Lutsen, Minnesota
Eagle Mountain Trail
Climb to Minnesota's highest point in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Length
- 7 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 640 ft
- Duration
- 3–4
- Best Season
- May–Oct
- Permit
- Required
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Features
- State high point, Boundary Waters
About the trail
Eagle Mountain (2,301 ft) is the highest point in Minnesota. The trail crosses bog boardwalks, passes Whale Lake, and climbs gently to a rocky summit overlooking the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — endless lakes and boreal forest stretching to the Canadian border.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 47.8967, -90.5586Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Drive County Road 4 / The Grade north from Lutsen to the Eagle Mountain trailhead.
- Cross the bog boardwalks for the first 2 miles.
- Skirt Whale Lake at 2.5 miles.
- Climb the final 0.5 miles to the summit.
- Return via the same route.
Parking
Eagle Mountain trailhead lot — BWCAW day-use permit required (self-issue at trailhead).
Tips from the trail
- Self-register for the free day-use permit at the trailhead kiosk.
- Trail is wet — waterproof boots strongly recommended.
- Black flies peak in June; September is the best month.