The Magic of Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula

The western Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a treasure trove of natural beauty—remote lakes, cascading waterfalls, and rugged mountain ranges all tucked away from the noise and rush of everyday life. Exploring this landscape often means stepping off the beaten path and into the woods, where the only sounds are wind through the trees and rushing water. Two of my favorite spots that capture the magic of this region are Bond Falls and the Porcupine Mountains.

Bond Falls: A Hidden Gem in the Northwoods

Nestled in Ontonagon County, Bond Falls is one of the most captivating waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula. Fed by the middle branch of the Ontonagon River, the main cascade stretches nearly 100 feet wide and drops over 50 feet onto rugged rock formations. While the falls themselves are stunning and easily accessible via boardwalk and viewing platforms, what keeps drawing me back is the trail that winds upstream.

This one-mile hike follows the river beyond the main falls, where countless smaller cascades flow through the forest, each one offering its own charm and character. It’s peaceful, immersive, and incredibly photogenic. As a photographer, this stretch feels like nature's studio—opportunities abound to get up close to the water and experiment with your settings to find unique compositions.

The best time to visit? For me, it’s hands down the fall. The autumn colors ignites the forest in reds, oranges, and golds, framing the water in a vibrant, natural canvas. Fallen leaves drift in quiet pools, creating foregrounds for any landscape shot. That said, winter has its own kind of magic. After a fresh snowfall, Bond Falls transforms into a quiet, icy wonderland. T he crowds thin out—mostly snowmobilers passing by—giving you time and space to shoot or simply enjoy the quiet stillness of it all.

Whether you’re an avid photographer, a casual hiker, or someone just looking to soak in the beauty of the Upper Peninsula, Bond Falls is a must-visit destination. It’s easily accessible, incredibly scenic, and perfect for a peaceful day hike. Bring your camera—or don’t—but either way, you won’t leave disappointed.

The Porcupine Mountains: Michigan’s Great Wilderness

Just west of Bond Falls an hour away is one of Michigan’s best state parks, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Known as “The Porkies,” this state park covers nearly 60,000 acres, making it the largest state park in Michigan and a destination location for hikers and backpackers . Located along beautiful Lake Superior and containing pristine lakes and incredible waterfalls it’s also a great destination for photographers. If you’re both a hiker or backpacker and a photographer you can’t go wrong visiting the Porkies

The highlight of the Porkies is Lake of the Clouds, a stunning alpine lake nestled between forested ridges. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the Upper Peninsula and on a beautiful fall day hundreds of photographers will be lined up at the overlook at sunrise to get a stunning photo of the peak fall color. It’s an amazing view that you just want to soak up and take in the beauty of.

I’m fortunate to live only a few hours from the Porkies so my wife and I have ventured westward to backpack it several times with friends. The terrain is rugged and hilly but the incredible views make it worth every step. After a hard day of hiking up and down the mountain ridges there is nothing better than relaxing at one of the back country sites located along the lake and taking a refreshing swim in the crystal clear and very cold water of Lake Superior. Even in the warmth of August the water temperature of lake will take your breath away.

If you're not into backpacking and roughing it in a tent there are rustic cabins, and even yurts available to rent, all with awesome views. Whether you hike in or snowshoe in, staying overnight in the Porkies is a place where time slows down.

In the winter, the Porkies becomes a wonderland for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even backcountry skiing. Even better is that there are fewer people to deal with and it offers a totally different type of adventure.

Whether you are hiking, backpacking, or just visiting to take photos the Porcupine Mountains are a wonderful place to experience. You can enjoy chasing the fall color, snowbound solitude, or just a trail that leads somewhere quiet and beautiful, the Porkies deliver in every season.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and your work week, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers a natural beauty that’s hard to find elsewhere. Places like majestic Tahquamenon Falls, the beautiful cliffs of Pictured Rocks, the intimacy of Bond Falls, and the ruggedness of the Porcupine Mountains allow you to connect with nature and get away. And make sure you don’t forget your camera, you’ll definitely want it.

Thanks for reading,

Scott

Bond Falls in Autumn

My favorite picture of Bond Falls that I captured

Lake of the Clouds at the Porcupine Mountains

Backpacking Porcupine Mountains