Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness

Located in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan.

The Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness is located in Baraga and Houghton Counties, three miles north of Sidnaw and 35 miles south of Houghton, Michigan. Access to this 14,139 acre wilderness is primarily via Highway M-28 and Forest Road 2200 from the south.

The Sturgeon, a river in the National Wild and Scenic River system, and the Little Silver River and their tributaries form rugged, steep sided gorges up to 300 feet deep and 1/2 to 1 mile wide. Falls, rapids, ponds, oxbows and terraces are associated with the rivers.

Major scenic attractions of this wilderness are the Sturgeon River, its rapids and falls, and the Gorge itself. Overlooks on the Gorge's eastern rim offer stunning panoramas. Volcanic rock 7 outcrops form the 20 foot high.

Sturgeon Gorge is a distinctive landform and unique geologic feature, unduplicated elsewhere in the Lake States. Most of the area is forested except for a few bare slopes created by natural erosion. Rolling and rugged terrain is covered by a mixture of pine, hemlock, and other conifer trees as well as the more commonly found aspen, sugar maple, birch and basswood. This varied vegetation provides a popular attraction during fall color season which peaks in mid to late September. The rim of the Gorge offers the best viewing areas, and just to the north Silver Mountain offers outstanding vistas of the Gorge and surrounding area.

Wildlife in the Gorge area is typical of northern hardwood and conifer forests. Ruffed grouse, mink, woodcock, snowshoe hare, beaver, fisher, skunk, fox, and black bear are common. White tailed deer occupy a large portion of the area as winter range. The Sturgeon River and its tributaries are primarily trout streams, although not highly productive. You may see bald eagle or osprey feeding in the river.

There are few established trails in the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. Access to the interior is mainly by cross country navigation or on overgrown logging roads which may be difficult to find and follow. The North Country National Scenic Trail parallels northern and eastern boundaries of the wilderness for eight miles. Although there are no established camping areas within the wilderness, camping is permitted and visitors are strongly encouraged to abide by "Leave No Trace" ethics and principles. Sturgeon River Campground is just outside the wilderness boundary along Forest Road 2200 and has nine units, each with a tent pad, fire ring and table.

The area's unique characteristics provide good opportunities for wilderness recreation and solitude. The steep rugged terrain, older forests, and remote location give the visitor a sense of getting away from it all, while providing a varied and challenging environment well suited to primitive hiking and backpacking treks. Kayaking and white water canoeing on the Sturgeon River are challenging experiences and normally only feasible in the spring and fall when water levels are high. If you're planning a river visit, call ahead for water level information. The Sturgeon River meanders through the Gorge for 13 miles.

The Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness offers a unique and noteworthy wilderness experience for those who want to hunt, fish, hike, backpack, canoe, kayak, camp or explore one of the most scenic areas on the Ottawa National Forest. Cross-country skiing is limited because no roads are plowed to the wilderness boundary in winter.

For more information contact: The Ottawa National Forest