---
type: lake
name: "Peter Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Tofte"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 282
max_depth_ft: 120
latitude: 48.06432
longitude: -90.97823
lake_score: 56
dnr_lake_id: "16075700"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/peter-lake
---

# Peter Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Tofte

- **Surface Area**: 282 acres
- **Max Depth**: 120 ft
- **Shoreline**: 6.7 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 19.6 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 56/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Peter Lake is a 282-acre lake near Tofte in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 120 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 19.6 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 4 fish species here, including yellow perch, lake trout, and burbot. 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. 5 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**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Burbot, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Howard Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/howard-lake) - 0.9 miles, 166 acres
- [French Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/french-lake) - 1.5 miles, 121 acres
- [Elm Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/elm-lake) - 1.8 miles, 109 acres
- [Gabimichigami Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/gabimichigami-lake) - 2 miles, 1,186 acres
- [Little Saganaga Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/little-saganaga-lake) - 2.3 miles, 1,627 acres
- [Gillis Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/gillis-lake) - 2.3 miles, 616 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.06432,-90.97823)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16075700)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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