It appears that I'm going to get an opportunity to work at the Soo Locks between Lake Superior and Lake Huron for a year. The work will be interesting because I'd be working on a new lock between two Great Lakes with the US Army Corps of Engineers.
I haven't been a flatlander since I was a very small child unless you count working a few winters in east Denver metro which of course is still a lot closer to the mountains and hills that than Sault Ste. Marie Michigan and my basic training/AIT un Missouri when i was 17.
I hike, climb, or canyoneer every day so I'm wondering what I'd do there for a year. It appears that there is some hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing on the UP but I know it won't be the same. Maybe winter will be interesting enough. Apparently there is indoor climbing and some crags near the Canadian side of Sault Ste. Marie but I don't have any partners.
Is there anyone here living in or from Michigan, especially the UP who has some thoughts?
Would anyone be interested in doing anything there, assuming there are even any 14ers.com members there?
Michigan - UP
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Scott P
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Michigan - UP
I'm old, slow and fat. Unfortunately, those are my good qualities.
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Hungry Jack
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Re: Michigan - UP
The North Country Trail passes nearby. The section through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is stunning.
Check out Lake Superiot Provincial Psrk in Canada.
Check out Lake Superiot Provincial Psrk in Canada.
Last edited by Hungry Jack on Mon Sep 14, 2026 6:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
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CheapCigarMan
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Re: Michigan - UP
The Porcupine Mountains have wonderful fall colors.
Of course it won't be the same as climbing 13 and 14,000 foot peaks but you'll discover lots of scenic places to hike and you'll have more than enough snow to snowshoe and other outdoor activities. Lots of hunting and fishing as well.
Of course it won't be the same as climbing 13 and 14,000 foot peaks but you'll discover lots of scenic places to hike and you'll have more than enough snow to snowshoe and other outdoor activities. Lots of hunting and fishing as well.
I should be on a mountain
Re: Michigan - UP
There may not be big mountains but there is a fair bit of ice climbing in northern Michigan: https://saulttourism.com/travelogues/ic ... ste-marie/
“Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world.” -David McCullough?
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SkaredShtles
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Re: Michigan - UP
It's pretty, but I wouldn't want to live there. 
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Mtnman200
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Re: Michigan - UP
If you get a chance, go backpacking on Isle Royale for a week.
"Adventure without risk is not possible." - Reinhold Messner
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SkaredShtles
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ScottLovesRMNP
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Re: Michigan - UP
Greenstone Ridge up to Mount Desor is on my bucket list -- I second the suggestion of backpacking Isle Royale!
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Exiled Michigander
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Re: Michigan - UP
Scott, you ice climb a bit, right? Ice climbing near Munising is supposed to be great. This place rents gear and does guiding:
https://www.shopdownwindsports.com/page ... ar-rentals
https://www.shopdownwindsports.com/page ... ar-rentals
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Istoodupthere
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Re: Michigan - UP
I’m a troll (those that live below the Mackinac Bridge) but I’ve been to the UP enough. Unfortunately, there isn’t much to do in the immediate Soo area unless you like to fly fish. The Soo Rapids on the Canadian side has great fishing for multiple salmon and trout species. The Keweenaw Peninsula is very cool but a 5 hour drive in dry conditions. Mount Bohemia is good skiing but nothing compared to CO. Plenty of cool areas to explore along the Lake Superior shoreline. Mackinac Island isn’t too far. Snowmobiling and hunting are also big in the UP.
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Istoodupthere
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. Somehow they found him alive.-
Scott P
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Re: Michigan - UP
I used to but it has been a while. Same with skiing. Maybe it's a good time to get back into it.Exiled Michigander wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2026 10:29 am Scott, you ice climb a bit, right? Ice climbing near Munising is supposed to be great. This place rents gear and does guiding:
https://www.shopdownwindsports.com/page ... ar-rentals
I'm old, slow and fat. Unfortunately, those are my good qualities.