Lake Michigan is often a turquoise blue, is the 6th largest lake in the world, and has more dune shoreline than most anyone could ever explore in their whole lives! It can also feel packed and overrun depending on the time of year and place you go to for the Northern Lake Michigan Beach and Hiking Trails Experience. After several months of living and exploring the area while living in the towns of Interlocen and Lake Leelanau I have narrowed down my three favorite “more hidden” beaches and hikes in the region.

A little disclaimer here that I think public lands access is for everyone and the recent uproars from privileged white people about how crowded things like the National Parks are getting is BS. These parks and lands belong to everyone and marginalized communities have much larger disadvantages towards visiting them in seclusion than privileged rich folks. I think the secret sauce is taking care of the public lands (and any piece of the planet) and finding your own off the beaten paths in protected areas if seclusion is what you desire! Reservation systems are great to not overcrowd a trail but they favor upper income who work at desks and have flexibility to plan in advance.

When I say “more secluded” in this article I am imploring more accessibility for everyone to have an equal chance to visit these special places, while knowing there might be some lesser known spots you can visit while doing so!

Three Hikes and Beaches near Lake Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes region that will take you away from the crowds!

1. Esch Beach/Otter Creek.
   Combo this with a hike on the Otter Creek Loop, Deer Lake, or find a backcountry spot to tent camp off “Trails End” roads camping spots and you’ll find a place on Lake Michigan that will leave you curious as to where all the people are that visit this area. Technically part of Sleeping Bear Dunes you’ll leave the “Dune Climb” crowds behind on this one!

2. Port Oneida Beach/Bay View Trails.
Port Oneida and Pyramid Point are the end of Sleeping Bear Dunes Northern Region, from here you head East towards the towns of Leland and Northport. But first you get miles on the Heritage Trail, iconic views of Lake Michigan at Pyramid Points and a “more secluded” hike and beach.
Take the Bay View Ridge Loop and Bay View Farm Loop for some nice and relatively desolate trails and afterwards make the scanter down the sand to Port Oneida Beach. The shorelines will belong to you and a few other people. If solitude and ice cold turquoise water is what you seek you won’t be disappointed!

3. Leelanau State Park

Hike and beach in one name, but in different areas!
The Leelanau State Park “orange/red” loop and blue loop make for hiking that will have you feeling like you got dropped in the Pacific Northwest by accident. The last time I did these loops it was just me, my dog, the mushrooms, and the birds.
Travel four miles further up the road and you’ll be where Lake Michigan turns into the Grand Traverse Bay and begins its plunge towards Traverse City. The waters are rough here and you’ll truly feel like you are on the edge of a piece of the planet. The camping spots located right next door have to be top notch, though I have not found out for myself quite yet!

They don’t call it Pure Michigan for no reason!

I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege to get to live next to Lake Michigan for several months and enjoyed the times with the crowds and the times without equally.

When I wasn’t ready for people but wanted a more quiet time in nature these beaches and trails were some of my favorites!

Hope you find what you need when exploring the Up North Lake Michigan Area, thanks for reading and being part of the community here!

Because Adventure Feeds the Soul,
Mike R