---
type: lake
name: "Timber Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Sawbill Landing"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 278
max_depth_ft: 12
latitude: 47.75388
longitude: -90.99856
lake_score: 40
dnr_lake_id: "16065400"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/timber-lake
---

# Timber Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Sawbill Landing

- **Surface Area**: 278 acres
- **Max Depth**: 12 ft
- **Shoreline**: 3.8 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 5.8 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 40/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Timber Lake is a 278-acre lake near Sawbill Landing in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 12 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.8 feet. 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 walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2018.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 2 campgrounds are 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**: 4
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2018
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Frear Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/frear-lake) - 0.8 miles, 317 acres
- [Elbow Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/elbow-lake) - 1.8 miles, 528 acres
- [Finger Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/finger-lake) - 2.3 miles, 204 acres
- [Hog Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/hog-lake) - 2.5 miles, 128 acres
- [Toohey Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/toohey-lake) - 3.2 miles, 369 acres
- [Whitefish Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/whitefish-lake) - 3.6 miles, 346 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.75388,-90.99856)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16065400)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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