Our 30 Mile Family Backpacking Trip on the North Country Trail - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising, MI)
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“We slept like dogs down by the fire side
Awoke to the fog all around us
The boom of summer time”
Originally Dan and I planned on skipping summer vacation this year, as the pandemic makes traveling somewhat scary. But one night, while discussing past trips, Pictured Rocks came up.
Dan and I met in law school at University of Michigan (random fact, I used to practice law) and (over 15 years ago) we enjoyed a romantic weekend on Michigan’s upper peninsula. We have always wanted to return, but never seemed to find the right time (the drive from DC is LONG (approximately 1000 miles)).
Anyways, this year, after more research, we learned that you can backpack the length of the National Seashore (42 miles) on the North Country Trail. We quickly secured permits (luckily, because they ended up selling out months in advance), planned our route, socially distanced, and crossed our fingers that we’d all still be healthy in August. Since the kids were not thrilled about this new plan, we cut the trip to 30 miles to placate them. And it was BEAUTIFUL.
FAQ FOR HIKING THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL THROUGH PICTURED ROCKS (WITH KIDS)
(1) HOW HEAVY WERE THE BACKPACKS?
Not as heavy as you’d think. When I went on Outward Bound after high school my pack was so heavy I couldn’t dry lift it. But gear is SO MUCH LIGHTER now. Parker and Freya’s two person tent (which I carried) weighed less than my sleeping bag.
(2) HOW DID YOU CONVINCE YOUR KIDS TO GO BACKPACKING?
Um, they didn’t have a choice. And I’m fine with that. Though we did reward them when with stuff. Since Trout helped the most (he helped cook meals, put up the tents, and refilled the water) he earned the most in “rewards” and now has a nicer phone than I will ever have.
(3) HOW DID YOU SHOWER?
We didn’t. Though Lake Superior was MUCH WARMER than we thought it would be and I wish we would have swam (but we were so tired).
(4) ANY SUGGESTIONS ON GEAR?
Dan is the gear guy in our family, so he knows (and researches) that part of our trips. Here were a few of his finds - this tent was crazy light (we also have a three person version, which REI discontinued); this gadget was great for getting rid of mosquitoes at the campsite.
(5) WHAT DID YOU EAT?
Mostly freeze-dried meals, which sound gross now but tasted amazing after a day on the trail. Chili mac followed by berry crumble made us all super happy.
(6) WHERE DID YOU GET WATER?
Lake Superior. We brought a gravity filter, but it clogged on the second night. Luckily, we also had a UV filter and iodine pills. If you plan a similar trip, be careful as not all of the backcountry campgrounds have water access. We only camped in ones that did.
(7) WERE THERE BEARS?
Yes (or so the signs said). Once we even saw bear poop. All the backcountry campgrounds have bear boxes, which were large and clean, with plenty of room for everyone’s food and toiletries.
(8) HOW BAD WERE THE BUGS?
Shockingly, not bad. Though we brought headnets and prepared for the worst. There were some blackflies on the beach at night, but none in the campgrounds or on the trail. On day 4, we encountered some serious mosquitos, but other than that, we got really lucky.
(9) WAS IT CROWDED?
Most of the backcountry campgrounds only have 6 sites, so the trail was not crowded. But the day use areas were PACKED. Our shuttle driver said tourism is up 70% from last year and our hotel (The Holiday Inn Express) was booked solid through October (as were most other accommodations). Backpacking permits and campgrounds sold out months in advance (we got lucky).
(10) WHAT WAS THE ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS?
Before we went I tried googling this and couldn’t find any info. I think it’s because the trail is so flat. Really really flat. If you’ve never tried backpacking before, this would be a great starter hike.
(11) WHERE CAN WE FIND MORE INFORMATION?
The National Park website has tons of great info, including a trip planner. Click here to check it all out.
(12) WHY ARE THERE SO MANY MORE PHOTOS OF YOUR SON THAN OF YOUR DAUGHTERS?
Because my daughters wouldn’t agree to photo releases for more than a few pictures (I’m actually serious here).
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Darcy Troutman Photography is a Northern VA/Washington DC/Maryland documentary-style family photographer, who believes in capturing real moments. Interested in learning more? Please click here to sign up for my newsletter or schedule a session.