Changing temperature conditions and lack of snow cover continue to slow winter trail progress. The green trail from Rainy Lake/Franks Bay to Kabetogama Lake/Crane Lake is open and staked. Lake ice and overland portages have minimal snow cover with standing water and slush along the trail and portages. Conditions are poor on both the lake and portages. Use caution while traveling along the trail system. All other snowmobile trails are closed at this time, but ice checking and portage clearing continues. Please remember the snowmobile speed limit within the park is 45 mph on frozen lake surfaces and 25 mph on all overland portages. Speed limit signs are posted at trailheads and portages.
Ski trails do not have significant snow accumulation to allow grooming at this time. Snowshoe trails are open, but not packed, and snow accumulation is poor.
The Rainy Lake Visitor Center is closed on Thursday and Friday, December 25-26, for the Christmas holiday. New hours begin on Saturday, December 27, 2014, open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. During business hours, the visitor center offers maps, information, and hot cocoa. Snowshoe and cross-country ski loans have not started for the season.
The most up to date winter trail conditions are available on the park's website at www.nps.gov/voya.
