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Winter adventures in the Porcupine Mountains offer a rare chance to disconnect, slow down, and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Winter has a way of making people feel stuck. Life slows down, plans get put on hold, and adventure feels like something you wait for until spring. After spending a winter weekend in the Porcupine Mountains, we were reminded how wrong that mindset really is.
This trip wasn’t about checking boxes or rushing from one activity to the next. It was about immersion.
It was about stepping into a landscape that forces you to slow down, look around, and truly experience where you are.
That said, we weren’t glued to our phones, and we weren’t posting every moment in real time. That was the point.
Just two and a half hours from Hayward, Wisconsin, the Porcupine Mountains feel like a different world in winter. Quiet, expansive, and timeless. Snow-laden trees, ice-covered beaches, and trails that lead you deeper into nature instead of toward the next stop. It felt like walking into a vintage Northwoods Christmas card, only better because we were living inside it.
This was our second visit to the Porcupine Mountains, returning again through a hosted winter activities collaboration. Experiencing this place in winter only deepened our appreciation for the Upper Peninsula. Winter here isn’t boring. It’s grounding. And if you give it a chance, it has a way of giving back more than you expect.
This winter adventure in the Porcupine Mountains shows how disconnecting and immersing yourself in nature can completely change the way you experience winter.
Where We Stayed: A Cozy Basecamp in Ontonagon
We stayed once again at Sunshine Motel & Cabins in Ontonagon, Michigan, and pulling in felt immediately familiar. We left Hayward Friday and drove straight up, arriving in Ontonagon just in time to unpack before heading back out for an afternoon of snowmobiling.
Because we stayed here during our summer trip, returning in winter felt less like checking into lodging and more like coming back to a place we already knew. Anthony and Nou are wonderful hosts, and reconnecting with them was one of those small moments that makes a trip feel personal instead of transactional.
The cabins and rooms are simple, comfortable, and perfectly suited for a winter adventure basecamp. A warm bed, kitchenette, bathroom, television, alarm clock, and plenty of storage and hangers for bulky winter gear. When you’re spending your days outside snowmobiling, ice fishing, and exploring, luxury isn’t necessary. Warmth, comfort, and a place to reset matter most, and Sunshine checked every one of those boxes.
In addition, they also have a plowed area for snowmobilers and trailers. We even earned the honorary title of the first guests of the winter season, which felt pretty neat.
Friday: Snowmobiling Into the Heart of the Porcupine Mountains
After unloading at the cabins, we trailered our snowmobile over to the American Inn in Silver City, which quickly became clear as a main hub for snowmobile trailers in the area. At first, we weren’t totally sure where to park or trailer to. For that reason, we continued west and stopped at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex Information Center for updated trail information and local insight before dropping the trailer back at the AmericInn.
The DNR staff member there was incredibly friendly and helpful. If you’re new to snowmobiling in the area, this is an excellent first stop. He helped confirm trail access down South Boundary Road, trail pass and recreational passport information, trailering options, and general conditions before we headed out.
Ontonagon offers several snowmobile trail systems depending on which direction you want to explore. Trail 1 is the main route heading west out of Ontonagon toward the Porcupine Mountains and Lake of the Clouds. Additional trail systems branch east of the city and connect riders to more regional routes. Since this was our first ride of the weekend and our goal was Lake of the Clouds, we stuck with Trail 1.
Trail Conditions & Planning Ahead
Trail conditions when we rode were a little beat up in spots. We ran into a few mashed-potato sections where traffic had churned things up, but overall the ride was still solid and enjoyable. The area picked up around four inches of snow on Saturday, with another five to seven inches reported on Sunday. As a result, conditions should only continue to improve.
One thing we appreciated was how easy it is to stay informed. Ontonagon County snowmobile trail reports are updated regularly online, and local snowmobile clubs and Porcupine Mountains pages also share updates on social media. With winter conditions changing quickly, having reliable trail information makes planning much easier. You can check that out by clicking HERE.
What stood out most was how different snowmobiling feels here compared to busier destinations like Hayward. The trails weren’t nearly as crowded. Instead of riding from bar to bar, snowmobiling here feels rooted in nature. You ride for the scenery, the distance, and the experience of moving through a wild landscape. It’s quieter, more intentional, and incredibly refreshing.
Snowmobiling to Lake of the Clouds at Sunset
Snowmobiling to Lake of the Clouds in winter is something truly special. Unless you’re extremely ambitious and prepared for a roughly 14-mile round-trip hike, snowmobiling is the most practical way to access the overlook this time of year. The road is closed to vehicle traffic in winter.
We arrived just in time for sunset and stood at the overlook watching the sky shift colors over the valley below. The Big Carp River winds through the landscape beneath the overlook, frozen and quiet, adding to the sense of scale and stillness.
Far fewer people were around compared to summer. No crowds. No noise. Just snow, fading light, and the kind of quiet that makes you forget what time it is. For a brief moment, it was just the two of us standing there, taking it all in.
I couldn’t help but stare down toward the lake, thinking about how badly I’d love to fish there someday. Even so, the steep and unforgiving terrain makes it clear that some places aren’t meant to be conquered. Some places are meant to be admired exactly as they are.
Tears froze in my eyes watching that sunset. It was one of those moments that stays with you long after you leave. Snowmobiling was a major highlight of our winter adventures in the Porcupine Mountains, giving us access to places you can only reach this time of year.
We rode back to our trailer, but not without stopping by the infamous Porkies sign and taking in some views of icy Lake Superior. The sunset only got prettier by the minute.
Friday Night Pizza Party at Syl’s Cafe
After snowmobiling back and trailering up, we headed into town for dinner at Syl’s Cafe, a favorite from our summer trip that we couldn’t wait to revisit. If you’re looking for a warm, welcoming place to eat in Ontonagon, Syl’s is it.
They were running a weekend pizza special, and it did not disappoint. We ordered two 14-inch pizzas, one pepperoni and mushroom and one chicken bacon ranch. Both were excellent. The service was friendly and genuine, and Syl’s has a way of making you feel welcome the moment you walk in.
They also have a case full of pastries and cakes available for purchase. That makes it a great stop whether you’re grabbing dinner or swinging through for something sweet. It was the perfect way to wrap up a full first day before an early morning ahead.
Saturday: Ice Fishing Lake Gogebic with Just Fish Guide Service
Saturday was all about fishing.
We met up on the east side of Lake Gogebic with Justin Soffa and Just Fish Guide Service for a full day on the ice. We hadn’t been back to Gogebic since 2022, and returning reminded us just how massive and alive this lake feels in winter. Our friend Taylor made the early-morning drive to fish with us for the day, and the company was outstanding.
Our target species was jumbo yellow perch, and the action delivered. We primarily jigged and ran JawJackers, which are set-line devices that automatically set the hook when a fish bites. They’re a great option when you want to stay mobile while still keeping lines working.
A Hot Bite & Big Water
By the end of the day, we caught 28 fish total and kept 21 between the three of us on JawJackers and jigging in the shack. Plenty of meals for future fish fries!
The highlight of the day came when Jay, Taylor, and I all hooked into jumbo perch within minutes of each other. We were running in three different directions, laughing, yelling, and trying to keep up. It was chaotic in the best way, and we definitely had a hot spot within our group setup.
When you take a trip with Justin and his crew, everything is included. That means bait, equipment, flashers, rods, tackle, hubs, and even snowmobiles. They’ll even run to grab food for you if you want, added onto your trip fee. I can’t recommend them enough. Take the trip.
What makes ice fishing Lake Gogebic so special isn’t just the fish. It’s the scale. Snowmobiles ripping across the lake. Anglers spread out as far as you can see. The rolling hills of the Porcupine Mountains framing the horizon. You feel small out there, and somehow that makes the experience even richer.
Let’s just say there are in fact gold in them hills.. and they’re jumbo perch. Ice fishing Lake Gogebic was one of the most memorable parts of our winter adventures in the Porcupine Mountains.
Saturday Night: Burgers and an Early Crash
After a full day on Lake Gogebic, we headed back up to Ontonagon and stopped for dinner at Roxie’s. It After hours outside, it felt good to sit down somewhere casual, warm, and filling.
We both went the mushroom Swiss route. I ordered the Philly Burger (mushroom and swiss), and Jay got the Yukon (same, but with bacon). Simple, classic, and exactly what we needed after a long day of fishing. They hit the spot.
By the time we finished dinner, the combination of fresh air, cold weather, and nonstop activity had fully caught up with us. We headed back to the cabins and crashed hard. No alarms. No scrolling. Just sleep.
Sunday and the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex
Sunday was originally planned as a ski day. However, with an incoming ice storm and the reality of hauling a trailer home, we made the call to leave earlier than expected. Safety always comes first.
That said, we still spent time at the Porkies Winter Sports Complex, which had just opened for the season and deserves a highlight all its own.
The complex is run by the Michigan DNR and offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, lessons, rentals, a lift, and a strong focus on silent sports like snowshoeing and fat biking. The lodge itself is well equipped with a restaurant, plenty of seating, locker space, and a gift shop.
The staff was incredibly welcoming. After explaining that we were working with the Porcupine Mountains and gathering content, they graciously allowed us to ride the lift to the top so we could capture photos and video. Even without skiing this time, it was clear this is a place worth planning a return trip around.
Even with changing plans, the Winter Sports Complex played an important role in our winter adventures in the Porcupine Mountains.
Disconnecting, Reflecting, and Why Winter Is Worth It
As we packed up and headed home, I felt genuinely refreshed.
Limited cell service meant fewer notifications, fewer distractions, and more presence. At times, I wondered if I should be sharing more in real time. The truth is simple. Experiencing the Porcupine Mountains fully was the job. Being immersed was the point.
I laughed. I cried. I stood quietly watching a frozen sunset with tears freezing in my eyes. Winter here has a way of stripping things down to what matters.
If someone thinks winter trips aren’t worth it, the only thing I’d say is this: you have to experience it for yourself. Winter looks different for everyone. Silent sports, loud sports, fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, or simply staying in a small cabin in the woods by yourself. There is no wrong way to do it.
The Porcupine Mountains offer space. Space to slow down, disconnect, and see winter for what it really is.
Adventure isn’t far away. Sometimes it’s just waiting for you to step outside.
Plan Your Own Porcupine Mountains Winter Trip
Winter adventures in the Porcupine Mountains look different for everyone, whether that means fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, or simply being present.
Plan your own trip and explore lodging, snowmobiling, fishing, and more here: https://bit.ly/4aNFCNB
Thank you, as always, for reading. I appreciate you so much.
— Sarah
We first visited this region during a summer trip, which you can read more about in our Porcupine Mountains summer travel guide:
Get your Michigan Recreational Passport, Snowmobile Trail Pass, and Fishing Licenses here:
