Moss Lake
Moss Lake, on the boundary of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, is a 253 acre lake and is 86 feet deep at its deepest point.
There is no boat launch at this lake, you will need to portage from West Bearskin Lake or Birch Lake. There is also a portage from Duncan Lake if traveling through Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
General Information
Dispersed Camping
Access to the 1 site is a portage from the road on the South East side of the lake.
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.
If portaging to the lake in the North, Duncan Lake, or otherwise entering the wilderness, a permit is required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
You do not need a permit if you do not enter the wilderness.
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: 48.06786672
Longitude: -90.46593569
Directions
Bearskin Lake - From Grand Marais
Eastern Boat Launch
- Take Highway 12 23 miles to Highway 66.
- From Highway 66 drive 2.6 miles to E Shore.
Southwest Boat Launch
- Take 12 for 23 miles to County Road 65
- County Road 65 ends at the boat launch
Birch Lake - From Grand Marais
- Take the Gunflint Trail (Highway 12) north for 23 miles to the boat launch
Parking
Bearskin Lake
Northeast Boat Launch
There is room for 8 vehicles; there is room for four vehicles with trailers.
Southwest Boat Launch
There is room for 5 vehicles; there is no room for trailers at this parking lot.
Birch Lake
There is parking for 6 vehicles.
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
Fish species: brook trout, lake trout, lake whitefish, northern pike, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, splake, tullibee (cisco), yellow perch, white sucker
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Bearskin Lake
Northeast Boat Launch
This boat launch has a concrete boat ramp and a dock.
Southwest Boat Launch
This boat launch has no ramps and no docks.
Birch Lake
There is a gravel/dirt ramp at the boat launch for anglers to access the 26 foot deep lake.
Recreation Groups
These sites are ones where you travel through Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to get to where you are going, either paddling, hiking, or portaging from one lake to an