The Eagle Mountain Trail leads to the summit of Eagle Mountain a total one way distance of 3.7 miles. After 2.8 miles, the Eagle Mountain Trail connects to the Brule Lake trail. Access and parking is off of Forest Road 170 near Two Island Lake. The trail to the summit of Eagle Mountain is a spur trail. Eagle Mountain at 2,302 feet is the highest point in Minnesota and the highest point for over 500 miles in any direction. Both the highest and lowest areas in Minnesota are in Cook County with Eagle Mountain being the highest point and Lake Superior the lowest point at 601 feet above sea level. The Eagle Mountain Hiking Trail is rather rocky, with views of lakes, creeks, and small cliffs. About two thirds of the trail is in the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area) and self issued day permits must be in procession of parties hiking. Permits are available at trailhead and entry point #79 serves this trail. Overnight camping permits are required for the two campsites found on Whale Lake and at the base of the mountain.
This is a very popular trail on weekends. The parking lot is often filled and sometimes you need to park on the road. The surface of the trail is similar to a heavily traveled BWCA portage; it is always easy to follow. There are a few areas that are marshy, but these areas have board plank crossings. Several other places along the trail are very rocky and require a little care with footing. The only strenuous part of the trail is the last 0.8 miles beyond Whale Lake that lead to the summit. This will leave folks in average shape sucking some wind. Almost everyone is doing the trail on a day permit. If you plan on camping, you need to go through the regular BWCA permit process.
The Eagle Mountain Trail is connected to the Brule Lake Trail. You can find the intersection of the two trails, which is marked with a sign, at the northwest corner of Whale Lake, at the same place the Eagle Mountain Trail gets steep and heads for the summit.
You will know you are at the top of Eagle Mountain when you reach the large rock with the sign embedded into it.
Welcome to the trailhead parking lot!
A map of the route and campsite we stayed at.
At about 1 mile in and officially entering the BWCA.
Some of the trail looked nice and easy.
With boardwalks to get across wet areas.
Unfortunately the easy part of the trail ended and with the rain, the hike became much more difficult.
At about the 3 mile mark and time to head up to the top of Eagle Mountain.
Trail is steep and hard going up and coming down, especially when wet.
The highest point in Minnesota!
Proof that my wife Sarah and I made it to the top!
The view was worth it although too overcast to see Lake Superior.
View of Whale lake back down from the mountain.
Our campsite for the night.
View of Whale Lake.
A view of Whale Lake from our dining room.
