Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the Clouds
Silver City, MI
A short walk from the parking area leads to a rim overlook above a small lake in a forested valley, with the Escarpment ridge beyond. Come at sunrise or late in the day, and in early October for the foliage.
Lake of the Clouds lies in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The park, founded in 1945 and covering about 60,000 acres (roughly 24,000 ha), protects at least 31,000 acres (about 12,500 ha) of old-growth forest, and it received wilderness status in 1972. Its landscape is shaped by an escarpment of basalt and conglomerate running parallel to the Lake Superior shore. The highest point, Summit Peak, stands at 1,958 feet (about 597 m).
From the parking lot you reach the overlook after about five minutes on accessible paths, partly paved and partly boardwalk. The Escarpment Trail also starts from there. The view of Lake of the Clouds is one of the park's best-known images. A little under an hour is enough for the overlook; for the hiking trail, allow considerably more. At higher elevations, well over 250 inches (6 m) of snow falls each year.
- Nearest town
- Silver City, MI
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 46.8039, -89.7522
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- White Pine Extension OutpostCampsite4 mi from Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the CloudsTents
- Lost Creek Outpost CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the CloudsTents
- Union River OutpostCampsite6 mi from Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the Clouds
- Union River's Big Bear CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the Clouds
- River Road RV Park & CampgroundMotorhome stopover21 mi from Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the CloudsMotorhomes
- Ontonagon Township Park CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the CloudsDrinking water
All campsites in Michigan · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the Clouds?
Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the Clouds is in Silver City, MI, at GPS 46.8039, -89.7522. It is about 49 mi from La Pointe.
Can you camp near Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the Clouds?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is White Pine Extension Outpost, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 11 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the Clouds?
Places worth a stop nearby: Bayfield (50 mi), Apostle Islands sea caves (58 mi), Quincy Mine (60 mi) and Temperance River State Park (74 mi).
When is the best time to visit Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the Clouds?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)