Big Island Lake Wilderness

For adventurous Michiganders craving a true wilderness experience, Big Island Lake Wilderness, nestled within the Hiawatha National Forest near Manistique, offers an unparalleled opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourselves in the raw beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This 5,856-acre remote protected area is a haven for those willing to venture a bit off the beaten path, promising solitude, stunning scenery, and a deep connection with nature. Unlike traditional campgrounds, Big Island Lake Wilderness is designed for a self-sufficient, backcountry adventure, making it a dream destination for experienced canoeists, hikers, and anglers.

Big Island Lake Wilderness is renowned for its network of 23 small inland lakes, ranging from 5 to 149 acres, many of which are connected by maintained portage trails. This unique characteristic makes it a prime location for canoe camping, allowing paddlers to traverse multiple lakes and find their own secluded slice of paradise. The area offers a mix of gently rolling hills and bogs, with a recovering forest landscape that still bears subtle traces of its logging history from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite being a wilderness area, it is considered one of the more "developed" of the Hiawatha's wildernesses, featuring twelve designated campsites with essential amenities like fire rings and latrines, providing a structured yet wild experience.

Visitors to Big Island Lake Wilderness are drawn by the promise of quiet reflection and unspoiled natural beauty. While the fishing might not always be "to write home about" for trophy catches, it offers ample opportunities to catch small pike and medium-sized bass, providing a satisfying angling experience for those who appreciate the thrill of the catch in a pristine setting. The emphasis here is on "Leave No Trace" principles, ensuring the wilderness remains untarnished for future generations. For Michigan outdoor enthusiasts looking for an immersive backcountry trip that challenges and rewards, Big Island Lake Wilderness truly delivers an unforgettable experience.

Big Island Lake Wilderness is located near Manistique, MI 49854, USA, deep within the expansive Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Specifically, this wilderness area is situated about one-half mile northwest of the community of Steuben, approximately 22 miles northwest of Manistique, and about 18 miles southeast of Munising in Schoolcraft County. Its remote yet defined location makes it a prime destination for Michigan locals seeking a true wilderness immersion without having to travel out of state.

Access to Big Island Lake Wilderness is primarily designed for those willing to engage in self-propelled travel. While bordered by County Road 437 on the south, County Road 445 on the west, and Forest Road 2303 on the northeast, the interior of the wilderness is largely roadless. Entry points typically involve designated boat launches for carry-down access, such as the Big Island Lake Boat Launch, Byers Lake Boat Launch, and Ned's Lake Boat Launch. These serve as gateways for canoeists and kayakers who then navigate the network of lakes and portage trails. The system of maintained hiking and portage trails connecting the inland lakes is key to exploring this area, and visitors should be prepared for portaging their watercraft.

While external roads are close enough that faint vehicle sounds might occasionally be heard in the heart of the wilderness on very quiet days, the area maintains a profound sense of seclusion. The approach to Big Island Lake Wilderness prepares visitors for a self-sufficient journey, as there are no easy access points for motorized vehicles or mechanized transport beyond the initial entry. This intentional design ensures that the wilderness experience remains largely undisturbed, making it an ideal destination for Michigan adventurers seeking a truly remote and pristine outdoor adventure.

Big Island Lake Wilderness, while emphasizing a primitive experience, provides essential services and infrastructure to support backcountry exploration and camping, all managed under strict wilderness regulations.

• Designated Campsites: The wilderness area features twelve designated campsites spread across its numerous lakes. These sites are equipped with basic amenities.
• Fire Rings: Each designated campsite includes a fire ring, allowing for safe and contained campfires. It is important to note that campfires are only permitted in these provided fire rings to minimize impact.
• Latrines: Pit toilets, or latrines, are available at the designated campsites, providing essential waste management facilities within the wilderness.
• Maintained Portage Trails: A network of maintained portage trails connects the 23 inland lakes, facilitating canoe and kayak travel between them. These trails are crucial for navigating the wilderness.
• Boat Launches (Carry-Down): Designated boat launches at various entry points (e.g., Big Island Lake, Byers Lake, Ned's Lake) provide access for carrying in canoes and kayaks. Motorized access is very limited.
• No Mechanized Transport: Wheeled portage carts or any other mechanized transport are prohibited within the wilderness, requiring all gear and watercraft to be carried manually.
• No Motorized Equipment: As a wilderness area, the use of motorized equipment is strictly prohibited, ensuring a quiet and undisturbed natural environment.
• Special Fishing Regulations: The lakes are part of a special fisheries district under the Michigan DNR, with specific regulations regarding lures and fish sizes to protect fish populations.
• Group Size Limits: The maximum group size permitted is 10 people, and the maximum number of people per campsite is 6, helping to preserve the wilderness character and solitude.
• Prohibition of Certain Items: Saddle or pack animals, and glass containers are prohibited within the wilderness to minimize environmental impact.
• "Leave No Trace" Principles: Visitors are strongly encouraged to follow "Leave No Trace" principles, including packing out all trash and burying human waste properly (if not at a latrine).

Big Island Lake Wilderness offers a distinctive set of features and highlights that appeal to those seeking an immersive and challenging backcountry experience in Michigan.

• Expansive Lake Network: With 23 lakes ranging in size, interconnected by portage trails, it's an ideal destination for multi-day canoe or kayak trips, allowing for extensive exploration and diverse paddling routes.
• True Wilderness Solitude: Despite having designated campsites, the wilderness status and strict regulations on motorized and mechanized transport ensure a high degree of solitude and a quiet, natural environment, making it a perfect escape from crowds.
• Backcountry Canoe Camping: It's particularly well-suited for canoe camping, with established campsites providing a base for exploring the various lakes and enjoying primitive camping.
• Designated Campsites for Impact Reduction: The presence of twelve designated campsites with fire rings and latrines helps to concentrate human impact, preserving the broader wilderness while offering essential facilities.
• Opportunities for Fishing: While fishing might require specific techniques due to the unique fishery, the lakes offer opportunities to catch small pike and medium-sized bass, providing a rewarding experience for anglers.
• Scenic Beauty and Diverse Habitats: The landscape features a mix of rolling woodlands, bogs, and a recovering forest, offering diverse ecosystems and picturesque scenery throughout the seasons, especially vibrant in early spring and fall.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is home to diverse wildlife, including ducks, loons, great blue herons, occasional bald eagles, sandhill cranes, black bears, porcupines, and pine martens, offering ample opportunities for nature observation.
• Hiking and Portaging: Beyond paddling, the maintained portage trails provide opportunities for hiking, allowing visitors to explore the wilderness on foot.
• Winter Recreation: During winter, the average snowpack of 48 inches makes it an excellent location for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing from mid-December to mid-March.
• "Leave No Trace" Emphasis: The strong encouragement and regulations around Leave No Trace principles ensure that the wilderness remains pristine, fostering a sense of responsibility among visitors.

For inquiries or to plan your wilderness adventure at Big Island Lake Wilderness, please use the following contact information:

Address: Manistique, MI 49854, USA

Phone: (906) 428-5800

Mobile Phone: +1 906-428-5800

As Big Island Lake Wilderness is part of the Hiawatha National Forest, for more detailed information on specific regulations, wilderness permits (which are typically self-issued at entry points and free, but intentions must be noted), current conditions, or mapping, it is highly recommended to contact the Munising Ranger District Office of the Hiawatha National Forest. Their general information line for the Hiawatha National Forest is (906) 428-5800.

Please note that specific campsite reservations for Big Island Lake Wilderness are generally not required in the traditional sense, but adherence to group size limits and camping only at designated sites is essential. It's always best to check the latest guidelines from the U.S. Forest Service before your trip.

Big Island Lake Wilderness is an exceptional destination perfectly suited for locals in Michigan who possess an adventurous spirit and a deep appreciation for untouched nature. For residents across the state, this wilderness area offers a profound opportunity to engage in true backcountry camping, an experience that distinguishes it from more conventional campgrounds. Its location in the Upper Peninsula, while requiring a journey, delivers an unparalleled sense of escape and remoteness that is increasingly rare to find.

The primary suitability for Michiganders lies in its focus on self-propelled exploration, particularly canoe camping. With its intricate network of 23 lakes interconnected by portage trails, it provides a unique recreational challenge and immense satisfaction for paddlers. This is ideal for locals who have the necessary gear and experience for primitive camping and value the reward of reaching secluded campsites by their own effort. The presence of designated campsites with fire rings and latrines, while basic, provides essential infrastructure to support this type of adventure, striking a balance between wildness and necessary convenience.

Furthermore, Big Island Lake Wilderness appeals to Michigan locals who prioritize solitude and quietude. The strict prohibition on motorized equipment and mechanized transport ensures that the only sounds you'll hear are those of nature, fostering a truly peaceful environment for reflection and relaxation. While fishing reviews suggest it's more about the experience than trophy catches, the presence of pike and bass provides a satisfying angling pursuit within a pristine setting, appealing to local fishermen who enjoy the tranquility of wilderness fishing.

For those living in Michigan, Big Island Lake Wilderness offers a profound opportunity to disconnect from the demands of modern life and reconnect with the natural world. It encourages a deeper respect for wilderness principles, promoting minimal impact and fostering a sense of stewardship. It's a place where memories are forged through effort and immersion, making it a highly recommended and rewarding destination for Michigan's outdoor enthusiasts.

Big Island Lake Wilderness

Manistique, MI 49854, USA