Lake of the Clouds | Michigan's Porcupine Mountains
Nestled in between two ridges of the Porcupine Mountains, lays an enchanting lake. The lake, aptly named the Lake of the Clouds, is evidence of the effervescent beauty of Michigan.
Keep reading to discover this incredible Michigan gem.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders that Michigan has to offer. Amongst all of the natural beauty found in the U.P., there still remains a hidden gem. The Lake of Clouds itself is surrounded by the increasingly rare ‘virgin’ wilderness- a forest that has reached a great age without human interference, resulting in an irreplaceable ecosystem that is relatively untouched.
Activities Around the Lake of Clouds
This one of a kind forest is perfect for hiking, running, and camping. The Lake of the Clouds is accessible through two different nature trails. The first trail, Big Carp River Trail, runs about 9.6 miles through the Porcupine Mountains, with a stop at the Lake of the Clouds, finally ending of the pristine shores of Lake Superior. The second trail, Escarpment Trail, is a shorter trail at only 4.3 miles and navigates varying elevations, which allows for breathtaking views. These trails create an immersive environment to fully enjoy the natural wonder surrounding you.
While the forest and trails surrounding the Lake of the Clouds are beautiful, the true natural wonder is the view of the lake. Either of the trails- Big Carp River Trail or Escarpment Trail- will both lead you to amazing sights of the lake. For those who want to avoid the long hike of these trails, there is an overlook a short distance from a parking zone. Once at the top of the overlook the true beauty of the area becomes fully realized. From the peak, visitors can literally see for miles. The surrounding Porcupine Mountains, nearby forests, and the Carp River following from the Lake of the Clouds into Lake Superior are all visible. The sight of the Lake of Clouds nestled in the woods of the Porcupine Mountains is a breathtaking experience for all that are able to behold it.
Autumn Up North 🍁
Capture the beauty of Northern Michigan’s fall foliage with Autumn Up North, a shimmering brick red polish that embodies the rich colors of the season. Inspired by the vibrant colors of maple leaves, this captivating shade is enhanced with tiny rainbow glitters that sparkle like sunlight on colorful autumn leaves.
Shimmering brick red with rainbow glitter for a festive, autumn-inspired look
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Michigan is home to over 11,000 miles of shoreline, making it the perfect place to enjoy the breathtaking views of fall foliage against the backdrop of crystal-clear lakes and rivers during the autumn season!
When to Visit the Lake of the Clouds
Visitors flock to the Lake of the Clouds year-round. With each season comes a different reason to visit. During the winter the trails surrounding the lake are perfect for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. For those who are a little bit more daring, there are also great spots to snowmobile as well.
Once the ice melts and spring arrives, the trees begin to bloom in the Porcupines Mountains. The increasingly warm weather makes for excellent viewing weather of the lake. However, be warned that the Lake of the Clouds is not immune to the unpredictable nature of Michigan winters. It is just as likely to get a snowstorm or a thunderstorm during the spring months here. In the summer the Lake of the Clouds is the perfect place to take a quick dip and cool off from a long hike.
Finally, in autumn, the Lake of the Clouds truly comes to life. While the view of the lake is always beautiful, the kaleidoscope of color from fall’s changing leaves illuminate the beauty of the lake. Especially from the vantage point of the overlook the sea of fall leaves never seems to end. The sight will truly be breathtaking. Regardless of the time of year, it’s always worth a trip to visit the Lake of the Clouds.
Lake Superior Agate
Celebrate the natural beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula with Lake Superior Agate, a deep rust brown creme nail polish inspired by the stunning banded agates found along the shores of Lake Superior.
Rust brown creme polish
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact:Lake Superior Agates are considered some of the most beautiful agates in the world due to their unique banding patterns, and they can range in color from deep red to orange, yellow, and even purple. These agates are believed to have formed over 1.1 billion years ago, during volcanic activity. They’re found along the beaches of Lake Superior and are a popular treasure for beachcombers!
Shop Michigan-Inspired Products
Shop Michigan-inspired nail polishes, cosmetics, and other lifestyle products. Our products are toxin-free, vegan, and sustainably handmade in small batches in Traverse City, Michigan.
Natural Loose Mineral Eyeshadows
Fall Collection:
Petoskey Stone: warm toned sparkling beige
Up North: medium toned green-gold
Hell, MI: shifting red-green brown at different angles
Bear Tracks: metallic brown
Saugatuck: neutral beige with rosy warm tones
Marquette: sparkling gray with cool undertones
Frankenmuth: mauved rose-red with a slight cool toned shift
Charlevoix: medium soft warm russet red
Summer Collection:
Torch Lake: sparkling turquoise.
Michigan Wildflowers: sparkling pink with gold highlights. Great diverse color to use as eyeshadow, blush, or highlighter.
Lake Life: slightly shimmering marine blue.
Eastern Market: sparkling summer orange.
Leelanau: shimmering neutral tone frosted with blue highlights in certain light. Can be used for eyeshadow or face highlighter.
Sweet Honey Bee: matte honey yellow. A beautiful POP of color on the eye lids!
Wolverine State: metallic antique gold.
Spring Collection:
Sand Dunes: sparkly gilded gold-beige.
Driftwood: cool toned ivory beige with shimmer.
Mallard: deep brown with slight multi chromatic shift. Watch a review featuring this shade
Drummond Island: green with slight gold shift.
Blue Heron: medium true blue.
No.VI: beautiful sparkling true purple.
Each loose mineral eyeshadow is highly pigmented, resists creasing and blends easily with a silky feel. Formulated with only natural and vegan ingredients. Not tested on animals. 5 gram jar comes with a sifter and seal. Recyclable plastic
This 5 gram jar will last about twice as long as the same amount of cake eye shadow.
Non-toxic and chemical free cosmetic. Fragrance free, paraben free, and dye free.
Handmade in Traverse City, MI, USA, Vegan, and Cruelty free.
Free from these common toxins:
Talc
Dyes
Bismuth oxychloride
Carbon blacks (D&C Black #2, acetylene black, etc.)
Formaldehyde and preservatives
Parabens
Lead
Aluminum powder
Retinyl acetate or retinyl palmitate
Heavy metals
Cheap and unnecessary fillers
Carmine (vegan)
How to use: Tap a brush lightly into the eyeshadow (or use finger) and swipe it across the inside of the cap to remove any excess product. Starting at the inner corner of the eye lid, gently brush outwards. Lightly contour creases, if desired. Blend color upward and outward. Layer on until desired look is achieved.
Spring Collection: Watch this video for a review on the Spring collection!
Suggested: Prep lids with primer or concealer for extra smooth application. Organic Eye primer is also available on this listing. How to use eye primer: Prepare your eye lid for loose mineral shadow by applying a thin layer of this eye shadow primer. Applies sheer white. All natural, organic, vegetarian (not vegan - contains beeswax), cruelty free, and handmade in USA.
Brushes not included, but available separately.
Up North 🌲
Capture the spirit of Michigan’s northern escapes with Up North, a shimmering olive green polish that embodies the serene beauty of the state’s lush forests and rolling hills. Accented with enchanting gold highlights, this versatile shade reflects the sunlight filtering through the trees, evoking memories of peaceful getaways and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re reminiscing about summer hikes or cozy fall weekends, Up North brings the essence of Michigan’s treasured northern landscapes to your nails.
Shimmering olive green creme inspired by Michigan’s northern beauty
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Michigan’s northern regions, often referred to as “Up North,” are home to over 19 million acres of forests, offering countless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting!
Sunsets on the Lake 🌅
Bring the magic of Lake Michigan’s sunsets to your nails with Sunsets on the Lake, a mesmerizing multi-chromatic polish that shifts between brilliant reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows. Inspired by the breathtaking hues of serene lakeside evenings, this sparkling shade also reveals dynamic bronze and gold tones as it catches the light. Perfect for sunset lovers and those who appreciate a touch of natural wonder, Sunsets on the Lake creates a manicure as captivating as Michigan’s famous golden hour.
Multi-chromatic polish inspired by Lake Michigan’s vivid sunsets
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Lake Michigan sunsets are renowned for their vibrant colors, thanks to the clean air and expansive water surface reflecting the sky's brilliance—making them a must-see for visitors and locals alike!
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