Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Beginner Backpacking

Set in picturesque wilderness of the Porcupine Mountains – filled with miles of trails, thousands of old-growth trees and abundant wildlife – this class is designed to teach the basics of backpacking and introduce you to the wilderness experience. Instructors will help you develop a gear list, teach you how to plan a trip and stay safe in the backcountry, and introduce you to Leave No Trace principles and basic wilderness problem solving. You will be expected to provide and carry your own gear.

The first night will be spent along the Lake Superior shoreline close to our vehicles, to make sure all the gear and equipment is packed and working. The following two days will be a scenic hike through the woods from the Summit Peak parking area to campsites along the south side of Mirror Lake. Near the end of the hike, we'll take in the views from the highest point in the park, for a total of 5.6 miles.

A mandatory virtual meeting will be held Friday, Aug. 21, at 6 p.m. to go over logistics, expectations and paperwork for this trip. If you are unable to attend, please let the instructors know when you register for the class.

No firearms, pets, drugs or alcohol are permitted for the duration of this trip.

Cost is $105 per person, which includes meals for the trip.

A Recreation Passport is required on your vehicle for entry into the state park. You can purchase this pass at the visitor center upon your arrival if needed.

To register for this class, go to Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses and click on the "Purchase a license" button. Sign in (using either a username and password or your ID and birthdate), and find the class under the Outdoor Skills Academy tab.

Registration is required by Aug. 14.

Cancellation policy: To cancel your registration, please contact our Customer Service help desk line at 800-737-6367. Cancellations must be made by Aug. 31 to guarantee a full refund.

For more information, contact Katie Urban, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park interpreter, at 906-885-5206 or Sarah Anderson, Tahquamenon Falls State Park interpreter, at 906-492-3415.

This class is part of the Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Skills Academy, which offers in-depth, expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities at locations around the state. Learn more at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills.