eagle mountain

This week my two children and I made the trek up the Eagle Mountain trail for the third time in 10 years. The trial is about 3.5miles from the trailhead to the summit. Eagle Mountain is the highest point in Minnesota at 2301 feet above sea level. The trail is not a difficult trek for most people in reasonably good condition. It starts out fairly easy and increases in difficulty some as you get farther in. It makes several ascents and descents over the first ridge. There are several marshy areas that planks have been laid in place to make it more passible. A little over half on trail you come to a beautiful lake (Whale Lake I believe it is) that the trail follows around one side of the lake. Be sure to take some time to enjoy some of the great viewing spot of the lake. After passing the lake, the trail splits and ascent to the left takes you up a rather steep incline for a bit. This is the most difficult part of the trail but only runs about 150 yards or so and them the climb gets easier again. The view form the top is spectacular,especially the fall when the leaves are turing color. You have to hunt to find the plaque that marks the peek. Be sure to look for it so you can document your trip. After you get to a bald rock area overlooking to the south, you have to continue up and to the left a little to find trail to the marker. It is about another 200-250 yards from bald rock area. We like to allow 3.5 to 4 hours so we can enjoy the trail and the view.

We hiked the Eagle Mountain trail to the highest point in the state of Minnesota. The hike is very scenic with lots of fun walkways and rock gardens to traverse. I would rate it as a moderate hike with just one or two difficult sections. Be sure to stop at the (roughly) halfway point and take in views of the lake. The view from the bluff at the top of Eagle Mountain is definitely worth the trip up the trail.

Plan on 3 hrs round trip from the parking lot at the trail head to the top of Eagle Mountain. The first half of the hike is pretty tame. Then the trail gets rough with roots and rocks. When you make the turn to climb the mountain, it is a fairly steep climb with more roots and rocks. The view from the top is spectacular. Take a lunch with you, sit on the granite rocks and enjoy yourself. Make sure you climb all the way to the top. Look for the bronze plaque to know you are there. There is a pit toilet at the trail head. You will be going into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, so you will have to fill out a permit, but there is no charge.