tops of flows are where to look for the region’s sought-after agates.

Elliot Falls cascades over a cliff into Lake Superior, where tens of kilometers of sedimentary rocks from previous volcanic activity helped form Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Photograph By Kieth Ladzinski, National Geographic Image Collection

From Michigan, volcanology fans can road trip west along Wisconsin’s northern coast to Potato River Falls and Copper Falls State Park, “where you can walk from the volcanics into the sedimentary rock,” says Stewart. Other Wisconsin spots include the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway; Pattison State Park, home to Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall; and Interstate State Park, where the St. Croix River churns through a deep basalt gorge.

Then it’s up to Duluth and Minnesota’s North Shore, where things get truly wild. “Just driving around Duluth you can see some of the earliest intrusions associated with the Midcontinent Rift, layered just like sedimentary rocks,” says Hudak. He recommends visiting Leif Erikson Park, where “you can actually see pahoehoe lava flows, like Hawaii and Iceland”; Tettegouche State Park’s Palisade Head, where more explosive rhyolite formed columns great for rock-climbing; and Gooseberry Falls, where a series of lava flows have built up five waterfalls and walkable spots like Picnic Flow.

“My favorite spot,” Hudak adds, “is a mile east of Spirit Mountain, in Duluth. You can actually stand under lava flow number one—the first lava flow associated with this world-changing event. Talk about spectacular.”

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Sunrise at Mirror Lake, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan June 2020 [OC][6016x4016]