---
type: lake
name: "Alton Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Tofte"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 969
max_depth_ft: 72
latitude: 47.87067
longitude: -90.90939
lake_score: 64
dnr_lake_id: "16062200"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/alton-lake
---

# Alton Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Tofte

- **Surface Area**: 969 acres
- **Max Depth**: 72 ft
- **Shoreline**: 15.4 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 14.2 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 64/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Alton Lake is a 969-acre lake near Tofte in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 72 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 15.4 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 7 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, tullibee (cisco), and rock bass. 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. 14 campgrounds 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**: 7
- **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

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), Rock Bass, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Beth Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/beth-lake) - 1.9 miles, 170 acres
- [Sawbill Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/sawbill-lake) - 2.1 miles, 834 acres
- [Kelso Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/kelso-lake) - 2.3 miles, 133 acres
- [Grace Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/grace-lake) - 2.6 miles, 433 acres
- [Burnt Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/burnt-lake) - 3.4 miles, 358 acres
- [Kelly Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/kelly-lake) - 4.6 miles, 173 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.87067,-90.90939)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16062200)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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