Hiking season begins in Porkies wilderness state park

By P.J. GLISSON

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Wakefield TOWNSHIP - Crisp air and a lack of flies and mosquitoes make spring and early summer a great time to enjoy hiking in local parks.

That was the case on Sunday at the Presque Isle Unit of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Wakefield Township.

"We hiked out to visit Speakers Cabin," said Lisa Talon, who was in the park area with Lissette Neville.

They are both from Crystal Falls, and were waiting for Talon's husband, son and two of her son's friends, who had spent the day fishing on the Presque Isle River.

Talon said they've hiked here a number of times over the years. "Ten, for sure, we've been hiking hard," she said as a large bird loafed in a nearby tree.

Ryan and Rebecca Morse of Marshfield, Wisconsin, also were on the trails. Also with them was their dog, Mabel, a long-haired German Shepherd. "She's living her best life," said Rebecca.

Ryan said they were staying at the Presque Isle Campground, a rustic site where Lake Superior was sparkling under the late-day sun.

"We've been to the park before but never to this part," he noted.

Water is rushing hard now along the river and its waterfalls. Hikers can use natural trails or the extended boardwalk that runs along the river.

There's also a suspension bridge that provides passage to a cozy Lake Superior beach.

The entire park has about 90 miles of trails at various levels.

"It's a really unique area," said Michael Knack, park and recreation manager, noting that the state regards it as a designated scenic area.

Knack suggests that people approach hiking from a perspective of comfort and safety. He advises wearing "good-tread shoes" and minding signage.

"Watch your step, take your time," he said, explaining that the East River Trail, in particular, can be challenging, describing it as "certainly more rutty" and containing "slippery rocks."

He recalled a few people in 2016 falling into the river when they lost control of their footing. "All three are lucky to be alive today," he said.

Knack also noted that one section of the West River Trail has been closed due to hikers having trouble in navigating the path, which could be "muddy and rutty."

He said park officials now are allowing that area to undergo a natural process of restoration.

A sign in that area reads "This area closed - Restoration and erosion control in process.

Please protect this fragile landscape."

Even the drive to the Presque Unit, along North County Road 519, is a likely opportunity to spot deer, bear, wild turkey and other wildlife.

Most of the sprawling Porkies State Park is located to the east in Ontonagon County, including Lake of the Clouds and a visitor's center normally located at 33303 Headquarters Road.

However, seasonal park worker Nicole Weiner said Tuesday by phone that the location has changed temporarily this year.

The Visitor's Center parking lot is getting redone, she said, and visitor information this year can be found instead at the Porcupine Mountains Ski Complex off of 107th Engineers Memorial Highway, just past the park's Union Bay Campground.

Weiner said the Visitor's Center is expected to return to its normal location later in the season.

Meanwhile, she said the current visitor's center also offers a grill, shuttle services and kayak rentals.

For information from the visitor's center, call 906-885-5275. It is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.