Eagle Mountain (Minnesota)

Eagle Mountain is the highest natural point in Minnesota, at 2,301 feet (701 m). It is located in northern Cook County and is in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest in the Misquah Hills, northwest of the community of Grand Marais. It is a Minnesota State Historic Site.

Eagle Mountain is only about 15 miles (24 km) from Minnesota's lowest elevation, Lake Superior, at 607 feet (185 m). It is part of the Canadian Shield. Confusingly, there is another, much shorter, peak named Eagle Mountain in northern Minnesota. The shorter peak is part of the Lutsen Mountains ski resort.

The hike to the summit can be made in about two and a half hours. The distance to the peak is about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) with an elevation gain of 550 feet (168 m). The trail is rocky and moderately strenuous. Whale Lake is located about halfway along the trail and offers two campsites to hikers. The peak of the mountain is marked with a plaque. As the peak is located in a national wilderness area, a permit is required. Self-issued permits are available at any Superior National Forest ranger station or at the trailhead.

  • View from near the top of Eagle Mountain.

  • The rugged Eagle Mountain Trail at its junction with the trail to Brule Lake.

  • April hike to Eagle Mountain

  • Plaque marking the peak of Eagle Mountain

Famous quotes containing the words eagle and/or mountain:

    As an eagle stirs up its nest, and hovers over its young; as it spreads its wings, takes them up, and bears them aloft on its pinions, the LORD alone guided him...
    Bible: Hebrew, Deuteronomy 32:11,12.

    ... the deep experience of the lonely climb on the mountain of success brings a wealth beyond power to compute. To you all suffering is understandable and your heart opens wide in sympathy.
    Alice Foote MacDougall (1867–1945)