Spring, Summer & Fall Activities in Michigan’s Western U.P.
🌲 Discover the Western U.P. Beyond Your Cabin 🌲
When the snow melts, the Upper Peninsula comes alive with endless ways to explore. From hiking trails that wind through the Ottawa National Forest to fishing in sparkling streams and lakes, chasing waterfalls, hunting for rocks and minerals, or cheering at the Lake Superior Performance Rally, there’s something here for every kind of adventurer. Use this guide to plan your spring, summer, or fall getaway — and see why Two Rivers is the perfect basecamp for a true U.P. experience.
Fishing
The Ottawa National Forest offers 953,000 acres with more than 500 lakes and 2,000 miles of streams to fish in! In the Upper Peninsula, the Michigan trout season runs from the last Saturday in April to September 30. Later seasons are set for bass, walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge. See the MDNR Fishing Guide for exact dates. Generally, spring (May-June) is the best time for lake fishing on the Ottawa; summer (July-August) is somewhat slower, with fall (September-October) somewhere in between. Stream fishing for lake-run salmon and steelhead usually picks up around April 1 in streams with an extended trout-salmon season, such as the East Branch of the Ontonagon River North of M-28, or those with no closed season, such as the Black River. The best fishing on these streams starts around mid-September and lasts until the snow flies. Stream fishing for resident trout is generally best near the end of the legal season, especially for brook trout, which start upstream migration at this time. Check out the Recreation Opportunity Guide for Fishing in the Ottawa National Forest for more information.
Hunting
Hunting is a major recreational activity in the Ottawa National Forest. Deer, black bear, and grouse hunting is excellent. Hunting for other types of small game, waterfowl, and furbearers is also quite popular. All hunters are required to hold a valid State of Michigan hunting license and obey all fish and game regulations. Here is the Ottawa National Forest link For Hunter Walking Trail maps and Grouse/Aspen maps.
Hiking
Hiking trails in the Ottawa National Forest offer something for everyone. More than 196 miles of hiking and backpacking trails vary widely in character. Some provide short easy walks to points of interest, such as waterfalls and historic sites. Cross-country travel is also another challenging opportunity that is offered.
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Check out the Recreation Opportunity Short Hikes guide from the USDA.
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Here is a great resource for all of the hiking trails around Lake Superior - Lake Superior Circle Tour - Hiking Trails
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Information on the North County Trail, which connects Vermont to North Dakota, and crosses the UP from east to west (and across the Mackinac bridge) can be found here - Michigan North Country Trail
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Here is a great resource for some of the most popular trails in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (State Park admission fees apply) from AllTrails
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If you are in the area and need help with food pickup, package pickup, or need a ride, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Lake Superior Performance Rally
Every October, the area hosts the Lake Superior Performance Rally. There is nothing like seeing cars traveling at high speeds on back country forestry roads. Keep up to date with the event on Facebook too - Lake Superior Performance Rally.
Read our full Lake Superior Performance Rally adventure on the blog 👉
For the Rock Hound in your Group
This area, and much of the UP, is well known for copper, silver, iron, and semi-precious stones and minerals associated with the mining of these materials. If you get a chance to check out some local streams, rivers, rocky beaches, and quarries, you just might also find lake superior agates, fossils, amethyst, and fluorescent sodalite. Please respect private property and rock collecting laws in Michigan.
There are some mines in the immediate area worth visiting. Two that we recommend are:
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The Adventure Mine - Experience rappelling down a mine shaft, underground drilling and blasting workshops, or an easy guided walking tour.
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The Caledonia Mine - Enjoy the finest copper and mineral collecting in the world! At Caledonia Mine you spend the day digging through your own private ore pile, and with the help of our experienced staff, you take home whatever treasures you find!
Copper Peak
Experience the world’s largest ski jump and one of the most unique adventure spots in the U.P. Take the chairlift ride up, then an elevator, and finally climb to the top platform for breathtaking views over endless forests and Lake Superior. In fall, Copper Peak offers some of the best color viewing in the Midwest, and renovations are underway to bring it back as an active ski flying hill — the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.
Read our full Copper Peak adventure on the blog 👉
Mt. Arvon - Michigan's Roof
Venture off the beaten path and discover Mt. Arvon, the highest natural point in Michigan at 1,979 ft. Nestled in the rugged Huron Mountains of Baraga County, this peak offers a quiet, authentic Upper Peninsula experience.
In spring, snowmelt swells creeks and reveals hidden waterfalls along the trail. By summer and fall, the forested hike—marked by blue-diamond blazes through mature woods—feels like a secret rite. From the upper parking lot, it’s just a short walk to the summit, where you’ll find a USGS marker, mailbox with a logbook, and a bench overlooking the Huron ranges. On clear days, Lake Superior and Point Abbaye are visible from vantage points en route.
Keep in mind the drive in is part of the adventure—logging roads, rugged terrain, and seasonal mud can make it challenging for standard vehicles. But for anyone chasing the high point of Michigan, Mt. Arvon is a must-see—and a great addition to your outdoor adventures.
If you are in for a little more adventure, see if you can locate "The Rock Cut" or the "Million Dollar Railroad". It is not far from Mt. Arvon, but it is a well hidden gem, full of local history.
Other Points of Interest
The Upper Peninsula is full of hidden gems beyond waterfalls — from historic mines and scenic overlooks to lighthouses and quirky roadside finds. Our map highlights some of our favorite stops to explore during your stay at Two Rivers Motel & Cabins. Take a drive, follow the map, and discover what makes the U.P. so unforgettable.
🚀 Ready to Explore the Western U.P?
Two Rivers Motel & Cabins is one of the most convenient and affordable stays in the Western U.P. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or a enjoying a weeklong excursion, we’ve got cozy lodging and are centrally located in the Ottawa National Forest for tons of U.P. fun.