Short answer: Forest Lake is one of the bigger lakes in the north metro, about 2,250 acres in Washington County, split into three basins locals call 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Lake. It has three public boat accesses and gets heavy use for boating and fishing, especially walleye and muskie. Which basin a home sits on changes the experience, so look at the basin, not just the lake.
Three basins, one lake
The DNR describes Forest Lake as three distinct basins. Each has its own feel and its own access points, so a home on 1st Lake and a home on 3rd Lake can live very differently.
Public access
According to the DNR:
- City access on the west shore of 1st Lake, north of Broadway and east of Highway 61.
- Willow Point access on the east side of Willow Point, off North Shore Trail.
- 3rd Lake access on the east shore of 3rd Lake, off North Shore Trail.
- Timm's Marina, a private launch with a fee, on the south shore of 3rd Lake.
More accesses means more boats. If you want quiet, ask how close the nearest launch is.
Boating and fishing
The DNR calls it a popular fishing lake, with walleye and muskie both stocked. It also notes that summer fishing can be limited by heavy plant growth and competition with recreational boaters. In winter, ice fishing is big, and Willow Point is a known early-ice spot.
What to check on a Forest Lake home
- Which basin, and where on it. Near a launch or tucked away.
- Water depth and plants off the dock. Ask for summer photos.
- Lakeshore or lake view. Confirm the lot reaches the water.
- The city's shoreland rules if you plan to add on or rebuild.
Quick FAQ
What county is Forest Lake in? Washington County.
How many public launches are there? Three public accesses, plus a private marina launch with a fee.
What's the fishing like? Walleye and muskie are the managed species, with bass popular too. Check DNR LakeFinder for the latest survey.
Looking at Forest Lake? Tell me which basin and I'll tell you what I'd look at.
Tim Ornell | Realtor, Real Broker Luxury Division (NASDAQ: REAX) | 651.263.9480 | ornellgroup.com
Sources: MN DNR: Forest Lake · Lake-Link: Forest Lake (DNR fishery summary) · MN DNR LakeFinder
