6 replies to this topic

[Vinnysus]

Hi all
Have a trip planned to the UP second week of February,
staying a little outside of Michigamme.
We have been to the UP before but never this far West.
Just looking for any helpful tips or information on what to do, where to go/what to see.
Not quite a backpacking length type trip, we will be heading up Sunday riding Monday Tuesday Wednesday and leaving Thursday.
Is it realistic to ride to copper harbor and back in one day? (Deff want to at least check out Houghton)
Would also like to do lake of the clouds one day as well.
Both early risers and will be out the door by sunrise and shoot to be back by dark as we are not familiar with the area.. but do have GPS just in case.
Only 2 of us going, and both comfortable riding long distances.. won’t take many breaks other than to eat and gas up.
Just looking to log as many miles as possible.
Not sure how conditions will be since they are pretty bad right now.. hoping for the best in a months time.
Any info would be much appreciated!
TY

[seanp39]

This should go on the Michigan site!

Ok, I have stayed in Michigamme at the Maple Ridge resort and other places nearby.

Trail #8 runs right by there, it's on the north side of Rte 41 as it goes by the town...actually runs by it on the other side of the hills from the town.

You can go to CH and back but it is a very long day in the saddle...made longer due to a couple changes in that area. 

A. Trail #15 only goes as far as Chassel.  It used to go all the way to Houghton but due to land disputes was shutdown...I'm not even sure if

they groom it anymore from Baraga to Chassel.  Supposedly there is a trail that runs along Rte 41 all the way to Houghton but it's not an approved
trail...on the Google Maps it's looks like possibly an old train trail.  You can see it if you make the map small....runs between Rte 41 and the Portage Lake.

So that's a possibility!  I've been told the locals use it...but they also jump on the Portage Lake in Chassel and take it all the way to Houghton.

 

B. If you don't chance Trail #15 and decide to go further west before heading north into the Keweenaw, you will pick up Trail #12 and keep moving west....Trail #8 goes SW from there.

Off of Trail #12 you can't take Trail #109, it is closed for logging.  Hence you need to go to Trail #3 at Mass City and turn north into the Keweenaw!  All these trails are super fast moving

so you should make good time. From here you take Trail #3 all the way into Houghton but when you cross into Hancock go left and take Trail #17.  If you turn right and continue on Trail #3

it will end at Dollar Bay.  It is washed out between there and Lake Linden!!!

 

Trail #17 meets up with Trail #3 above Calumet and just becomes Trail #3 from there.  Fairly smooth sailing from there to CH. Trail #3 will take you up over Brockway Mnt. which is an excellent view!

Don't try to mess around with too many of the eastern Keweenaw trails....most of them are closed due to logging.  I know you can't take Trail #124 from Lac La Belle to Gay for sure...it's always closed.

 

As far as going to the Porcupines...another very long day!

 

A really nice loop is taking Trail #5 up to Big Bay then Trail #14 over to L'Anse/Baraga area.  On Trail #14 is Finn's Bar and Grill and Mt. Arvon.  Then head down Trail #15 and pick up Trail #8 and head back home.

When you get on Trail #8 in the morning head east to pickup Trail #5 and head north to BB.  Nice easy loop!

 

As far as staying in Michigamme area....it's a desolate area. Only 1 restaurant in the area and it's only open on certain nights.  You will need to pack in your food and drinks!!!

Closest town with anything really to offer is Ishpeming....about 25 miles east!

Edited by seanp39, 13 January 2021 - 06:11 PM.

[Vinnysus]

Got it, will definitely take this all into consideration.. maybe just a trip to houghton and back/run those other loops..
and of course depends on conditions.

Thanks for all the info!!!
And sorry this was my first post

[9Formula6z]

Good first post! Check out the USA-michigan section, there's others who have posted there with destinations and what not. Also check out fishweb and the MI interactive maps to find various routes.

[Vinnysus]

Thank you Formula! Will check all of those out.. and at this point just praying for some decent snowfall.
Appreciate the response!

[Go Fast or Go Home]

Also check out JohnDee.com.  He lives and reports from the Keewanaw

 

Also---Welcome to the site.  Lots of knowledgeable guys/gals on this site willing to help you out.

 

Lots of B.S too.  You'll learn to sort that out.  Of course I would never B.S anyone.

 

Don~

Edited by Go Fast or Go Home, 13 January 2021 - 10:00 PM.

[seanp39]

If you haven't found it yet...a Michigan Trail Pass is $48....and you don't have to register your sleds in Michigan...also insurance is not required on you or your sleds....not a great idea but that's the way it is here.

 

You can get a Trail Pass online thru Michigan Snowmobile Association or at any snowmobile dealership.  You will go by a few on your way here.