The Rainy Lake Ice Road is now open from the visitor center to the Black Bay ski trails and to Rainy Lake City. The lack of snow cover continues to slow winter trail progress. The green trail from Rainy Lake/Franks Bay to Kabetogama Lake/Crane Lake is open and staked. The yellow trail from Namakan Lake to Kettle Falls is also open and staked. Lake ice and overland portages have minimal snow cover. 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. 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.
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, January 1, for the New Year’s holiday. The 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 ski loans have not started for the season.
The most up to date winter trail conditions are available at www.nps.gov/voya.
