March 21, 2021

Yes, it’s true…there are ‘mountains’ in Minnesota. Minnesota actually has a string of mountains known as the Sawtooth Mountains, named for their saw-tooth like appearance as you look down the Lake Superior shoreline.

Eagle Mountain, though the highest point, is not actually a part of the Sawtooth Range. The summit lies within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and stands at 2,301 ft and is the highest point in Minnesota.

To hike to the top it is about 6.5 miles round trip with just over 1,000 ft of elevation gain in the ~3 miles to the top. Even though the trailhead is outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, you must fill out a permit for entry. It is self register for the day, and you can do it at the trailhead.

Winter is a great time for this hike, the trail is well marked and still fairly well traveled. Winter is also a great time to avoid the bugs, humidity and crowds that plague the summer months.

After your hike, Grand Marais is a perfect place to warm up. Voyager Brewing has great brews, food and even a fire place. Duluth is just a few hours drive south (with excellent breweries along the way) and a nice stop if you’re headed back to the Twin Cities.

Since Eagle Mountain is the highest point in Minnesota, you can check it off as one of the 50 High Points in the US.

If you’re headed out for a hike in the winter, don’t forget some sort of traction device like micro spikes or YakTrax and some trekking poles. Don’t forget that during the winter in the north the sun sets pretty early, so give yourself plenty of time.

Thanks for reading folks-hope you enjoyed it. Follow along for more Trip Reports, gear posts and buyers guides….now get out and enjoy some Days Off!