Hikes & Owls: A Weekend in Paradise Michigan

Join us for a weekend in Paradise, October 4–5! We’ll enjoy three hikes and an evening owl banding demonstration with the Friends of Whitefish Point on Saturday night. This outing is limited to 20 people, so register through Sierra Club's portal at the link at the end of this description.

Saturday Morning – Tahquamenon Falls
Our trip begins with a 4-mile hike along the Tahquamenon River between the Upper and Lower Falls in Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The Upper Falls is Michigan’s largest waterfall—spanning nearly 200 feet across and dropping almost 50 feet. The river’s tannin-rich waters, stained a golden-brown from surrounding cedar swamps, create a dramatic cascade that has earned the falls the nickname “Root Beer Falls.” The scenic trail follows the river through mixed hardwood and pine forest, offering stunning overlooks and the chance to spot wildlife along the way.

Saturday Afternoon – Vermilion Point
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Vermilion Point Nature Preserve, a remote 175-acre sanctuary along Lake Superior with 1.75 miles of pristine sandy shoreline, dunes, wetlands, and forest. Managed by the Little Traverse Conservancy, it’s an important nesting site for the endangered piping plover and home to diverse wildlife. The preserve also holds the historic Vermilion Life-Saving Station (1876–1944), a reminder of the shipwrecks that once plagued this stretch of coast.

Saturday Evening – Owl Banding
That evening, we’ll join the Friends of Whitefish Point for an owl banding demonstration. The Friends operate an Owl Banding Station during the spring, summer, and fall at Whitefish Point, where researchers capture, band, and release owls as part of a long-term conservation study. Visitors can learn about the wonders of migrating owls, their remarkable adaptations, and their long journeys across the country—and may even have the chance to see one up close before it’s released back into the night sky.

Sunday Morning – Whitefish Point
On Sunday, we’ll wrap up with a bird walk at Whitefish Point, one of North America’s premier migration hotspots. The point juts out into Lake Superior, funneling thousands of birds—waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds—across its shoreline each spring and fall. It’s also home to the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, Shipwreck Museum, and lighthouse, offering a mix of natural wonder and maritime history before we head home from our weekend in Paradise.

Trip Details
Participants are responsible for their own camping, lodging, and meals. There is a $45 fee, which supports the Friends of Whitefish Point and covers outing leader expenses. Food and lodging are available in Paradise, Michigan. The trip leader will be camping at Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Lower Falls – Hemlock Campground)—feel free to stop by his campsite to visit around the campfire Friday night and join a short optional hike to the Lower Falls Friday evening. Payment, travel details, and detailed itinerary will be coordinated via email with those who register the week before the trip. We will share the names of anyone that would like to carpool. We will also be coordinating moving some cars between the Upper and Lower Falls as well as ride sharing to Vermilion.

Hike Leader
For questions, email hike leader Ken at sierra.club.semg@gmail.com.

https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po000017wXK4IAM