Eagle Mountain was one of the prettiest hikes thus far.  It is extremely green, and has a wonderful variety of plants and geology.  The day we hiked was rainy and overcast, limiting the long range view.  However, when you can't look up, you look down and find a whole new world.

The trailhead is at the intersection of Bally Creek Rd. and "The Grade" (both well maintained dirt roads).  It can easily be reached by following the signs from either Lutsen or Grand Marais.  We drove up from Lutsen, and back through Grand Marais in the rain and had no problems with either set of roads.

The trailhead has a simple self-registering system, and a reminder sign about 100 ft into the woods.  The trail is very easy to follow, but does not have any markings.  It is fairly level, but rocky in spots and it can be slippery in the rain.  Only when you reach the mountain does it gain much altitude.  Our total time to hike was 1:50 in, 10 minutes on the summit, and 1:40 out, for a total trip time of 3:40.  We maintained a constant, quick pace, so I do not see many folks doing it much faster and fully appreciating the views.

 Much of the trail is through, around, and over water.  Within the first mile, you will enter the Boundry Waters Canoe Area, with gorgeous scenery.  Over the next two miles, you will see foot bridges over bogs that are quite deep.  Just before the trail junction to start the climb up the actual mountain, you will pass Whale Lake on your right.  There is a small pond on your right just before you reach Whale Lake.  There is camping available at Whale Lake, and if you have a gallon or two of mosquito repellent you might enjoy it.  The trail to the summit of Eagle Mountain veers off to the left at Whale Lake, and is a gradual climb to a gentle ridge with nice views.  After you pass the scenic views, you will head up a little higher, and encounter a series of cairns that mark the route to the true summit.  A few more steps past the last cairn and you are there.

While I would have loved a view of Lake Superior, the quiet sounds of the forest, and the lack of pedestrian traffic makes this a very nice spot.  I hope to come back to canoe the BWCA in the near future.

While I frown upon any type of endorsement, I do like to share good experiences with fellow highpointers.  Coming back through Grand Marais, we stopped at a little restaurant called the "Angry Trout Cafe".  They specialize in local seafood (Lake Superior is VERY clean!), and served the freshest organic salad I have ever had.  They even make their own organic dressings!  If you are hungry and chilled (as we were) it was outstanding!!!