---
type: lake
name: "Cherokee Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Tofte"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 837
max_depth_ft: 142
latitude: 47.96303
longitude: -90.79711
lake_score: 55
dnr_lake_id: "16052400"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/cherokee-lake
---

# Cherokee Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Tofte

- **Surface Area**: 837 acres
- **Max Depth**: 142 ft
- **Shoreline**: 20.8 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 12.2 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 55/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Cherokee Lake is an 837-acre lake near Tofte in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 142 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 20.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.2 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 4 fish species here, including northern pike, lake trout, and burbot. 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. 16 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**: 4
- **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

Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Burbot, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [North Temperance Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/north-temperance-lake) - 1.3 miles, 185 acres
- [Gordon Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/gordon-lake) - 1.8 miles, 135 acres
- [Frost Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/frost-lake) - 2.2 miles, 284 acres
- [South Temperance Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/south-temperance-lake) - 2.2 miles, 214 acres
- [Long Island Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/long-island-lake) - 3.8 miles, 884 acres
- [Karl Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/karl-lake) - 4.1 miles, 121 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.96303,-90.79711)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16052400)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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