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Michigan
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Michigan State Parks

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USA Parks
Michigan
Upper Peninsula Region
Baraga State Forest
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BARAGA STATE FOREST
BARAGA STATE FOREST
1300 US-41 South
Baraga, Michigan   49908

Phone: 906-353-6558
Reservations: 800-447-2757
Baraga State Park is situated a quarter mile south of Baraga along US-41 and overlooks scenic Keweenaw Bay of Lake Superior. Camping is available at 118 grassy sites or in the park's minicabin. Watching wildlife, fishing, hiking, swimming and boating are among the many activities of this park.
History of the Area
Baraga State Forest is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and covers an area of approximately 87,000 acres. The history of the forest is closely tied to the history of logging and the development of the region.

In the late 19th century, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan attracted numerous logging companies due to its vast forest resources. The Baraga State Forest was originally part of the extensive Michigamme Forest, which included more than a million acres and was home to valuable timber such as white pine and hardwoods.

The logging operations in the area began around the 1880s, and many sawmills were established to process the timber. The harvested logs were transported via rivers and railroads to the mills and other destinations. The logging industry was a major economic driver, attracting workers from different parts of Michigan and other states.

As the logging industry gradually depleted the forests, the landscape changed significantly. Large areas of cleared land were left behind, and the once dense forest became fragmented. This period of heavy logging left a lasting impact on the land, and many ecosystems were altered or destroyed.

In the early 20th century, the Michigan Department of Conservation (now known as the Department of Natural Resources) recognized the need for conservation and sustainable management of the remaining forest resources. The state started acquiring land to create state forests, including the establishment of the Baraga State Forest.

The primary focus of the Baraga State Forest has shifted from timber production to multiple-use management, including recreation, wildlife habitat preservation, and sustainable forest management. Today, the forest offers various outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling.

Management practices within the forest aim to balance the economic benefits of timber harvesting with ecological preservation, ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the forest. Efforts are made to restore and enhance wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and promote diverse forest ecosystems.

Baraga State Forest has become an important area for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to enjoy Michigan's natural beauty and engage in various recreational activities. Many people visit the forest to explore its numerous trails, kayak or fish in its lakes and rivers, hunt game during designated seasons, and simply immerse themselves in the serene natural environment.
Passes
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
Camping
1. Baraga State Park: This park offers 116 modern campsites with electrical service, picnic tables and fire rings. Amenities include restrooms, showers, a playground for children and access to hiking trails.

2. Ojibwa Campground & Marina: Located on the shores of Keweenaw Bay in Lake Superior, this campground provides both tent camping sites as well as RV hookups along with boat launch facilities.

3. L'Anse Township Park & Campground: Offers rustic campgrounds near Second Sand Beach on Lake Superior's shore where you can enjoy fishing or swimming activities during your stay.

4. Canyon Falls Roadside Park: A roadside stop that has some primitive camping spots available nearby if you're looking for a more back-to-nature experience without amenities like electricity or water hookup.

5. King Lake State Forest Campground: It is located within Craig lake state park which includes six full lakes and numerous small ponds along with variety of wildlife such as deer,moose etc .It also have boating facility.

6. Perch lake state forest campground: Another option inside baraga county offering good fishing opportunities including species like bluegill,bass,walleye,northern pike etc.

7. Silver River Reserve: Although not technically within the boundaries of Baraga County,this reserve does offer cabin rentals just outside its borders providing another unique accommodation opportunity close by.

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Location
Baraga State Forest is

Trails
1. Craig Lake State Park: This trail is located in the heart of Baraga State Forest and offers a challenging hike with its rugged terrain, steep inclines, and rocky paths. It covers approximately 8 miles round trip.

2. Mount Arvon Trail: The highest point in Michigan can be reached through this hiking route within Baraga forest area which spans about 12 miles long offering stunning views from the top.

3. Peshekee to Clowry Rail-Trail: A former railroad corridor that has been converted into an easy-to-navigate path for hikers spanning around 16-miles one way featuring wetlands, forests and wildlife sightings along the journey.

4. Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness Area Trails: These trails offer various lengths ranging from short hikes under a mile to longer treks up to five or six miles each providing scenic overlooks of waterfalls, gorges & riverside landscapes throughout your expedition.

5. Silver Mountain Pathway: An adventurous looped pathway covering nearly four-mile distance showcasing panoramic vistas atop Silver mountain as well as dense woodland areas filled with diverse flora & fauna species native to Michigan state region.

6. Canyon Falls Roadside Park Trail: Known colloquially as "Michigan's Grand Canyon," it's just over half-a-mile walk leading you towards breathtaking waterfall view amidst lush green surroundings making it perfect choice for family outings.

7. Ogemaw Hills Pathway: Located near West Branch Township inside Baraga forest premises, these interconnected loops totaling almost nine-and-half-miles are ideal pick if you're seeking solitude while exploring nature at leisurely pace.

8. Big Eric's Bridge Hiking Route: Starting off at famous landmark 'Big Eric's bridge', this moderate level trekking course stretches roughly three kilometers alongside Huron river promising serene environment coupled with occasional bird-watching opportunities.

9. Sidnaw Station ORV Loop: Primarily designed keeping Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) users in mind, this 36-mile loop also welcomes hikers who prefer long-distance walking trails amidst wilderness settings.

10. Baraga Plains Trail: This trail is a flat and easy-to-walk path that covers about 12 miles through the plains of Baraga State Forest offering an opportunity to observe various bird species & wildflowers blooming during spring season.

11. Point Abbaye Park Trails: Offering multiple short hikes within its premises, these routes lead you towards beautiful Lake Superior shoreline while passing by dense forested areas filled with pine trees along your way.

12. Bear Paw Loop: A three-and-half mile round trip hike located near Three Lakes area inside state park boundaries featuring mixed hardwood forests alongside marshy wetlands providing unique ecological experience for nature enthusiasts.

13. Tioga Pathway: With total length close to five kilometers, it's perfect choice if you're looking forward exploring diverse habitats ranging from upland woods till boggy lowlands at same time as part of single hiking expedition.
Nature Programs
The Bishop Baraga Shrine, the Sturgeon River Gorge, Mt. Arvon (Michigan's highest point), Canyon Falls and attractions associated with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community are only a few of the points of interest in Baraga County. The park is 75 miles from Copper Harbor, 69 miles from the Porcupine Mountains and 73 miles from Marquette.

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Directions
From Baraga go 1/2 mile S. on US-41.

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Michigan
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Michigan State Parks

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