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Scale Eagle Mountain, a Minnesota Landmark
For one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in Minnesota, scale Eagle Mountain, the state’s highest point. Located about 20 miles northwest of Grand Marais, the Eagle Mountain Trail is within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and the Superior National Forest, two of the state’s most impressive natural areas.
The trail runs through forest and bogs that sprout wildflowers, such as pink moccasin-flower, three-leaf false Solomon's-seal, Joe-Pye weed, and yellow pond-lily. Along the route, you may see moose, bears, eagles, or wolves. At the midway point, Whale Lake offers campsites and an inviting place for a picnic.
The payoff at the top of Eagle Mountain is an incredible view for miles of forests, hills, and lakes. This moderately difficult hike is rugged, even in the long, flat approach to the mountain. When the real climb begins, the trail is occasionally very steep. At seven miles roundtrip, the hike takes between three and five hours to complete. After a day at Eagle Mountain, hikers come away with a sense of accomplishment and a lasting impression of a Minnesota landmark.
To hike this area of the BWCAW for the day, use a free, self-issue permit available at the trailhead.
