Eagle Mountain | |
Photo Size: | 200 |
Elevation Ft: | 2301 |
Elevation Ref: | [1] |
Prominence Ft: | 1321 |
Map: | Minnesota |
Map Size: | 175 |
Label Position: | left |
Listing: | U.S. state high point 37th |
Coordinates: | 47.8974°N -90.5601°W |
Coordinates Ref: | [2] |
Topo: | USGS Eagle Mountain |
Easiest Route: | Maintained hiking trail |
Eagle Mountain is the highest natural point in Minnesota, United States, at 2301feet. It is in northern Cook County in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest in the Misquah Hills, northwest of Grand Marais. It is a Minnesota State Historic Site.[3]
Eagle Mountain is only about 12miles from Minnesota's lowest elevation, Lake Superior, at 600 feet (183 m).[4] It is part of the Canadian Shield. There is also another much shorter peak also named Eagle Mountain in northern Minnesota. The shorter peak is part of the Lutsen Mountains ski resort.
The hike to the summit can be made in about two and a half hours. The distance to the peak is about 3.5miles with an elevation gain of 550feet. The trail is rocky and moderately strenuous. Whale Lake is about halfway along the trail and offers two campsites to hikers. The peak of the mountain is marked with a plaque.
Permits are required because portions of this hike enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Self-issued permits are available at any Superior National Forest ranger station or at the trailhead. Instructions and the permit can usually be found at the trailhead kiosk.[5]
Among the highest natural points (highpoints) in each U.S. state, Eagle Mountain ranks 37th.[6]