Birch Lake
Birch Lake is a 236-acre lake just off the Gunflint Trail. There is one campsite a short walk from the end of the carry down access from the Laurentian Divide Scenic Overlook parking
Waters on the north side of the Laurentian Divide flow north to Hudson Bay and the Arctic Ocean while waters on the south side flow to Lake Superior, then on to the Atlantic Ocean.
General Information
Dispersed Camping
Access to this 1 site is from the Laurentian Divide Scenic Overlook parking. The site has a fire grate and a latrine.
When visiting, please remember
- Only use facilities that are provided for fires, tents, and waste.
- Do not make additional fire rings, tent pads, or cat holes.
- You will need to pack out your garbage.
- Nine people per site limit, group sites are available at some sites.
Boating
When boating with your dog, follow all Minnesota State boating laws.
- Use care when getting your dog in and out of the boat to ensure their safety.
- Consider both you and your dog wearing a life jacket.
- Provide shade for your pet.
- Remember to bring their food and water as it may be unsafe for them to drink lake water.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Keep your dog in your tent at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
Address: 2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone: (218) 387-1750
Hours: May 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. No BWCAW permit issuance and no Eastern National Forests Interpretative Association retail sales products. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 48.06790547
Longitude: -90.54349699
Directions
From Grand Marais
- Take the Gunflint Trail (Highway 12) north for 23 miles to the carry down.
Parking
There is parking for 6 vehicles at the Laurentian Divide Scenic Overlook.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & PondFishing - Lake & Pond Info
There is a gravel/dirt ramp at the boat launch for anglers to access the 26 foot deep lake.
Fish species: black crappie, brook trout, lake trout, northern pike, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, splake, walleye, white sucker, brook stickleback, central mudminnow, darters, fathead minnow, finescale dace, Iowa darter, northern pearl dace
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Access is available via a 350 foot carry down trail that begins at the Laurentian Divide Scenic Overlook.
Recreation Groups
Many lakes in the Gunflint Ranger District have boat ramps and docks suitable for launching a trailered boat. These lakes are open for use by motoriz