The Porcupine Mountains themselves arise abruptly from Lake Superior to form a 12 mile long escarpment which parallels the lakeshore for a distance of 1.5 miles. At 2 billion years old, the mountains are a section of one of the oldest mountain chains in the world. On the landward side of the escarpment is Lake of the Clouds, which is one of the spectacular views to be found from high peaks in the area. On a clear day, one may see more than 25 miles to the west.

Noted for its magnificent forests, scenic vistas, over 90 miles of hiking trails, and striking geologic formations, the park is also home to a number of endangered, threatened and special concern species including small blue-eyed mary, ram's head ladyslipper, Hooker’s fairy-bells, slender cliff brake, male fern, gray wolf, wood turtle, peregrine falcon, merlin, and bald eagle. In addition, visitors can see excellent examples of wave-cut beaches carved by former glacial lake shore lines. .

Lake of the Clouds

Northern Hemlock