Mountain Lake
About Mountain Lake
Mountain Lake is a 1,993-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 210 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 35.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 25.8 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota. The lake is a border water shared with Canada, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side. 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 1 fish species here, including lake trout. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service. Mountain Lake #8 and Mountain Lake #7 are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Mountain Lake
- 1,993 acres, up to 210 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: lake trout
- Average water clarity around 25.8 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Mountain Lake #8 and Mountain Lake #7
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
- Border water with Canada — know which side of the line you are fishing on
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,993 acres
- Max depth
- 210 ft
- Shoreline
- 35.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 25.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 497 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
- Border-water seasons and limits with Canada differ from Minnesota inland rules
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- 1 portage access
- Camping: Mountain Lake #8, Mountain Lake #7, and Mountain Lake #3
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Canoe tripping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 1
- Game fish
- 1
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Mountain Lake #8, Mountain Lake #7, Mountain Lake #3, and Mountain Lake #4 are mapped on or near Mountain Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Mountain Lake
Compare Mountain Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
West Pike Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais788 acres
1.9 miles away
Pine Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland2,122 acres
4 miles away
Lake Crystal
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill206 acres
4.3 miles away
Watap Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill199 acres
4.7 miles away
Caribou Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais462 acres
4.8 miles away
Clearwater Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais1,344 acres
5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mountain Lake?
Mountain Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 1,993 acres and reaches 210 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Mountain Lake?
Mountain Lake covers 1,993 acres with about 35.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 210 feet.
What fish can you catch at Mountain Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Lake Trout. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Mountain Lake?
Yes. Mountain Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Mountain Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Mountain Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Mountain Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Mountain Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Mountain Lake?
Yes. Mountain Lake #8, Mountain Lake #7, and Mountain Lake #3 are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.