Kayaking on Lake Superior in Ontonagon/Porcupine Mountains State Park
Adventure Destination

Kayaking on Lake Superior in Ontonagon/Porcupine Mountains State Park

Explore Kayaking on Lake Superior near Ontonagon, MI, offering stunning views and wildlife in Porcupine Mountains State Park. Ideal for adventurous kayakers from summer to early fall. Be prepared for changing weather and potential bald eagle sightings.

Kayaking8.3/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Kayaking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

Kayaking on Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, offers an unforgettable experience for adventurers visiting the Porcupine Mountains State Park near Ontonagon, Michigan. This activity merges breathtaking natural beauty with the thrilling opportunity to paddle along rugged shorelines, explore hidden sea caves, or glide above the lake’s famously clear waters. Surrounded by the park’s wild landscapes, kayaking on Lake Superior is a must-try experience that showcases the region's raw and powerful beauty.

Editorial Assessment

Kayaking on Lake Superior at Ontonagon/Porcupine Mountains State Park offers stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and expansive views that are ideal for outdoor adventure. While not among the most globally unique locations, it provides an exceptional experience for nature enthusiasts.

Kayaking on Lake Superior in Ontonagon/Porcupine Mountains State Park

Adventure Guide to Kayaking on Lake Superior in Ontonagon/Porcupine Mountains State Park

1

- Union Bay Shoreline: Launch from Union Bay’s pristine, sandy beach, located at the east side of Porcupine Mountains State Park. Kayaking here offers unobstructed views of the dense forests lining the coast and the iconic rocky cliffs rising above the water. This calm bay is ideal for beginners due to its relatively sheltered waters and easy access to the park’s amenities, including parking and restrooms.

  • Details: **Black River Harbor**: Situated about 25 miles west of Ontonagon, the Black River Harbor Recreation Area provides spectacular paddling opportunities along the Black River's mouth into Lake Superior. Paddle along waterfalls cascading into the river before reaching the lake’s open expanse. The nearby suspension bridge and historic structures add visual interest to this destination.
  • Details: **Apostle Islands (Accessible from Little Girl’s Point)**: Although technically in Wisconsin, the Apostle Islands are only a short drive from the state park and are renowned for their **sea caves, hidden coves, and unique geological formations**. Guided tours are recommended for these challenging routes, especially for intermediate and advanced kayakers.
2

Local Insights

  • Details: Lake Superior’s **Ojibwa name is 'Gichigami,'** meaning “big water.” Known for its unpredictable weather, the lake can shift from glassy calm to strong waves in minutes. Always check weather updates before heading out.
  • Details: Wildlife sightings are common—look out for bald eagles soaring overhead during your paddle.
3

Visitor Tips

  • Details: **Best time to visit**: Summer and early fall (June-September) when the water is warmer and calmer.
  • Details: **What to bring**: A **personal flotation device (PFD)**, sunscreen, dry bag, water shoes, snacks, and layers appropriate for rapidly changing temperatures.
  • Details: **Driving instructions**: Ontonagon is the nearest town, just 20 minutes from Porcupine Mountains State Park. From downtown, head west on M-64 toward Lake Superior.

Reviews

L
Larry Wilsona month ago

Incredible experience! The views and natural scenery at Kayaking on Lake Superior in Ontonagon/Porcupine Mountains State Park are unforgettable. Well marked trails and a fantastic outdoor getaway.

P
Peter M.3 months ago

Clean trails with great directions. Once you arrive, there are multiple scenic vantage points to explore. Highly recommend visiting early in the morning.

D
David Pestana6 months ago

One of my favorite destinations in the region. Sunset here transitions into an unforgettable evening with shifting light on the landscape.

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Adventure Destinations

View All Destinations →
Skiing the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area in Michigan7.50.75 mi
Porcupine Mountains Ski Area

Skiing the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area in Michigan

Explore the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area near Ontonagon, MI, featuring 15 diverse trails including black diamonds, plus 90 miles of serene backcountry terrain. Ideal for families and expert skiers alike. Enjoy affordable lift tickets and scenic views of Lake Superior.

View Details →
Biking the Union Mine Interpretive Trail 7.21.77 miEasy
South Boundary Road

Biking the Union Mine Interpretive Trail

Explore the 1-mile Union Mine Interpretive Trail in Ontonagon, MI. Suitable for beginners, this easy biking trail blends nature with history, offering dense forest and river views within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Enjoy a quiet ride with educational stops.

View Details →
Backpacking the Big Carp River Trail in Big Carp River Trailhead7.82.86 miHard
107th Engineers Memorial Highway

Backpacking the Big Carp River Trail in Big Carp River Trailhead

Explore the Big Carp River Trail in Michigan's Porcupine Mountains. This challenging backpacking route offers breathtaking views and waterfalls, taking you through old-growth forests. Perfect for adventure seekers looking to disconnect in the wilderness.

View Details →
Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

Porkies Ridgewalk: Lake‑Superior Escarpments, Old‑Growth Forests, and Front‑Country Backpacking0.36 mi
Ontonagon, Michigan

Porkies Ridgewalk: Lake‑Superior Escarpments, Old‑Growth Forests, and Front‑Country Backpacking

A five‑day Wilderness Inquiry trip based at Union Bay Campground that combines skill‑building backpacking hikes, a Lake Superior paddle, and campfire nights to teach self‑supported hiking essentials.

0.36 miView Trips & Details →
Pirate Ship Fundraiser on the Eagle River Chain: A Short, Scenic Family Cruise63.0 mi
Eagle River, Wisconsin

Pirate Ship Fundraiser on the Eagle River Chain: A Short, Scenic Family Cruise

A 45-minute pirate-ship cruise from Pirates Hideaway that pairs scenic lake views, wildlife sightings and on-deck pirate activities with a fundraiser for Feed Our Rural Kids.

63.0 miView Trips & Details →
Pedal Together: A Private 1.5‑Hour Keweenaw Pedal Trolley in Houghton54.5 mi
Houghton, Michigan

Pedal Together: A Private 1.5‑Hour Keweenaw Pedal Trolley in Houghton

Reserve the entire pedal trolley for your party — a private, 1.5-hour outing for groups up to 12 to enjoy the sights while pedaling at their own pace.

54.5 miView Trips & Details →
One Hour at Van Riper: Bikes, Kayaks and SUPs Along Marquette’s Quiet Shoreline15.5 mi
Marquette, Michigan

One Hour at Van Riper: Bikes, Kayaks and SUPs Along Marquette’s Quiet Shoreline

A focused, one-hour rental with Simple Adventures at Van Riper State Park puts you on bikes, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards along 1.5 miles of waterfront so you can sample Michigan’s waterways without committing to a full day.

15.5 miView Trips & Details →
Lake Superior Charter: Big‑Game Salmon and Lake Trout off Eagle Harbor and Lac La Belle54.4 mi
Houghton, Michigan

Lake Superior Charter: Big‑Game Salmon and Lake Trout off Eagle Harbor and Lac La Belle

A guided, six‑to‑nine‑hour charter out of Houghton that pairs Lake Superior scenery with targeted fishing for Salmon and Lake Trout.

54.4 miView Trips & Details →
A full day paddling the Portage Canal: eight-hour kayak and SUP rentals from Houghton52.6 mi
Sydney, New South Wales

A full day paddling the Portage Canal: eight-hour kayak and SUP rentals from Houghton

An eight-hour rental from Portage Paddle Sports lets you explore the Portage Canal between Houghton and Hancock by kayak or stand-up paddle board; this guide focuses on what to expect for a full day on the water.

52.6 miView Trips & Details →