The Porcupine Mountains rise from the shore of Lake Superior in
the far western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They are not
remarkably high by some standards but for this part of the
midwest they represent some of the most rugged terrain around.
The "Porkies," as they are known by locals, are actually a
series of three ridges that lie parallel to the shoreline. The
mountains are preserved within the borders of Porcupine
Mountains Wilderness State Park. The first ridge rises 1000 feet
directly from Lake Superior to a maximum elevation of around
1600 feet. The lake-side of the escarpment rises steeply but
gradually while the south side is a 300-500 foot cliff
overlooking the Big Carp River valley and the famous Lake of the
Clouds. The second ridge is a bit higher, reaching an elevation
of 1850 feet at Government Peak. Again, the north slope of this
ridge is gradual but steep. The south side however does not drop
off like its neighboring ridge to the north. the two Mirror Lake
sit in this high valley at about 1500