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.
I spent the night at a beautiful campsite in the BWCA on Whale Lake. Hiked an additional 10 miles on the Brule Lake trail for some excellent scenery and solitude (didn’t see any other hikers while on the Brule).
Entry point #79 to the parking lot of Eagle Mountain Trailhead.
Information and day use permit area. Also the entry point and exit of Eagle Mountain trail.
A third of the way in and officially entering the BWCA.
About the 2 mile mark.
The trail has its share of obstacles with boulders and tree roots. Easy to turn an ankle if you're not careful.
Choices to make at about the 3 mile mark. Continue and start up to Eagle Mountain or branch off on the Brule Lake Trail.
Going up to Eagle Mountain. The hardest but most rewarding part of the hike.
The reward! You can see all the way to Lake Superior on a clear day.
Whale Lake at the bottom of Eagle Mountain. The evening mist starting to come in.
Another view of Whale Lake from the campsite.
Beautiful fire pit area with tent setup to the right.
There is something about going to sleep under the stars with the loon's song playing in the background!
Early morning sunrise through the mist.
Another view of Whale Lake.
Another view of Whale Lake farther down the trail.