Harris Lake
- 5.4 mi
- round trip
- 354 ft
- climb
- 1,617 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
- May–Sep
- best months
Is Harris Lake open right now?
Closure in the area
There's a closure order in Superior National Forest. It doesn't name Harris Lake, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).
Post Wildfire Closures, Effective October 1, 2026
Agency closure covering Superior National Forest · Order 09-09-00-26-11 · USFS · Superior National Forest
Closure Notice for Public Safety – Laurentian District
Agency closure covering Laurentian Ranger District · USFS · Laurentian Ranger District
Forest Road Improvement Projects
Agency alert covering Superior National Forest · USFS · Superior National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · Superior National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Harris Lake is a 5.4-mile out-and-back hike on the natural-surfaced trail in the Laurentian Ranger District of Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota. The route rises about 54 feet from a low point of 1,580 feet to a high of 1,617 feet, with the steepest stretch at about 1.1 miles, where the grade reaches 5%. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is rated moderate. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Brimson put July highs around 76°F with lows near 50°F. Winter is harsh, with January highs around 18°F and lows near -4°F. The trail stays open year-round, and the route allows bikes. Within a few miles are the Otto Harris Connector Trail at 0.7 miles and Otto Lake at 3.1 miles. Whiteface Reservoir campground lies about 6.8 miles away, and Salo Lake is roughly 9.8 miles off.
Local outfitters
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
Best time to go · May–Sep
Best time to visit Harris Lake
Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.
Jan
18° / -4°
9 wet
Feb
23° / -2°
7 wet
Mar
36° / 11°
8 wet
Apr
48° / 24°
9 wet
May
63° / 36°
12 wet
Jun
72° / 46°
12 wet
Jul
76° / 50°
12 wet
Aug
74° / 48°
11 wet
Sep
65° / 41°
11 wet
Oct
50° / 31°
12 wet
Nov
34° / 18°
10 wet
Dec
22° / 4°
9 wet
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Brimson 2s, MN, 7.7 mi away at 1,486 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
Closures we've recorded since August 2026
Forest-wide Fire Restrictions
Superior National Forest · Order dated July 12, 2026; seen Aug 23, 2026 → lifted Aug 25, 2026 · Forest Service
Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
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Otto Lake
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