Birding on Mount Rose

Listen for the ubiquitous song of White-throated Sparrows.

NPS Photo

Bineshiinyag (Birds)
on the Mount Rose Trail

Bineshiiyag (birds) are a constant presence along gichi onigamiing from Lake Superior to the Pigeon River. Songbirds give voice to nagamowin akiing, the singing land.

The mixed hardwood-conifer, southern boreal forest on Mount Rose and around Grand Portage provides increasingly rare nesting habitat for migratory birds, many of which require large patches of unbroken forest for nesting success. The most prevalent species are the Northern Parula, Ovenbird, American Redstart, and Nashville Warbler. Hike up to the Mount Rose landing from the Heritage Center parking lot, where you can sit and observe the tops of trees for movement. Further up the trail, you'll come to a clearing in the forest where you might see a Merlin. Listen carefully. Often you'll hear birds even if you can't see them. Hike the path all the way to Lake Superior to look for Herring Gulls, Bald Eagles, and a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds.

For the adventurous, hike part or all of the eight-and-a-half mile Grand Portage Trail that spans forest, wetland, and a river corridor.

Download a bird checklist for the Grand Portage area.
For printing purposes, legal (8.5" x 14") sized paper is best.

Learn more about the birds of Grand Portage.

Details

Duration

30-90 Minutes

The entire Mount Rose Hike is about a mile. The length of time depends on how long it takes to walk a half mile uphill, plus the amount of time lingering with birds you find along the way.

Activity

Birdwatching

Download the bird checklist and grab your binoculars for a chance to see warblers and other songbirds, and maybe even a Merlin as you hike the Mount Rose Trail.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are welcome on Mount Rose on a leash of no longer than six feet.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

The Mount Rose Trail is available year-round. The best birding seasons are during migration - spring and fall. Some birds, like Dark-eyed Juncos, appear all year. In winter, the snow-covered stairs can be difficult to ascend and awkward for snowshoes. Yet people hike to the top in all seasons for the spectacular view of Grand Portage Bay.

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

Currently the Mount Rose trail is not accessible for people with limited mobility. It is steep with many stairs and uneven terrain.

A wheelchair accessible option is the trail around the Historic Depot. Many birds inhabit the trees and shrubs in the Ojibwe Village. Find shorebirds along the lake.