Explore Minnesota Winter Trail Conditions 2.21.08
In general, good to excellent cross-country ski and snowmobile trail conditions can be found throughout the entire state, except from some areas of southwestern Minnesota. Warmer temperatures are forecasted for this weekend--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 16 inches in this area.
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 11 inches. Nearby, within Scenic State Park, the ski trails are in good condition, with a 6 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails are in poor to fair condition, with a 4 inch base. The Historic Lodge Building is open, and firewood is available in the shelter, along with fire starting materials.
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 fair condition, with a 4 inch base. Please note that the trails may be icy and fast. Approximately 1 foot of snow covers the ground in this area. Nearby, both the ski and snowmobile trails at McCarthy Beach State Park are groomed and in good condition. The snowmobile trails have a 3 inch base, and the ski trails have a 5 inch base.
Tower
The Arrowhead State Trail is fully groomed for snowmobiling. The trail is reported to be in good condition overall, with a 2-4 inch base. Similar conditions are being reported for the portion of the Taconite State Trail running through St. Louis County. The Putnam and Fishing Lakes snowmobile trails running through the nearby Bear Island State Forest are groomed and in fair condition. Please note that the corners of area snowmobile trails are showing some wear, and may be icy or rough. The ground is covered in 12-18 inches of snow in this area.
Ely
Area snowmobile trails, including the Tomahawk, Stony Spur, Taconite Spur trails, and all local trails running from Ely to the North Shore Trail, are in fair to good condition, with a 3-5 inch groomed surface. Snowmobilers should watch for occasional rocks protruding from the trail. 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, with a 6-8 inch base. The Birch Lake Plantation, Trezona, Hidden Valley and connecting trails have been groomed. The Hidden Valley Ski area will be the site of the 1st Annual Wolftrack Classic Dog Sled Race on Sunday, March 2. The trails will remain open, however skiers are asked to schedule outings between noon and 3p.m. on Sunday to avoid the race. Within nearby Bear Head Lake State Park, the ski trails are groomed, and in good condition, with a 5 inch base. Snowmobile trail conditions within the park are excellent. Local snow depth is 16-17 inches. 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 excellent condition. Most trails have a 12-16 inch packed powder base. There is from 30-36 inches of snow in the woods. Further up the Gunflint Trail, the Banadad and adjoining ski trails have a 14 inch base, and conditions are reported to be excellent. Local snow depth is roughly 19 inches.
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 excellent condition. Nearby, the Deeryard, Pioneer, Ridge Run, Lookout and Cascade River trails are in excellent condition. These trails have an 8-16 inch groomed surface, with 12-30 inches of snow in the woods. The Hall Loop, Massie Loop and the North Shore Trail are reported to be in good to very good condition.
Two Harbors
Gooseberry Falls State Park currently has 1 foot of snow on the ground. The ski and snowmobile trails have a 4-5 inch groomed surface, and both trails are reported to be in good condition. The waterfalls have many beautiful ice formations, and wildlife sightings are common. A lot of wolf tracks are being observed on the ski trails. Please note that the steps are still very slippery.
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 to good, however trail conditions will vary. Expect some bare spots and exposed rocks along the southern section of the trail--please use caution while riding. The entire trail will be regroomed at night this Friday and Saturday, February 22 & 23. Warmer temperatures are in the forecast for this weekend which may interrupt grooming.
Carlton
Most sections of the Willard Munger State Trail are reported to be in good condition for snowmobiling, with a 2-4 inch partially groomed surface. The area is covered in 7-15 inches of snow. The section of the Munger Trail located within Chengwatana State Forest is listed in fair condition, with a 2 inch groomed surface. 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 very good condition, with a 4-6 inch base. Please note that there is logging activity north of Roger's Lake. The snowmobile trail has been groomed, and conditions are reported to be good to very good. Some corners may be icy.
N of McGregor
The Savanna Portage State Park ski trails are partially groomed and in excellent condition, with a 5-7 inch base. The snowmobile trails have a 2-4 inch groomed surface, and are reported to be in good condition. Nearby, the ski and snowmobile trails running through Savanna State Forest are reported to be in similar condition. Roughly 16 inches of snow covers the ground in the woods.
E of Hinckley
The St. Croix State Park snowmobile trails have a 6 inch base. These trails are groomed, and in very good condition. The ski trails are in good condition, with a 6 inch groomed surface. A warming house is available in the park. Roughly 16 inches of snow covers the ground in this area.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST REGION
Bemidji
Lake Bemidji State Park is covered in roughly 13 inches of snow. The ski trails have a 4 inch groomed surface, and are in excellent condition. The snowmobile trails are reported to be in very good condition, with a 2 inch groomed surface. Nearby, the Bemidji-Itasca State Trail has been groomed for snowmobiling, and conditions are reported to be fair. The trail base varies from 1-2 inches. The river gates are open, and bridges have been placed over the rivers. Please note that the ice on area rivers remains unsafe. And, please watch for timber harvest activities adjacent to the trail, and be aware that portions of this trail may have exposed soil.
Moorhead
The ski trails at Buffalo River State Park are groomed and in fair condition, with a 7 inch base. A warming house is open on Saturdays and Sundays, and there is a new sliding hill within the park. Local snow depth is 14 inches.
Outing
The Washburn Lake Ski Trail running through Land O' Lakes State Forest has a 6 inch ungroomed surface, and is reported to be in good condition. Only the 7-mile northern segment is being groomed this winter. Sixteen inches 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 2-3 inch partially groomed surface. The snowmobile trails running through nearby Pillsbury State Forest are also in poor condition. The ski trails are in fair to good condition. Local snow depth is 10-12 inches. At the city of Brainerd, the snowmobile trails running through Crow Wing State Park are listed in fair condition, with a 4 inch base. The ski trails are in good condition, with a 5 inch base. Both trails have been groomed since the 4 inch snowfall on Valentines' Day. The forested areas remain best for snowmobiling. Snow cover is averaging 10 inches in the park.
Little Falls
The cross-country ski trails at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park have a 2 inch groomed surface, and are in fair condition. The set tracks remain intact. Local snow depth is 9 inches. Bald eagles and pileated woodpeckers were recently observed in the woods.
Onamia
The snowmobile trails at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park have a 0-3 inch groomed surface, and are reported to be in good condition. The ski trails are in very good condition, with a 4-5 inch groomed surface. Two snowshoe loops are open and marked for use. Roughly 8 inches of snow is on the ground in this area.
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TWIN CITIES GREATER METROPOLITAN VICINITY
Monticello
Lake Maria State Park is covered in 10 inches of snow. The cross-country ski trails have a 3 inch groomed surface, and are reported to be in good condition. Recent windy conditions have left some leaves and debris along portions of the trail. 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. A ski, hike and snowshoe orienteering event will be offered on Sunday, February 24.
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 Glen Lake, Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington, and Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage. Good conditions can also be found along the traditional ski trails at Baker, Carver, Elm Creek, Hyland and Murphy-Hanrehan park reserves, as well as at Clear Lake, Eagle Lake and French regional parks. 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
The ski trails within Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area are reported to be in fair condition, with a 6 inch ungroomed surface. The snowmobile trails are groomed, with a 4 inch base, and are also considered to be in fair condition. There is roughly 6 inches of snow on the ground in this area.
E of North Branch
A total of 1 foot of snow is on the ground at Wild River State Park. The ski trails have been groomed, and are reported to be in excellent condition, with a 4-8 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 excellent condition, with a 3 inch groomed surface for classic and skate skiing. The ground is covered in roughly 6 inches of snow within the park.
St. Paul
Fort Snelling State Park ski trails are partially groomed, and in fair condition, with a 4 inch base. A winter walking trail is packed for hiking on Pike Island. Everyone must stay off the ice on Snelling Lake and the Minnesota River due to unstable ice conditions.
N of Hastings
Afton State Park ski trails are in good condition overall, with a 1 inch groomed surface. Please note that the more open areas have an icy base. The snowshoe trails are in very good shape. Ski and snowshoes are available for rent--please call ahead to confirm availability. Roughly 4 inches of snow covers the ground at this time.
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SOUTHERN REGION
S of Red Wing
Frontenac State Park ski trails are in very good condition, with a 2-4 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails are in good condition, with a 2 inch partially groomed surface. Local snow depth is roughly 10 inches.
Preston
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park snowmobile trails are reported to be in very good condition, with a 4-6 inch partially groomed surface. The ski trails are in good condition, with an 8 inch partially groomed surface. A total of 15 inches of snow is on the ground in this area.
Caledonia
Beaver Creek Valley State Park ski trails are in excellent condition, with an 8 inch base. A foot of snow covers the ground.
Albert Lea
The ski trails at Myre-Big Island State Park are in very good condition. The trails are groomed, with a 10 inch base. The snowmobile trails have a 6 inch groomed surface, and are reported to be in good condition. Approximately 14 inches of snow covers the ground within the park.
SW of Faribault
Sakatah Lake State Park ski trails are in fair to good condition overall, with a 2 inch groomed surface. The trails have held up very well this season, however some icy and shallow sections may be encountered. Local snow depth is roughly 4 inches.
NW of New Ulm
The snowmobile trails at Fort Ridgely State Park are groomed and in good condition, with a 1 inch base. The ski trails are partially groomed and in good condition, with a 2 inch base. Area snow depth is roughly 4 inches.
Willmar
The Glacial Lakes State Trail is in fair condition for snowmobiling, with a 0-2 inch partially groomed surface--expect some bare areas along the way. Local snow depth is 7 inches. Just to the north, the snowmobile trails at Sibley State Park are in fair condition, with a 1 inch partially groomed surface. The ski trails have a 2 inch groomed surface, and conditions are reported to be very good for classic skiing and excellent for skate skiing.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources State Climatology Office and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
