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
