Eagle Mountain

I had such a great day hike to Eagle Mountain (EM) on Thursday Nov 13 2025. The trail rises gently until it meets the spur to the summit at Whale Lake (WL). Then it gets steep, but it's not too bad. Take some time to enjoy the views from the top and to explore there. The actual summit is back a ways in a more wooded area. The tread was in good shape and obviously maintained by somebody. There were several boardwalks that take hikers over the wettest spots. Most of the trail goes through a tunnel of trees. The views were mostly at WL and around the top of EM, though there's a nice beaver dam and lodge right at the BWCA boundary. There were plenty of rocks and roots but they didn't bother me since I've hiked the entire SHT & BRT. I'm 62 and it took me 4 hrs to complete this out-and-back hike. That breaks down as 1:50 outbound, 40 min's at the summit, and 1:30 returning to the EM trailhead. That includes several photo stops during the outbound part and of course at the top. The return trip was substantially faster due to more downhill grades and fewer stops. This dat the morning temps were around 29°F and the midday high was 45. I highly recommend this 'late season' timing. The ground was mostly frozen with a dusting of snow. I saw quite a few places that would've been wet and muddy during warmer months. A couple were icy. Trekking poles helped me a lot! Also the deciduous leaves were off the trees on this day. I'm sure that improved the views. Though the summit could be awesome for fall leaves. I saw 2 separate other hikers on a November mid-week morning. I would guess there can be many more during 'peak' times. There is a large parking lot at the EM trailhead. Don't forget: you need a BWCA permit, which should include watching a Leave No Trace video. This trail would also be good for an easy 2-day hike with an overnight stay at Whale Lake, possibly continuing on to (or coming from) the Brule Lake trailhead.

Eagle Mountain Trail is hands-down one of the best hikes in northern Minnesota. The trail is about 7 miles round-trip and moderately challenging, with some rocky and root-covered sections. Wear good hiking boots—this isn't a flat walk in the park! You pass through beautiful boreal forest, and there are several scenic spots along the way, including Whale Lake, which makes a great place to take a break. The final push to the summit is a bit steep, but absolutely worth it. The view from the top—Minnesota’s highest point at 2,301 feet—is stunning. On a clear day, you can see miles of forest and lakes stretching out in every direction. Trail is well-marked, though remote, so make sure to bring water, snacks, and maybe some bug spray depending on the season. Limited cell service, which honestly adds to the experience. Highly recommend if you're up for a rewarding day hike with true Northwoods beauty!

The actual summit is in the tree lines but there's two decent overlooks before it to chill at

Great 6.6 mile out and back hike. 3-4 hours. It is relatively flat to start and steeper at the end. There are many exposed roots and rocks. The trail is well marked, and some of the boardwalks are loose or rotten proceed with caution. Great view, be sure to continue to the marker.

I loved this trail! This was my last stop on a Memorial Day Weekend filled with hiking, and it was so worth the time and effort. Everything about this trail is great, starting with the easy access to the trailhead. (I have included the route that I followed to get there at the end of this review.) There is plenty of parking at the trail head, along with a restroom and a kiosk where you will issue a permit to yourself (the permit is free). The trail itself is a moderately difficult wilderness trial. It is very rocky and crisscrossed by tangled roots, so wear good footwear and watch your step! (Also, lots of flying critters, so take whatever protective measures you think are prudent.) At places the trail was boggy or completely inundated, and at one point, I had to briefly leave the trail and pick my way across an inundated area using fallen logs. There are also some water crossings with wooden boardwalks or bridges, but a couple of them are not in good repair, and you will have to walk through some water on planks that are under the surface. But that merely enhances the adventure! The first two miles of the trail are relatively flat (a few moderate ups and downs), but about 2.25 miles out, you will reach the turn off for the trail to the peak (it is marked with a sign, and it is on the left). At that point, the trail is quite steep, and you will have to exert yourself a little bit to gain the summit. But there are lovely scenic overlooks up top. Seriously. Lovely. Be sure to keep going until you reach the highpoint marker, and then take a minute to wander around and find your favorite vantage points. I hiked this trail alone, and I enjoyed the solitude. But be aware: this place is fairly remote, so getting help in the event of injury could be very difficult if you are hiking solo (you will not have cell service in most places here). That said, the woods and waters were lovely and restful to my soul. If I lived closer, I would definitely return from time to time. From the trailhead to the peak and back is a round trip of seven miles. I arrived at 6:00 p.m. and made it back to the trailhead at 8:20 p.m. (I kept up a steady pace because I wanted to get off the trail before dark.) I saw a pair of other hikers in the first mile as I was heading up (they were coming down), but otherwise I had the place to myself. Getting to the trailhead: Just north of Lutsen on MN 61, turn onto Caribou Trail (County Road 4) and drive for about 18 miles. Caribou Trail ends at a T-intersection with The Grade. Turn right and drive for about 4 miles to the trailhead. The last fourteen miles (or so) before the trailhead is unpaved, but the roads are very well maintained and the surrounding countryside is lovely. Enjoy!

Well worth the climb. A very fun and moderately high point. Great sweeping view of lakes and valleys below. It is about 3.5 moderate to slightly difficult trail to the top with lots of rocks and roots along the way. The last mile is about a 500 foot elevation gain. Mid may was a good time to go with fresh green leaves and little to no mosquitoes.

Most of the hike is pretty easy, most of it is flat until you get to the turning point between the brule lake trail and the summit. The climb really isn’t that long either. Depending on your walking pace it will take between 3 to 5 hours. Bring bug spray and wear layers. Wear good shoes because there are a lot of rocks and roots on this trail.

Nice 6.5 mile hike thru the woods with a good view at the top. The trail is very rocky so wear good supportive shoes and don't forget the bug spray. Very quiet and peaceful at the lookout which overlooks several wilderness lakes. Took us 4.75 hours hiking relatively slow with a break at the top.