---
type: lake
name: "Moss Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Grand Marais"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 254
max_depth_ft: 86
latitude: 48.06687
longitude: -90.48041
lake_score: 52
dnr_lake_id: "16023400"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/moss-lake
---

# Moss Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais

- **Surface Area**: 254 acres
- **Max Depth**: 86 ft
- **Average Depth**: 42 ft
- **Shoreline**: 4.3 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 19.4 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 52/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Moss Lake is a 254-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 86 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 42 feet, and has roughly 4.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 19.4 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota. 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 3 fish species here, including smallmouth bass and lake trout. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. Caribou Rock Camp Site is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 3
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

### Campgrounds

- Caribou Rock Camp Site

## Fish Species

Smallmouth Bass, Lake Trout, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Leo Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/leo-lake) - 0.8 miles, 102 acres
- [Duncan Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/duncan-lake) - 1.1 miles, 477 acres
- [Partridge Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/partridge-lake) - 1.3 miles, 118 acres
- [Poplar Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/poplar-lake) - 1.9 miles, 764 acres
- [Dunn Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/dunn-lake) - 2 miles, 101 acres
- [Hungry Jack Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/hungry-jack-lake) - 2.2 miles, 474 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.06687,-90.48041)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16023400)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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