It’s been 4 years since we adventured to the Porcupine Mountains on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and we can’t wait to go back!
This backcountry retreat invites you into the deep, quiet wilds of Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, a place known for its old-growth forest, sweeping Lake Superior views, and some of the most intact wilderness in the Midwest. As a group, we’ll backpack into a rustic backcountry cabin tucked near a secluded lake inside the park, carrying in what we need and then settling into a slower, more intentional rhythm. This is a trip designed not to rush through the landscape, but to live inside it for a few days.
While this is a true backpacking experience — you’ll learn and practice essential backpacking skills along the way — the heart of the trip is presence. With a basecamp established, our days open up: scenic day hikes along the Porcupines’ old growth trail network, gentle paddles on Mirror Lake, and long stretches of unstructured time to follow your curiosity. This is peak season for noticing the small things in the Porkies: hundreds of mushrooms species, changing light in the forest canopy, loons calling across the water, and the quiet satisfaction of moving at nature’s pace.
Evenings and downtime are about rest and reconnection. Expect space for journaling, sketching, reading, naps, card games, and the kind of conversations that only happen when phones are away and time feels expansive. This retreat is ideal for Wanderers who want to build confidence in the backcountry without the pressure of constant mileage, and who crave a rare combination of adventure, solitude, and shared community.
Backpacking with Wander Women: Things to Consider
Wander Women backpacking trips are physically exerting as you will be carrying up to 25-35 pounds of weight in your backpack while hiking in hilly terrain.
This is a very hands-on trip. You will be expected to help with different aspects of setting up and tearing down camp, and general camp duties. This will all be done under the guidance of an experienced guide.
There will be personal items you will need to pack. We will provide you with a detailed packing list prior to the trip.
Be prepared to camp in all types of weather (rainy, cold, hot, stormy)
ACCOMMODATIONS & LOCATION
On this trip, we’ll be staying in a remote backcountry cabin that does not have access to electricity or running water. We’ll be filtering all of our water. The cabin does have access to a pit toilet.
About Porcupine Mountains
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – fondly known as "the Porkies" – features 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, Lake Superior shoreline, rivers, trails and ridges. The park's incomparable vistas make Michigan's largest state park a popular destination for camping, hiking, snowmobiling, fishing and more. The park boasts many popular natural attractions, including Lake of the Clouds and the scenic Presque Isle River corridor. Source: Michigan DNR
GETTING THERE
If you are flying in from outside of Michigan, the closest airport is the Ironwood Regional Airport (IWD) (about a 1.25 hour drive away). You’ll need to take an airport shuttle or rent a car to get to the our starting point, or arrange carpool with a local Wanderer. Carpooling details are sent pre-trip in the private trip Discord channel. Carpooling arrangements can’t be guaranteed, especially for out-of-Iowa trips, but we try our best to connect Wanderers for coordination!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Your registration provides you:
Expert planning and a Wander Women guide to help make the weekend as relaxing and fun as possible!
Four nights of lodging at a remote backcountry cabin
All food for the trip, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks
Guided day hikes throughout the park
Backpacking accessories: Water filters, fire kits, toilet kits, first aid kits, stoves, games
Wanderer swag bag full of goodies
A private trip Discord channel to connect with guides and fellow participants before the trip
Comprehensive pre-trip online guide with detailed logistics, packing recommendations, and trip tips
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Participants will be responsible for providing/paying for:
Transportation to/from the trip (we always encourage carpooling and can connect you with other participants to ride with!) and to trip activity locations
Gear: Participants must provide their own backpacking gear, or are able to rent backpacking gear from Wander Women
Park entrance fees
INVESTMENT
$625
PAYMENT PLAN
We offer payment plans for all our trips, so you can pay a deposit now and the rest over time! WeTravel (our booking platform) easily lets you make a downpayment (this is also your non-refundable trip deposit!) and set up automatic payments for the remainder. For the payment plan schedule, just check the WeTravel page for details. There is NO fee for choosing the payment plan option!
Deposit for this trip: $310