Eagle Mountain is the highest point in Minnesota,
so the views from the top are spectacular!

Edward, our guest, has wanted to hike to the peak of Eagle Mountain every since he read about it 13 years ago.

Yesterday we did a guided tour to the top of Eagle Mountain, the highest point in Minnesota. For those who have not taken this hike, it is about  seven miles round-trip. With lunch at the summit, it took us just over four hours.

You have to look a bit to find the exact trail, but when you do, you are rewarded with this plaque marking the summit.

The first part of the trail is fairly easy–just lots of rocks and tree roots to look out for. Once you turn toward the summit for the last 45 minutes or so, it starts getting a little steeper and you need to watch your footing. You can do the hike in an old pair of running shoes or even sandals, but I would not recommend it. A sturdy pair of trail shoes or boots keeps you from turning an ankle or worse. It is a ways back down if you are hobbled.

Eagle Mountain is much more lush than the mountains you find in some other parts of the country.

These rocks were formed by volcanic activity long before any of us were hiking the mountain.

The vegetation is fragile here in northern Minnesota,
so we follow the Leave No Trace principles.

The summit is beautiful. The panoramic view is spectacular. Pictures do not do it justice. When you get to the second overlook at the top, look off to the right to find a trail that leads to the actual plaque which is the top. You need to go over some rocks and the trail is well hidden until you are almost on top of it.

Be  sure to bring lots of water and even though it is August, we still have mosquitoes in the northland, so bring repellant. (After this hike, my new favorite is Bullfrog, but I’ll tell you more about that in another blog.)

From the summit you can see the North Branch of the Cascade River along with Shrike Lake in the foreground.
Eagle and Zoo lakes are further out.

Nickie guided the hike and brought along her dog Charlie.
I knew there was something I liked about Nickie.

If you have a hike in mind and do not feel confident about doing it alone, stop on in and set it up with one of our guides. There are great hikes near Grand Marais and all over Cook County and we’d love to show them to you!