We have seen improved ice conditions with recent cold temperatures. Trail crews continue to check ice conditions on the snowmobile trails within the Park. Crews have worked on removing pressure ridges on the Green Trail and will have it staked from Franks Bay on Rainy Lake near International Falls to Ash River in the coming days. Our next priority will be to check ice to Kettle Falls and Crane Lake. The land portages, particularly the Gold Portage, continue to be challenging and should be approached with caution. Lack of adequate snow will lead to rough crossings. Use caution, and heed signage in these areas.
Once the Green Trail is established, further trails will be opened as soon as it is safe to do so. We encourage everyone to remember that ice is never 100% safe. We strive to send this report by close of business on Thursday each week but will update our website as conditions allow. You can find the most current trails report on our website at Alerts & Conditions - Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Snowmobile Trails
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) - Closed
Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) - staked 1/19
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) - Closed
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) - Closed
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) - Closed
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) - Closed
Ice Roads
Rainy Lake Ice Road - Closed
Rainy Lake Dryweed Loop - Closed
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road - Closed
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road West and East Spur Roads - Closed
Ski Trails
Kabetogama Area
Echo Bay Ski Trail - Packed not tracked
Rainy Lake Area
Rainy Lake Rec Trail - Packed not tracked
Black Bay Ski Trail - Closed
Tilson Connector Trail - Closed
Snowshoe Trails (hiking allowed on trails)
Rainy Lake Area
Rainy Lake Recreation Trail - Open
Oberholtzer Trail - Open
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail - Hiking
Ash River Area
KabAsh Trail - Hiking
Blind Ash Bay Trail - Hiking
Sullivan Bay Trail - Hiking
Kabetogama Lake Recreation Area
Sledding Hill - Closed
Ice Rink - Closed
For further information on land trails in communities surrounding the park check out these links:
Voyageur Trail Society - Trail Updates https://www.snowmobilevacation.com and https://www.facebook.com/VTSIGrooms
Trail Report (ridetheborders.com) http://www.ridetheborders.com/trail-report.html and https://www.facebook.com/IVSClub
Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions | Minnesota DNR https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html
Buyck Portageurs Snowmobile Club https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057218389432
Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters - Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068157102512
Photo: On the Green Trail NPS Photo/Nevalainen
