Minnesota Winter Trail Conditions for February 7In general, good to excellent cross-country ski and snowmobile trail conditions can be found throughout most of northern Minnesota. Trails within the southern and central portions of the state are in mostly fair to good condition. Snow is in the forecast for the entire state of Minnesota this weekend, which could greatly improve trail conditions. As always, please call ahead for the most current conditions.
Please be aware that snowmobiles with studs are not allowed on most paved state and public trails. Also, all snowmobiles must obtain a $16 trail use permit. For further information, contact the Department of Natural Resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-888-646-6367. You may order cross country ski passes and snowmobile trail stickers at 1-888-665-4236. To locate a license center in Minnesota to purchase ski passes and snowmobile stickers, check out
www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/agents.html=====================
NORTHEASTERN REGION
International Falls/Voyageurs National Park
The Tilson Creek Ski Trail within Koochiching State Forest is fully groomed and in excellent condition. The trail base is averaging 5 inches. Please note that the east side of the red loop will be closed until the forestry sale is complete. Snow depth is roughly 14 inches in this area. Within the Rainy Lake/Voyageurs National Park vicinity, snowmobile conditions are good to excellent, with an 8-12 inch base. Park staff have determined that there is enough ice to open and stake the Yellow Trail from Kettle Falls to Ash River. The Purple Trail from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center to Kettle Falls, the Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River trail, the Ash River to Crane Lake trail, the Blue Trail from East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake, and the Chain of Lakes Trail are all open and staked. The Rainy Lake Ice Road is open to the Black Bay ski trailhead and Rainy Lake City. Land-based ski and snowshoe trails are open and in good condition, including the Echo Bay, Black Bay, Tilson Connector and Kabetogama-Ash River trails.
Grand Rapids
The Cow Horn and River Road ski trails, running through the Golden Anniversary State Forest, have been groomed, and conditions are reported to be good. The trail base measures 4 inches, with roughly one foot of snow on the ground. Some sections of the trail are icy. Just to the north, the Taconite State Trail is reported to be in good condition for snowmobiling, with a 1-2 inch groomed surface. Expect some bare areas along the way. Local snow depth is roughly 1 foot.
NW of Hibbing
The snowmobile trails running through George Washington State Forest are in good condition. The trails have a 1-2 inch groomed surface. The corners and high use areas have bare spots. The Thistledew Ski Trail running George Washington State Forest is groomed and in good condition, with a 4 inch base. Please note that trails may be icy.
Tower
The Arrowhead State Trail is fully groomed for snowmobiling. The trail is reported to be in good condition overall, with a 3-5 inch base. Similar conditions are being reported for the portion of the Taconite State Trail running through St. Louis County, and for the Putnam and Fishing Lakes snowmobile trails running through the nearby Bear Island State Forest. Please note that the corners of area snowmobile trails are showing some wear, and may be icy or rough. The ground is covered in 12-16 inches of snow in this area.
Ely
There is roughly 16 inches of snow on the ground, with more snow in the forecast. The snowmobile trails in the vicinity are in fair to good condition, with a 3-5 inch groomed surface. The trails are hard-packed and icy in some areas. Snowmobilers are encouraged to slow down at the corners, and watch for icy patches and occasional rocks along the way. Most area lake trails are staked, and riders are asked to please follow the staked trails when choosing lake travel. Area cross-country ski trails are generally in fair to good condition, but may be icy due to recent warm temperatures. These trails have a 6-8 inch base. The Birch Lake Plantation, Trezona, Hidden Valley and connecting trails have been groomed. Within nearby Bear Head Lake State Park, the ski trails are groomed, and in good condition, with a 5 inch base. Local snow depth is 15 inches. Please note that conditions can change rapidly--please call ahead for the most current conditions.
NW of Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail
The Pincushion Mountain cross-country ski trails are packed and tracked. The classic and skate ski trails are in very good to excellent condition. Most trails have a 12-16 inch variable powder, packed powder or granular packed powder surface. There is from 28-32 inches of snow in the woods.
N of Lutsen
Cascade River State Park is covered in 19 inches of snow. The ski and snowmobile trails have an 8 inch groomed surface, and are both listed in very good condition.
Duluth/Grand Marais
The North Shore State Snowmobile Trail, running from Duluth to Grand Marais, has been fully groomed. The base is 2-7 inches deep, and conditions are reported to be fair overall, however trail conditions will vary. The entire trail will be regroomed at night this Friday and Saturday, February 8 & 9. Expect some icy areas and bare spots at the corners of the trail--please use caution while riding.
Carlton
Most sections of the Willard Munger State Trail are reported to be in fair condition for snowmobiling, with a 2-4 inch groomed surface. The area is covered in 6-10 inches of snow. The section of the Munger Trail located within Chengwatana State Forest is listed in poor condition, with a 1-2 inch base. Please note that there is logging activity along some areas of the Munger Trail. Also expect occasional icy and bare sections. Just to the west, the ski trails running through Fond du Lac State Forest are groomed, and in good condition, with a 4-6 inch base. Please note that there is logging activity north of Roger's Lake.
Sandstone
Banning State Park currently offers fair conditions for skiing and snowmobiling. The snowmobile trails are groomed, with a 3 inch base--expect some bare areas and icy sections along the way. The ski trails are partially groomed, with a 5 inch very shallow and hard packed base. Roughly 9 inches of snow is on the ground in this area. The "Hell's Gate Rapids" are currently very stunning.
E of Hinckley
St. Croix State Park ski and snowmobile trails have a 3 inch base. Both are in fair condition, but somewhat icy. A warming house is available in the park. Roughly 6 inches of snow covers the ground in this area.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST REGION
Warroad/Baudette
The southern and western segments of the Beltrami Island State Forest snowmobile trail are in good condition, with a 5 inch groomed surface. Nearby, the Algoma Cross Country Ski Trail is also listed in good condition, with a 5 inch groomed surface. Local snow depth is roughly 10 inches.
Bemidji
Lake Bemidji State Park is covered in roughly 10 inches of snow. The ski trails have a 3 inch groomed surface, and are in very good condition. The snowmobile trails are reported to be in fair condition, with a 2 inch groomed surface. Expect some thin areas along the way. Nearby, the Bemidji-Itasca State Trail has been partially groomed for snowmobiling, and conditions are reported to be poor to fair. The trail base varies from 0-1 inch overall. The river gates are now open, and bridges have been placed over the rivers. Please watch for timber harvest and pipeline work adjacent to the trail.
Pelican Rapids
Maplewood State Park is covered in 8 inches of snow. The ski trails are hard packed, with a 6 inch groomed surface. Conditions are reported to be fair. The snowmobile trails are in poor condition, with a 0-2 inch base. The Friends of Maplewood will host their annual Candlelight Ski on Saturday, February 23 from 6:00-8:30 PM. Come ski the 1.8 km Cataract Lake trail which will be lit with 150 candles. Refreshments and chili will be provided afterwards by the Friends of Maplewood.
Outing
The Washburn Lake Ski Trail running through Land O' Lakes State Forest has a 4 inch ungroomed surface, and is reported to be in fair condition. Only the 7-mile northern segment is being groomed this winter. One foot of snow covers the ground in this area.
N of Brainerd
The Paul Bunyan State Trail is reported to be in poor condition for snowmobiling. The trail has a 0-2 inch ungroomed surface. The snowmobile trails running through nearby Pillsbury State Forest are also in poor condition. The ski trails are in fair condition, with some ice sections, especially on the hills. Local snow depth is roughly 7 inches.
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TWIN CITIES GREATER METROPOLITAN VICINITY
Monticello
Lake Maria State Park is covered in 8 inches of snow. The cross-country ski trails have a 2 inch groomed surface, and are reported to be in good condition. Please note that there are a few scattered bare areas, but the track is good overall. There are 22-kilometers of traditional tracked trail, and 5-kilometers of skate ski trail. Skiers may also want to take advantage of the ski-in camper cabins available for winter use. There are also 3 miles of packed trail for winter hiking and snowshoeing, and the ice skating rink is open and in good condition.
West Metro Vicinity/Three Rivers Park District
All parks with cross-country ski trails within the Three Rivers Park District have packed and tracked trails. At present, good conditions can be found along the skate ski trails at Baker Park Reserve in Maple Plain, Carver Park Reserve in Victoria, Cleary Lake Regional Park in Prior Lake, Eagle Lake Regional Park in Plymouth, Elm Creek Park Reserve in Dayton, French Regional Park in Plymouth, Glen Lake Golf Course in Minnetonka, and Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington. Good conditions can also be found along the traditional ski trails at Baker, Carver and Elm Creek park reserves. Please note that conditions can change daily. Skiers are asked to call ahead for the most current conditions, and to confirm days and hours of operation, at 763/559-6778.
Jordan
Both the ski and snowmobile trails within Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area are reported to be in fair condition. The ski trails have a 4 inch ungroomed surface, and the snowmobile trails are groomed, with a 2 inch base. There is roughly 6 inches of snow on the ground in this area.
E of North Branch
There is roughly 3-6 inches of snow on the ground at Wild River State Park. The ski trails have been groomed, and are reported to be in fair to good condition, with a 2-3 inch base. Wild River offers ski and snowshoe rental when the trails are open and useable. Wild River also rents its Guest House and two camper cabins year-round.
N of Stillwater
The ski trails at William O'Brien State Park are in fair condition, with a 2 inch partially groomed surface for classic and skate skiing. The ground is covered in roughly 3 inches of snow.
St. Paul
Fort Snelling State Park ski trails are ungroomed, very icy, and in poor condition, with a 2 inch base. Everyone must stay off the ice on Snelling Lake and the Minnesota River due to unstable ice conditions. A winter walking trail is packed for hiking on Pike Island.
N of Hastings
Afton State Park ski trails are in good condition, with a 1 inch ungroomed surface. Two inches of new snow line the existing track in the flat, wooded areas of the park. The open areas and especially the hills are very icy. The snowshoe trails are in very good shape, and there is a new supply of snowshoes for rent within the park, however visitors must call ahead to check for availability. Roughly 2 inches of snow covers the ground at this time.
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SOUTHERN REGION
S of Red Wing
Frontenac State Park ski and snowmobile trails are in fair condition, with a 1-2 inch partially groomed surface. Local snow depth is roughly 6 inches.
Rochester
The Douglas State Trail is reported to be in fair condition for both skiing and snowmobiling. Both trails have a 1 inch base. The snowmobile trail is fully groomed, and the ski trail has been groomed from Rochester to Douglas. Local snow depth is 2-3 inches.
Preston
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park snowmobile trails are reported to be in fair condition, with a 2-5 inch partially groomed surface. The ski trails are in fair condition, with a 5 inch partially groomed surface. Roughly 11 inches of snow is on the ground in this area. Grooming will resume once a sufficient amount of snow is received. The nearby Root River State Trail is in fair condition for cross-country skiing, with a 1 inch partially groomed surface.
Albert Lea
The ski trails at Myre-Big Island State Park are in good condition. The trails are groomed, with a 7 inch base. The snowmobile trails have a 5 inch groomed surface, and are also reported to be in good condition. Approximately 13 inches of snow covers the ground within the park.
W of Faribault
At Sakatah Lake State Park, the ski trails are in good condition overall, with a 2 inch groomed surface. The trails have held up very well this season, however some icy sections may be encountered. Local snow depth is roughly 5 inches.
New Ulm
The ski trails at Flandrau State Park are partially groomed, with a 1 inch base. Conditions are reported to be fair, however skiers should expect a very hard packed and icy base in some areas. The park office rents skis, poles and boots, as well as snowshoes--please call ahead if you intend to rent skis or snowshoes. Local snow depth is roughly 4 inches.
N of Willmar
The ski trails at Sibley State Park are currently in fair condition, however some bare spots are developing in the open areas and on the south facing slopes. The trails have a 2 inch partially groomed surface. The snowmobile trails remain in poor condition, with a minimal base. Roughly 4 inches of snow covers the ground in this area. Nearby, the Glacial Lakes State Snowmobile Trail is in poor condition, with a 0-2 inch ungroomed surface, and lots of bare areas. Local snow depth is 2-4 inches.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources State Climatology Office and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
