Voyageurs National Park Trail Conditions Report - Updated for Mar. 15, 2015

All park snowmobile trails are no longer open. Conditions are deteriorating quickly on the lake surfaces. There is heavy slush, open water near creeks, and lots of exposed earth on the portages. Trail signs, hazard markings, and trail stakes are being removed.

Thanks to everyone for another great winter season!

Snowmobile Trails

• International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) - Not Open Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) - Not Open Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) - Not Open Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Not Open Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) - Not Open East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Not Open Rudder Bay (Orange Trail) - Not Open

Ice Roads are no longer being maintained for the 2014-15 season.

• Rainy Lake Ice Road- Not Open
• Kabetogama Lake Ice Road- Not Open

Ski Trails: Grooming is no longer taking place for the 2014-15 season.

• Echo Bay Ski Trail- Open, Rocky Black Bay Ski Trail- Open, Rocky Tilson Connector Trail- Closed KabAsh Trail- Open, Rocky

Snowshoe Trails: Many trails no longer have snow cover on them. All trails can be hiked without snowshoes at any time.

• Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail- Not Open
• Blind Ash Bay Trail- Not Open
• Oberholtzer Trail- Not Open
• Sullivan Bay Trail- Not Open

All snowshoe and ski loans from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center have stopped for the season.

Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report - Mar. 4, 2015

All trails remain open and in good condition. Due to wolf interaction, short sections of the Green and Yellow Trails on Namakan Lake near the Moose River Grade have been closed and rerouted. The Green Trail Reroute is now staked and groomed from the closure on Namakan Lake to the connection of the Yellow Trail (Kettle Falls) and Orange Trail (Rudder Bay). The trail reroute follows the south side of Namakan Island to near Cemetery Island and the Green, Yellow, and Orange Trail junctions.

Park staff will monitor the cause of the temporary closures, and the closures will remain in place until conditions change or the winter season ends.

Due to high winds, snow drifts are widespread. Lake surface conditions are considered rough. Riders should use caution both on and off the trails.

The most up to date winter trail conditions are available at www.nps.gov/voya.

Important: Green and Yellow Snowmobile Trails Rerouted in Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park staff and visitors have recently witnessed a lone wolf near the Ash River area. The wolf appears to be alone with no pack and has followed three snowmobilers. In order to ensure visitor safety, park staff are taking precautions by monitoring the wolf and re-routing small sections of the park’s Green and Yellow Trails. Superintendent Mike Ward stated, “We are taking precautions for the protection of the visitors and the wolf. Visitors are encouraged to continue to enjoy the winter wonderland by accessing the open trails throughout the park and multiple gateway communities.”

Temporary Closures:

• The Green Trail (Voyageur Trail) from the Moose River Grade to Namakan Lake will be closed.
• A short section of the Yellow Trail (Kettle Falls Trail) from the Green Trail and Yellow Trail connection in Moose Bay to the Orange Trail (Rudder Bay Trail) and the Yellow Trail connection will be closed.

Reroute:

• The Green Trail will be rerouted from the closure on Namakan Lake to the connection of the Yellow Trail (Kettle Falls) and Orange (Rudder Bay Trail) running along the south side of Big Namakan Island.
• When travelling from Ash River south to Crane Lake, a visitor may take the Ash River to Crane Lake land trail. If travelling through the park, they may take the Green Trail northwest to the Rudder Bay Trail, then head northeast to the newly formed Rudder Bay Trail, Kettle Falls Trail, and Voyageur Trail connection.
• When travelling from Crane Lake to Ash River, a visitor may take the Crane Lake to Ash River land trail. When travelling through the park, a visitor may take the Green Trail to the Yellow and Orange Trail connections, turn onto the Orange Trail (Rudder Bay) until the Green Trail connection, and turn southeast to Ash River.

Yellow Trail Highlight & Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report - Feb. 25, 2015

Today’s snowmobile trail spotlight is the Yellow Trail, which extends from Ash River to Kettle Falls. A short ride from Ash River on the Green Trail over the Moose River Portage, the Yellow Trail begins. Sledding north on the trail brings the rider close to several past residences on Namakan Lake. Visitor Destination I.W. Stevens’ Pine Cove Resort preserves several structures from this notable Namakan Lake bachelor. The trail swings around the north side of Kubel Island where mail order bride Lydia Torrey lived for decades after her husband passed away in a drowning accident.

Just north of Kubel Island, the trail moves inland due to thin ice along the waterways. Thin ice is common in the areas of Old Dutch Bay and Blind Indian, Voyageurs and Squirrel Narrows, as well as near the Kettle Falls Dam. It is recommended to remain on the trail in these areas, and to always use caution whenever anyone suspects thin ice.

The Yellow Trail emerges briefly on Mica Bay, which passes Mica Island, where a short-lived mining operation, never profitable, extracted large sheets of Mica. As Mica is heat resistant and transparent in thin sheets, it was used in electrical conductors and woodstove windows until cheaper modern materials replaced it. The mines are now flooded and currently covered in snow.

After another ride through the forest, the Purple Trail junction awaits, which spurs to Rainy Lake. The Yellow Trail continues for a short distance and ends at the hibernating Kettle Falls Dam and Hotel. Winter solitude, quiet, and beauty grace the landscape. Be sure to spend some time at the overlook--if the sun should emerge, the view can be dramatic.

The Yellow Trail, 7.5 miles in length one-way, offers much to explore, from woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife to snapshots of past residents. Dress warm, prepare for the weather, and enjoy the trails within Voyageurs National Park.

The most up to date winter trail conditions are available on our website at www.nps.gov/voya.

All trails are open. Recent high winds have caused drifting. Use caution especially when off trail on large lake surfaces.

Snowmobile Trails

• International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed

Ice Roads 

• Rainy Lake Ice Road - Open to Cranberry Bay and around Dryweed Island
• Kabetogama Lake Ice Road – Open

Ski Trails

• Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• Black Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• Tilson Connector Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• KabAsh Trail – Open

Snowshoe Trails

• Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail – Open, not packed
• Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open, not packed
• Oberholtzer Trail – Open, not packed
• Sullivan Bay Trail – Open, not packed

Have fun out there! Remember:

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARDS

Trail Spotlight and Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report - Jan. 28, 2015

Enjoy the ease of snowmobiling on groomed surfaces at Voyageurs National Park thanks in part to the park’s gateway community snowmobile clubs: International Voyageurs, Ash River – Kabetogama Snowdrifters, and Voyageur Trail Society. Today’s snowmobile trail spotlight is the southern portion of Voyageurs’ Green Trail, which extends from Ash River to Crane Lake.

Ash River is a hub of trail connections. The yellow trail leads north to Kettle Falls. The Ash River to Arrowhead Link Trail enters the Superior National Forest and heads southeast to Orr or Crane Lake. The Bill Morgan Trail follows Ash River Trail to connect with the Arrowhead Trail to the west. If you don’t have a snowmobile trail map, stop in at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, pick one up from the information boxes at park boat launches, or contact one of the local snowmobile clubs.

Along the southern portion of Green Trail, as you depart Ash River, you’ll ride along the old Virginia and Rainy Lake Railroad Grade. The trail turns onto Moose Bay before an old railroad bridge. A short distance further, you’ll pass Hoist Bay, the historic Virginia and Rainy Lake Logging Camp, which was later used as a resort by Ted and Fern Monson. The bay got its name from the large hoist machine which hauled logs out of the water and placed them onto waiting railroad cars.

On the eastern end of Namakan Lake, The Blue Trail spurs off and makes a northeastern loop on Namakan and Sand Point Lakes. Riding across the Grassy Bay Portage on the Green Trail, the sheer granite Grassy Bay Cliffs rise from the ice, displaying the geological processes that helped shaped the park’s landscape.

The Green Trail turns south, traveling over Mukooda Lake, a popular ice fishing destination. Remember that lake trout fishing on Mukooda Lake is catch and release only due to 2014 MN DNR regulations. Finally, the Green Trail terminates in Crane Lake.

Every area snowmobile trail offers a different experience. That experience could be as simple as a new route, but it also might reveal some of the history and natural wonder Voyageurs National Park and the surrounding communities preserve.

The most up to date winter trail conditions are available at www.nps.gov/voya

Snowmobile Trails

All snowmobile trails are groomed. Ski trails are packed and tracked. Trails are generally in good condition. Some slush pockets are starting to develop on the lake surface. Pressure ridge activity has decreased, but monitoring continues.

• International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed

Ice Roads 

• Rainy Lake Ice Road – Open to Cranberry Bay and around Dryweed Island
• Kabetogama Lake Ice Road – Open

Ski Trails

• Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• Black Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• Tilson Connector Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• KabAsh Trail – Open

Snowshoe Trails

• Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail – Open, not packed
• Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open, not packed
• Oberholtzer Trail – Open, not packed
• Sullivan Bay Trail – Open, not packed

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARDS

Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report - Jan. 21, 2015

Come out and drive to the end of the Rainy Lake Ice Road. For the first time in several years, ice conditions have allowed the ice road to extend all the way to the mouth of Cranberry Bay. From the Rainy Lake Visitor Center to the mouth of Cranberry Bay is seven miles, one-way. The road follows the purple snowmobile trail along Rainy Lake’s Inside Channel and meanders its way between the many islands. When returning from Cranberry Bay, make the loop around Dryweed Island, now complete.

Cranberry Bay is a great location to leave your vehicle and experience winter in the park. Have a snowmobile? You can pick up the purple trail a short distance from the Cranberry Bay parking lot. Like to ice fish? Search out an old hot spot for ice fishing, now more accessible than in past years.

Don’t have snowshoes or skis of your own? Borrow some for the day at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, free of charge, though donations are welcome. At the end of the Rainy Lake Ice Road at Cranberry Bay, snowshoe around the islands and north shore of the Kabetogama peninsula. As Rainy Lake slowly froze, waves splashing against north facing shoreline created intricate ice formations against the rocks and trees.

For a longer adventure, trek east across the mouth of the bay and visit the Harry Oveson Fish Camp (about two miles one-way from the Cranberry Bay parking lot). Bring a map and prepare for any weather. Built in 1959, this location preserves the commercial fishing legacy of the region, and visitors can wander amid Harry’s ice house, fish house and two-roomed home. Winter in a place like Harry Oveson Fish Camp reminds us of the people who worked the land, enjoyed the land, and called this place home across different seasons.

This winter, Cranberry Bay is one of many places open for all to experience. Whether by car, snowmobile, or snowshoe, get outside and search for that ray of winter sunshine which illuminates the snow-covered landscape in a whole new way.

The most up to date winter trail conditions are available at www.nps.gov/voya.

Snowmobile Trails

Pressure ridges, places lake ice has buckled or heaved due to winds or currents, have developed both on and off designated snowmobile trails within Voyageurs National Park. Pressure ridges can raise, lower, widen, and develop into open water or pockets of deep slush, sometimes becoming a hazard within a few hours. Snowmobilers have reported riding a smooth trail during the day only to find a raised ice ridge, deep slush, or other hazard along the same trail a few hours later. Trails are rerouted as hazards are found, but visitors are encouraged to check each pressure ridge prior to crossing due to changing conditions.

• International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
• East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed

Ice Roads

• Rainy Lake Ice Road – Open to Cranberry Bay and around Dryweed Island
• Kabetogama Lake Ice Road – Open

Ski Trails

• Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• Black Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked – Pine Loop rocky in places.
• Tilson Connector Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• KabAsh Trail – Open

Snowshoe Trails

• Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail – Open, not packed
• Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open, not packed
• Oberholtzer Trail – Open, not packed
• Sullivan Bay Trail – Open, not packed

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARDS

Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report - Jan. 14, 2015

All winter trails within the park are now open. Snowshoes and cross-country skis are available from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center (see details below). Snowmobile portages are groomed. Full grooming on lake surfaces will occur as ice conditions allow. Conditions on frozen lake surfaces are rough. Snowdrifts have frozen and create hazardous conditions off-trail. Use caution at night and during low visibility.

The Rainy Lake Ice Road is open from the visitor center to Cranberry Bay, and around portions of Dryweed Island. The Kabetogama Lake Ice Road is now open from the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center Boat Launch to the Ash River Visitor Center Boat Launch.

Ski trails are open, packed, and tracked. Conditions are fair to good. Snowshoe trails are open, but not packed.

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. The speed limit for the ice road is 30 mph.

When ice fishing, please remember holes must be drilled at least 50 feet from ice roads and snowmobile trails. To reduce hazards to snowmobile users, all ice blocks are to be immediately chopped up, submerged, or hauled to land. Placement of equipment or any type of structure must be greater than 50 feet off the edge of all ice roads and 50 feet off the centerline of all snowmobile trails. Written authorization from the park is required for individuals to plow greater than 300 feet on any lake surfaces within the park.

The Rainy Lake Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. During business hours, the visitor center offers maps, information, and hot cocoa. Visitors may borrow snowshoe and cross-country skis, but must be returned the same day.

The most up to date winter trail conditions are available at www.nps.gov/voya.

Snowmobile Trails

• International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Open and staked
• Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open and staked
• Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open and staked
• Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Open and staked
• Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open and staked
• East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Open and staked

Ice Roads 

• Rainy Lake Ice Road – Open to Cranberry Bay, and around portions of Dryweed Island
• Kabetogama Lake Ice Road – Open

Ski Trails

• Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• Black Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked – Pine Loop rocky in places.
• Tilson Connector Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• KabAsh Trail – Open

Snowshoe Trails

• Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail – Open, not packed
• Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open, not packed
• Oberholtzer Trail – Open, not packed
• Sullivan Bay Trail – Open, not packed

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARDS

Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice & Trail Conditions Report - Jan. 7, 2014

Recent snowfall has allowed for good progress on opening trails throughout the park. Use caution off trail; ice ridges have been active, and high winds over the past few days have created snowdrifts, currently soft, on the lake surface. Some snowmobile trails still remain closed, but progress is moving quickly to open them as ice conditions allow. The Rainy Lake Ice Road is now open from the visitor center to Cranberry Bay, and around portions of Dryweed Island. The Kabetogama Lake Ice Road is now open from the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center Boat Launch to the Ash River Visitor Center Boat Launch. Ski trails are open, packed, and tracked. Snowshoe trails are open, but not packed.

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. The speed limit for the ice road is 30 mph.

When ice fishing, please remember holes must be drilled at least 50 feet from ice roads and snowmobile trails.

The Rainy Lake Visitor Center is 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 skis loans have started for the season.

The most up to date winter trail conditions are available at www.nps.gov/voya.

Snowmobile Trails

• International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Closed
• Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open and staked
• Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open and staked
• Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Closed
• Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open and staked
• East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Closed

Ice Roads

• Rainy Lake Ice Road - Open to Cranberry Bay, and around portions of Dryweed Island
• Kabetogama Lake Ice Road - Open

Ski Trails

• Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• Black Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• Tilson Connector Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
• KabAsh Trail – Open

Snowshoe Trails

• Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail – Open, not packed
• Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open, not packed
• Oberholtzer Trail – Open, not packed
• Sullivan Bay Trail – Open, not packed

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARDS

Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report - Dec. 24, 2014

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.

Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report for Dec. 11, 2014

The 2014-15 winter trail season is underway. The green trail from Rainy Lake/Franks Bay to Kabetogama Lake/Ash River is open and staked. All other snowmobile trails are closed at this time, but ice checking and overland portage clearing continues. Rangers have placed some thin ice signs in the park, but due to changing temperature conditions and the early nature of the season, anyone traveling onto frozen lake surfaces should use caution.

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 overland 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.

To reduce hazards to snowmobile users, all ice blocks are to be immediately chopped up, submerged, or hauled to land. Placement of equipment or any type of structure must be greater than 50 feet off the edge of all ice roads and 50 feet off the centerline of all snowmobile trails. Written authorization from the park is required for individuals to plow greater than 300 feet on any lake surfaces within the park.

The Rainy Lake Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. During business hours, the visitor center offers maps, information, and hot cocoa. Snowshoe loans and cross-country ski rentals have not started for the season.

The most up to date winter trail conditions are available at www.nps.gov/voya.

Snowmobile Trails

• International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Closed
• Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open and staked
• 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
• Rainy Lake Ice Road – Closed
• Kabetogama Lake Ice Road – Closed

Ski Trails

• Echo Bay Ski Trail – Not open
• Black Bay Ski Trail – Not open
• Tilson Connector Trail – Not open
• KabAsh Trail – Not open

Snowshoe Trails

• Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail – Open, not packed
• Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open, not packed
• Oberholtzer Trail – Open, not packed
• Sullivan Bay Trail – Open, not packed

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARDS

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

While the weather outside might be frightful, the ice making has been delightful! Maintenance and LE Rangers have been checking ice over the last week and posting thin ice signs. The Green Trail from Franks Bay to the Ash River Visitor Center was staked today and is now open.

Check the weekly trail report and the park website for the most up to date information and conditions. Reminder that the speed limit in the park is 25 mph on land portages and 45 mph on lake surfaces.