Winter Trips
Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Snowshoe
Ontonagon, MIDates: January 31-February 5, 2012
Days: 6 days, 5 nights
Price: $799 per person
Trip Level: 3
Includes: 2 Nights Cabin Lodging, Guides, Snowshoes, Winter Sleeping Bags, Backpacks & Meals (as described in the itinerary)
Group Size: 4-6 participants
Trip Description
Join us for this unique winter camping and snowshoe backpack adventure in one of the Midwest’s most rugged wilderness environments – Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The park’s 59,000 acres comprise the largest true wilderness in the Midwest. Brawling, mountain-rivers cascade down gorges into wilderness lakes, while dark stands of virgin hemlock and pine forest soar on ridges along the shores of mighty Lake Superior.During the trip, your guide will teach winter travel skills, orienteering, winter camping, shelter building, and other winter backcountry skills. Traveling through the backcountry by snowshoe is an amazing way to experience the outdoors. We will snowshoe on paths unused since the fall, blazing our way past frozen waterfalls and lakes, through hemlock and pine forests. Each night we’ll set up our four season tents, snow kitchen and a blazing fire.
Participants on this adventure do not need to have specific technical skills or previous winter camping experience. However, participants should be of good physical condition and prepared for new experiences. Snowshoes, tents and backpacks will be provided (participants are welcome to use their own equipment), but participants will need to supply their own foot wear, shell clothing and winter clothing as designated in the suggested to-bring list.
Itinerary
(subject to change due to weather & permit conditions)Day 1
Participants can arrive after 3pm at Scott’s Superior Inn & Cabins, location on the shores of Lake Superior. There are no scheduled activities beside dinner and an evening fire.Dinner is Included.
Day 2
Day Hike, Winter Skills Session, Route Planning & Trip PreparationBreakfast & Lunch are Included
Days 3-6
Following breakfast, we’ll drive to the trailhead for the start of our backcountry trip. Our group will be hiking in the northeastern section of the wilderness area. The soaring Escarpment trail, Lake of the Clouds, Big Carp River, the Lake Superior shoreline, and Government Peak could all be on our itinerary. Our group should expect to hike between 5 and 10 miles per day, depending on snow depth and hiking conditions.All meals are included on days 3-5. Breakfast is included on day 6.