Western U.P. maps

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packerlandrider

Active member
I know after reading through the long thread on backcountry issues that this is sort of a touchy subject, but this is going to be my first winter in the U.P. (western U.P. to be more exact) and I would really like to do some "off trail" riding. The thing is, when I am out riding this winter, I want to know where I am (as in know its ok to be where I am riding). I think I have seen suggestions on what are good maps to start with on previous posts, but cannot remember what threads. So any suggestions are welcome as to what maps to start with, where to get them, online appplications like google earth, etc. My initial though is where can I get or order plat books for Houghton and Ontonagon Counties, as well as maybe a detailed Ottawa National Forest map. Any help or suggestions appreciated.
 
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cuzzinolaf

Well-known member
packerlandrider said:
I know after reading through the long thread on backcountry issues that this is sort of a touchy subject, but this is going to be my first winter in the U.P. (western U.P. to be more exact) and I would really like to do some "off trail" riding. The thing is, when I am out riding this winter, I want to know where I am (as in know its ok to be where I am riding). I think I have seen suggestions on what are good maps to start with on previous posts, but cannot remember what threads. So any suggestions are welcome as to what maps to start with, where to get them, online appplications like google earth, etc. My initial though is where can I get or order plat books for Houghton and Ontonagon Counties, as well as maybe a detailed Ottawa National Forest map. Any help or suggestions appreciated.
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I would stick to the plat book and the national forest. Anywhere else you go is a gamble. Be careful out there as off-trail is very dangerous. Too many unknowns under the snow and dangerous obstacles around every corner. I say if you're gonna go off-trail to just go out west.
 
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polarisrider1

New member
cuzzinolaf said:
i would stick to the plat book and the national forest. Anywhere else you go is a gamble. Be careful out there as off-trail is very dangerous. Too many unknowns under the snow and dangerous obstacles around every corner. I say if you're gonna go off-trail to just go out west.
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x2 ;)
 
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flatlandassn

New member
I suppose you could order a plat book for the entire county, but that could be expensive. They charge you like $3 a page and each page consists of one square on the grid. Just the north half of Houghton county has around 19 boxes each box is divided into 36 more boxes, these are the pages. If you look at how counties are split up, you would understand what I am talking about. If you plan on riding off trail you would probably want to get a GPS, load some sweet topo maps on there. If you try your hand at this, remember you are on your own so prepare accordingly.
 
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cuzzinolaf

Well-known member
flatlandassn said:
I suppose you could order a plat book for the entire county, but that could be expensive. They charge you like $3 a page and each page consists of one square on the grid. Just the north half of Houghton county has around 19 boxes each box is divided into 36 more boxes, these are the pages. If you look at how counties are split up, you would understand what I am talking about. If you plan on riding off trail you would probably want to get a GPS, load some sweet topo maps on there. If you try your hand at this, remember you are on your own so prepare accordingly.
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I would stay north of the Houghton bridge. Better off-trail up there I have heard.
 
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packerlandrider

Active member
thanks for the suggestions so far. unfortunately college is not cheap, so out west is sort of out of the question for the next few years. so the next best option other than finding a bunch of money somewhere miraculously was to go to a college that is located in some of the best snow in the midwest. (and of course, academics wieghed into this decision slightly...)

As far as plat books, I thought I saw on here that you can pick them up at certain county buildings, but again I cannot find the specific thread that mentioned this. Certainly considering a GPS, possibly Christmas or birthday gift.

Again, for right now I'm really just trying to get a feel for the lay of the land. Not neccessarly looking for those secret spots, just to start off on like unplowed forest roads and similar type riding. Any one know of a good map of the National Forest they can recommend getting and where I can find it?
 
Admin

Admin

Administrator
Staff member
cuzzinolaf said:
I would stay north of the Houghton bridge. Better off-trail up there I have heard.
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Of course once you have a plat book (something like $40 for both Keweenaw and Houghton counties combined), one will see that north of the bridge is 99% privately owned property, while south of the bridge there is lots of state and federal land to play on.

-John
 
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cuzzinolaf

Well-known member
Administrator said:
Of course once you have a plat book (something like $40 for both Keweenaw and Houghton counties combined), one will see that north of the bridge is 99% privately owned property, while south of the bridge there is lots of state and federal land to play on.

-John
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North of the bridge is better. More fire roads and hilly terrain.
 
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Admin

Admin

Administrator
Staff member
So if north of the bridge is better, why do all the boondockers stay in Twin Lakes and ride south of the bridge? :confused:

-John
 
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cuzzinolaf

Well-known member
besides... if you stay north of the bridge you have a chance of seeing one of the local celebrities who ride up that way (Mr. Dee, Stacker or M8Man). If you ride south of the bridge you might run into Skylar, Pat or Doospunk... which isn't as exciting.

Honestly, I would suggest any new "boondocker" to ride on someone's property they know. That landowner will know if there are landmines lurking just beneath the snow. There are too many hidden dangers in unknown areas and bulkheads, a-arms, and steering posts just waiting to break. I learned the hardway going through a bulkhead and a-arm on my sled and now just stick to the safe trails. :) My profile picture shows the best kind of riding there is.
 
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cuzzinolaf

Well-known member
Firecatguy said:
did you not take out your stearing post last year!!!!must hit something under the snow eh?
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OH! You're right. Three years ago was the a-arm, two years ago was the jack-shaft bearing and steering post, beginning of last season was the bulkhead and at the end of last season (now still) was the steering post again.

Boondocking in the UP is dangerous as you can see. Expensive repairs on my end. I will ONLY be boondocking out west from now on.
 
Admin

Admin

Administrator
Staff member
cuzzinolaf said:
They aren't hardcore boondockers. I think most stay at Parkview with their wives and play on the power lines all day.
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Ahh.... I see. Makes sense. :)

I'd say the best way to "get your feet wet" in the area of backcountry riding is to pony up for a guide. That way you will be riding in areas you belong and will get a good idea as to what it is all about.

You can ride with KSE out of Lake Linden, Northwoods Adventures out of Greenland or stay at the Wildlife Refuge Cabins in South Range or Lac La Belle Lodge in Lac La Belle and hope to get out with the owners on one of their freebie rides.

-John
 
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indybru

Member
You can pick up a big map from the Ottawa Forest Office. One is on north side of rt 2 between Ironwood and Besemer, Mi the other in Watersmeet.
 
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