---
type: lake
name: "Zephyr Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Prairie Portage"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 140
max_depth_ft: 40
latitude: 48.17396
longitude: -91.03112
lake_score: 32
dnr_lake_id: "16081300"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/zephyr-lake
---

# Zephyr Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Prairie Portage

- **Surface Area**: 140 acres
- **Max Depth**: 40 ft
- **Shoreline**: 4.1 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 6 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 32/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Zephyr Lake is a 140-acre lake near Prairie Portage in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 40 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6 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.

The DNR has no fish survey on file for this lake, so treat any fishing as exploratory.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. Zephyr Lake #1 is 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

## Activities

Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

### Campgrounds

- Zephyr Lake #1

## Fish Species

No DNR fish survey on file

## Nearby Lakes

- [Ashdick Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ashdick-lake) - 1.1 miles, 109 acres
- [Ester Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ester-lake) - 1.9 miles, 374 acres
- [Red Rock Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/red-rock-lake) - 2.7 miles, 451 acres
- [Rabbit Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/rabbit-lake) - 2.7 miles, 117 acres
- [Ottertrack Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ottertrack-lake) - 3.1 miles, 1,134 acres
- [Hanson Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/hanson-lake) - 3.3 miles, 289 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.17396,-91.03112)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16081300)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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