Eagle Mountain

Mountain peak · West Cook

Eagle Mountain

Mountain peak · West Cook

1

West Cook, MN 55604

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Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by thomasharper (Atlas Obscura User)
Eagle Mountain by thomasharper (Atlas Obscura User)
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null
Eagle Mountain by null

Highlights

This mountain is the highest natural point in Minnesota with a 7-mi. round-trip hike to the top.  

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West Cook, MN 55604 Get directions

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West Cook, MN 55604 Get directions

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Last updated

Mar 5, 2025

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"In the dense forests of northeastern Minnesota, Eagle Mountain stands above the entire state at 2,301 feet above sea level. A plaque, spectacular views, many lakes, and frequent mosquito attacks await climbers. The 3.5 mile trail to the high point runs through Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. While hiking be prepared for attacks by Minnesota’s unofficial state bird, the mosquito. The trail runs alongside Whale Lake before heading upward to the summit. The highest point is an exposed rock with a large plaque embedded in it. Next to the summit is a wide vista, looking out to the expansive forests and various lakes, emblematic of northern Minnesota’s wide wilderness." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

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Shaun Mackelprang

Google
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!

Jace Hulne

Google
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.

Jacob D

Google
Would highly recommend not going in middle of summer with a mosquito net. The mosquitos are ravenous and genuinely vicious. Even running through the trail didn’t particularly help, I got bitten 50+ times, especially around sunset. Bring a mosquito net and thick clothing they can’t bite through!

Wyatt W. Penke

Google
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.

good Hassam

Google
Beautiful views, especially in fall. 2 hours up, 1.5 hrs down is how long ut took us, pretty simple hike until last 30min up mtn then more if a (stair) climb

Jared Lesueur

Google
This is about a 7 mile hike gonna take you 3 to 4 hours, but worth it for the lookout and to say that you’ve been in the highest point in Minnesota. So beautiful up here and this is a nice one to add to your experience the trail is gorgeous, mushrooms, and other things along the way. But also lots of mosquitoes and I mean a lot, so bring some serious spray and maybe a face netting!!

The Faithful-Flames

Google
The peak was incredibly gorgeous and well worth the climb. However the campsite was way off the peak and off the main trail meaning that you can’t sleep on the mountain. The tallest point is also off the beaten trail as it opens up near the top and you have to stumble around the forest area to find it. Also the real climb doesn’t start until about 2-3 miles in with a sign pointing to the top. Overall a very fun hike with a bit of rocks and trees in the way and a good bit of up and down. If you have a free afternoon, It’s worth the hike.

Sarah Steinhauer

Google
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.