Winter Trails Report: February 7, 2025

Grooming the Purple Trail near Diamond Island on Rainy Lake. NPS Photo/Line

Winter Trails Report: February 7th, 2025

Exciting news! The Kabetogama Ice Road has been extended, with the east and west spurs now open. This expansion offers even more opportunities for adventure, but please use caution—these spur roads cross the Green Trail, which is active with snowmobile traffic. The crossing is well-marked, but always stay alert for oncoming riders.

Two pressure ridges on the Green Trail have required a reroute, now clearly marked with stakes. If you venture off these designated paths, be extra cautious, as these ridges have been expanding in recent weeks. Low visibility and high speeds can make hazards harder to spot, so ride safely. Additionally, windy conditions have caused plenty of blowing snow, so be aware of lower visibility and patchy ice conditions as well as blown snow accumulation in some areas. Portages continue to be groomed once or twice per week to maintain accessibility.

The Kabetogama sledding hill will be groomed for weekend activity, so stop by and have some fun with the family! Stay safe and enjoy your winter adventures! Remember ice is never 100% safe!

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

ICE ROADS
Rainy Lake Ice Road: Open to Cranberry Bay (13 miles)
Rainy Lake Dryweed Loop: CLOSED
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road: Open from Kab VC to Ash River VC (10 miles)
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road West and East Spur Roads: Open

SKI TRAILS
Echo Bay Ski Trail: Open; packed and tracked
Rainy Lake Rec Trail: Open; packed and tracked
Black Bay Ski Trail: Open; novice loop and figure 8 packed and tracked Ridge trail CLOSED
Tilson Connector Trail: Open; packed and tracked

SNOWSHOE TRAILS
Rainy Lake Recreation Trail: Open
Oberholtzer Trail: Open
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail: Open
KabAsh Trail: Open
Blind Ash Bay Trail: Open
Sullivan Bay Trail: Open

KABETOGAMA LAKE RECREATION AREA
Sledding Hill: Open
Ice Rink: CLOSED

For information on the land trails in communities nearby check out these links:
Voyageur Trail Society - Trail Updates
International Voyageurs Snowmobile Club Trail Report
Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions | Minnesota DNR
Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters Trail Reports
Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters Facebook Page
Polar Polers Ski Club Facebook Page