Steer Lake
Steer Lake is a small, 4.4 acre lake, with a maximum depth of 25 feet. Not only a great spot for fishing, this is an access to the Hogback Lake trail, a five mile trail system that passes 6 different lakes in several different loops.
General Information
Camping
There is one site on the northwest shoreline of the lake.
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: 7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Phone: 218-663-8060
Hours: October 1, 2025-April 30, 2026, Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.641097
Longitude: -91.1134
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 & Pond Info
Fish species: brook trout, yellow perch, white sucker, blacknose shiner, creek chub, finescale dace, northern pearl dace
Day Hikes Info
A six mile trail system provides several loops and access to five lakes. The trail runs along a narrow hogback ridge which offers scenic views over the lakes. One portion of the trail connects to a separate trailhead if you want to avoid retracing your steps.
Boating - Motorized Info
A boat ramp on Hogback Lake provides easy access for motorboats. Canal Lake is connected to Hogback by a small channel which is passable in high water, and is short enough to paddle across with your motor up in lower water. The passage between Canal and Scarp is not navigable.
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
The lakes in the Hogback area are perfect for lazy paddling and exploring. On a day when winds might make a big lake a challenge, these small jewels make an excellent choice. There are not maintained portages between lakes, but the connections between Hogback, Canal, and Scarp are either navigable or portageable most of the time.
Recreation Groups
Hogback ridges along trail offer beautiful vistas. • 5 miles of trail. • 4 ‘backcountry’ campsites. • 3 site rustic campground. • Day use picnic area. • Boat launch.