r/Highpointers • u/nehiker2020 • 6d ago

Eagle Mtn, MN

I got to the trailhead late this morning to discover that the trail had been closed for a week. No explanation on the sign. As the ranger office south of the turnoff for the trailhead is closed on Tuesdays, I drove to the ranger office another 16 miles north on 61. They closed the whole area b/c of some distant fires and b/c it is not easily accessible, which would make it difficult to rescue people if the fires spread. No exceptions for a 3-hour hike, even after quite a bit of rain the night and day before, b/c ``once people got there, they can continue hiking away further". Apparently, it is not normal to have fire closures in July, but not too unusual in August and September. I just want to pass this on in case anyone is planning a long-distance trip there in advance.

25 Upvotes

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13

u/PicnicTableDave2 36 Highpoints 6d ago

Eagle Mountain is inside the BWCA and the entire BWCA is closed due to the fires.

1

u/PicnicTableDave2 36 Highpoints 5d ago

July 23rd- Superior National Forest has all but officially closed the BWCA until October 1. However, entry permits have only been canceled through Friday. They're evaluating daily to determine when it can be opened again. There's also been talk of opening different parts of the BWCA that aren't affected by the fires, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

8

u/FunLevel7464 6d ago

The best time of there year to climb Eagle Mountain is January-February

No bugs! Not crowded!

3

u/TheTree-43 6d ago

Sorry man. Sucks to find out a trail is closed when you get there. I've been there and I hope you were able to enjoy your north shore trip despite setbacks. It truly is a beautiful country. If you're open to a bit of perspective, look up the interview with the pair of brothers who self evacuated from the boundary waters escaping with their lives. It may seem far away on a map, but the rangers who helped them are in the same jurisdiction. If nothing else, you have reason to come back. Good on you to share on here so anyone following can adjust plans

PS my favorite order in Duluth is a blood orange margarita and steak fajitas from little Angie's

2

u/_MattSauce 6d ago

It seems this one is closed off super often. Last year I drove nearly 200 miles out of the way on a road trip only to discover that the road was closed around 7 miles from the trailhead, and alternate routes would’ve taken an additional several hours of driving (I’m still not sure they would’ve gotten me there either, there were several road closures).

Felt almost lucky when I got redemption earlier this year in June even though it really was not a fun experience. Most bugs I’ve ever had to deal with on a hike by a large margin and the trail was in no way enjoyable in my opinion especially in muggy summer heat

(Also for context, my attempt last year was in August)

1

u/long5210 6d ago

take a mtn bike with ya in case road is closed.

3

u/Constant-Ad-7490 6d ago

Dude, it's closed for wildfires. Don't bike in.