---
type: lake
name: "Mountain Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Grand Marais"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 1993
max_depth_ft: 210
latitude: 48.10999
longitude: -90.22264
lake_score: 61
dnr_lake_id: "16009300"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/mountain-lake
---

# Mountain Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais

- **Surface Area**: 1,993 acres
- **Max Depth**: 210 ft
- **Shoreline**: 35.7 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 25.8 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- **Lake Score**: 61/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)
- **Border Water**: shared with Canada

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 1
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Carry-In Access, Campground

### Campgrounds

- Mountain Lake #8
- Mountain Lake #7
- Mountain Lake #3
- Mountain Lake #4

## Fish Species

Lake Trout

## Nearby Lakes

- [West Pike Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/west-pike-lake) - 1.9 miles, 788 acres
- [Pine Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/pine-lake) - 4 miles, 2,122 acres
- [Lake Crystal](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/lake-crystal) - 4.3 miles, 206 acres
- [Watap Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/watap-lake) - 4.7 miles, 199 acres
- [Caribou Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/caribou-lake-grand-marais) - 4.8 miles, 462 acres
- [Clearwater Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/clearwater-lake) - 5 miles, 1,344 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.10999,-90.22264)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16009300)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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