Lake of the Clouds
Lake of the Clouds is a lake located in Ontonagon County in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The lake is situated in a valley between two ridges in the Porcupine Mountains.
Surrounded by the silhouettes of the ancient Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the Clouds is a blue gem amid the thick forests. In late spring and summer, the valley below is bathed in emerald green of old-growth forest, and in the fall, the trees burst into a fiery palette of oranges, yellows and reds. Lake of the Clouds is the most photographed feature in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, and one of the most photographed in the entire Upper Peninsula.
Lake of the Clouds is easily reached via a fully-accessible overlook and can also be reached via the Big Carp River Trail and the Escarpment Trail.
Lake of the Clouds is also known for its bass fishing. The lake is catch-and-release only and there are no boat rentals on site. Light watercraft can be carried in on a ¾-mile hike. Anglers can also try shore fishing or use waders.
The Scenic Area is located at the end of Michigan Highway 107. A park pass is required to visit here, but it is worth it + plus the pass makes you legal for all other park use during that day. There is an extensive boardwalk area serving the various overlooks so folks in wheelchairs or assistive scooters can take in the views. There are also interpretive displays, washrooms and picnic areas at the site and a large parking area with space for larger RVs.
While you'll see beautiful scenery and views any time of the year, it is especially popular in the fall, as you'll see from some of our pictures below.
There are also a network of hiking trails intersecting here (The Clouds parking area is a trailhead for the Big Carp River, Escarpment, and Mirror Lake hiking trails) for those who would like to spend a few hours getting some vigorous hiking as well as taking in numerous other scenic vistas available only to those willing to hike to the numerous peaks and along high ridges in the park.
The most beautiful season of the year has arrived, and the northern forests are scrambling for the autumn appointment. A "autumn snow" and a cold, climbing high and looking down, the lake of clouds against the autumn colors, and the carp river flowing quietly at the foot of the mountain, the mountains are red, and the forests are all dyed. I have to say - I don't see autumn when I return from Michigan
For shooting the magnificent scenery of autumn, if the angle is a little higher, the picture will be more shocking. Lake of Clouds is surrounded by mountains. The lake in the middle reflects the colorful leaves around it like a mirror. The Carp River flows quietly around the forest. As the best place to watch maple leaves in Michigan, Lake of Clouds is definitely a paradise for photographers.
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