---
type: lake
name: "Alder Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Grand Marais"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 529
max_depth_ft: 72
latitude: 48.04565
longitude: -90.29461
lake_score: 63
dnr_lake_id: "16011400"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/alder-lake
---

# Alder Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais

- **Surface Area**: 529 acres
- **Max Depth**: 72 ft
- **Shoreline**: 10 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 14.2 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 63/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Alder Lake is a 529-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 72 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.2 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, lake trout, and splake. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. Canoe Lake #1 and Alder Lake #7 are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Permit or fee required
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 9
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

### Campgrounds

- Canoe Lake #1
- Alder Lake #7
- Alder Lake #10
- Alder Lake #4

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Splake, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Crocodile Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/crocodile-lake) - 1.7 miles, 295 acres
- [Caribou Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/caribou-lake-grand-marais) - 1.8 miles, 462 acres
- [Moon Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/moon-lake) - 2 miles, 148 acres
- [Lake Crystal](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/lake-crystal) - 2.6 miles, 206 acres
- [Clearwater Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/clearwater-lake) - 2.7 miles, 1,344 acres
- [Jim Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/jim-lake) - 3 miles, 59 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.04565,-90.29461)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16011400)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/alder-lake)*