Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is one of the best-kept secrets of the upper Midwest. Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the 60,000-acre park includes secluded lakes, virgin timber forests, miles of wild rivers, gorgeous Lake Superior vistas, and 90 miles of foot trails.
Located on the shore of Lake Superior with sand and rock beaches, the exploring possibilities are endless. The park rises from the shoreline to a series of jagged hills, from which the Porcupine Mountains get their name.
Several hikes pass through old growth forests, including the largest virgin hemlock/hardwood forest in the United States. Some of the trees are 200 years old. In past years, we've come upon white pines and hemlocks that were so large it took three of us to reach around the base of the tree.
We'll set up a tent village at our campsite, with expansive views of Lake Superior and a path down to the water. Picnic tables and campfires make for a cozy home and base camp for much laughter and story telling from the day's adventures.
There are plenty of hikes to choose from--anything from short nature walks to full day hikes deep into the park backcountry. Each day, you'll choose between a shorter, more naturalist-focused hike (about 3-5 miles), and a longer more vigorous hike (about 8-10 miles). Hike, relax, hunt for rocks on Lake Superior's shoreline, welcome the spring wildflowers and birds recently back from their winter homes.
Your days are spent hiking, exploring, and relaxing, returning to delicious meals at our cozy campsite village. We'll bring along native flutes for people to try, and, as always on Wild Institute trips, there will be poetry that helps express what we see and feel. Our schedule is flexible, all hikes and activities are optional. The point is to get outside, have fun, and welcome spring with "wild" women like yourself.
Guides: Your guides are founding director of The Wild Institute, Chris Heeter, and long-time guide Marsha Berry. Their combined guiding experience of over forty years creates trips that are fun, respectful, and extremely safe. Their humor and love of the earth are contagious!
Meals: Food matters! We bring hearty and delicious primarily vegetarian fare. Many women are surprised by the amount of fresh vegetables and mouth-watering menus prepared outdoors.
What to bring: When you register, you'll receive a detailed packing list, so you'll be sure to have what you need. You bring only your personal gear, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You are welcome to bring your own tent either as a solo or to share. Otherwise, tents are provided at double or triple occupancy.
How much experience, how in shape do I need to be: You do not need any prior hiking or camping experience for this trip. Though many women use their trip as motivation to get in better shape before they go, no particular level of fitness is necessary for this trip.
Can I sign up on my own: All women are welcome, and many sign up on their own. Others register with friends, partners, sisters, mothers, adult daughters.
Weather: Plan on anything from gorgeous spring weather in the 70's to chilly days in the 50's. It gets cold at night (usually in the low 40's), but typically warms up significantly during the day. The suggested clothing in the packing list that you receive when you register will help you be comfortable in all kinds of weather.
Group size: Minimum 6, maximum 12
Trip fee: Your trip fee of $450 includes guides, campsites, meals, and all equipment. You'll need a park sticker for your vehicle ($29 annual, $8/day for non-residents; $24 annual, $6/day for residents).
Schedule: We'll meet at 2:00 on Thursday, May 17, and set up our little tent village. Then we'll be on Northwoods time, hiking, exploring, eating great food, relaxing, and enjoying the company of other fine women. On Sunday, May 20, we'll eat breakfast, pack up, and take a short morning hike with a picnic lunch before heading home.
Transportation/travel time: If you are driving, Porcupine Mountain State Park is about a 5 and a half hour drive from the Twin Cities in Minnesota, about 7 hours from Chicago. If you are flying, there are several county and municipal airports nearby; the nearest major airport is Duluth, Minnesota (about 2 and a half hours from the park). When you register, we'll send along a list of the other participants if you would like to carpool.
Payment information: Your deposit is not refundable. If you must cancel,
please do so in writing. If you cancel 90 days prior to
the trip or more, the balance of your trip fee is
refundable; 60 to 89 days, the balance of your trip fee
is transferable to any other Wild Institute trip through
the end of the following year; 0-59 days, the trip fee
is not refundable or transferable. We strongly recommend
that you purchase travel insurance so that you can
recover your losses should you need to cancel for any
reason. Some companies that Wild Institute participants have
used are: CSA Travel Protection (800-348-9505) www.csatravelprotection.com/comfort and Travel Insured,
800-243-3174. The Wild Institute reserves the right to alter trip
plans due to severe weather, water/snow conditions, or
other unforeseen circumstances.
How do I sign up: A deposit of $150 holds your spot, and payment in full is due by April 5, 2012. With your deposit, please send name, address, phone, and e-mail address.
The Wild Institute
16401 Buchanan St NE
Ham Lake, MN 55304
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