Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Report 2.5.09
Excellent cross-country ski and/or snowmobile trail conditions can be found throughout northern Minnesota, and specifically at Cascade River, Tettegouche, Gooseberry Falls, Banning, Lake Bemidji and Maplewood state parks. Trails in the Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, Ely, International Falls and Waskish vicinities also offer excellent conditions. Visitors may also want to take advantage of the many Candlelight Ski events held at parks throughout the state this Saturday, February 7. Please note that above-freezing temperatures are forecasted for much of the state on Friday, February 6, and trail conditions could change rapidly–please call ahead for the most current conditions.
A Snowmobile State Trail sticker is required for all snowmobiles operating on state or grant-in-aid trails, and all snowmobiles must have a $16 trail use permit. Cross-country skiers must also have a pass to use grant-in-aid and state-operated trails. 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 DNR license agents.
Northeastern Region
International Falls
Tilson Creek cross-country ski trails, running through Koochiching State Forest, are groomed for classic and skate skiing. The trails are in excellent condition, with a 16 inch base. Watch for signs of moose, timberwolves, and pine martens along the way. Nearly two feet of snow covers the ground.
Side Lake (north of Hibbing)
The snowmobile trails at McCarthy Beach State Park are groomed, with a 6 inch base. Conditions are reported to be good. The ski trails are also in good condition, with an 8 inch groomed surface. The Taconite State Trail, as well as other nearby and connecting snowmobile trails, are in good condition. Local snow depth is 15 inches.
Tower
The trailhead for the Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail is located ten miles west of Tower, at the intersection of the Taconite Trail. The trail is groomed regularly, and it is in good to excellent condition, with a 1-4 inch base. The snow in the woods is averaging 18-23 inches.
Ely
The ground is covered in roughly 3 feet of snow. Most snowmobile trails are groomed at least twice a week, and are reported to be in excellent condition, with a solid 6 inch base. Most flowages and swampy areas are firming up nicely. Many area lakes are staked, and riders are encouraged to stay on the staked trails if choosing lake travel since you may still encounter slush on some of the lakes. Please watch for the “Trucks Hauling” signs along the Taconite and Tomahawk trails, and use caution in these areas. Most cross-country ski trails in the area are groomed, tracked, and in excellent condition, with a 6-10 inch base. The Hidden Valley and Trezona trails in Ely, and the Golf Course Trails at Babbitt are groomed for skate skiing, and are also reported to be in excellent condition. At Bear Head Lake State Park, the ski trails are groomed and in good condition, with a 9 inch base. The portion of the Taconite State Snowmobile Trail that runs through the park has a 1-4 inch groomed surface, and riders report very good conditions. Local snow depth is roughly 20 inches. It’s a wonderful time to visit the park, and visitors report lots of deer, fox, moose and wolf tracks throughout the park. Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis–please call ahead for the most current conditions.
Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail
Cross-country skiers and snowmobilers are enjoying excellent trail conditions, as well as breathtaking scenery throughout the Grand Marais vicinity. At present, there is at least 45 inches of snow on the ground. Most trails have a base measuring 18-24 inches, and trails are groomed on a regular basis. Up the Gunflint Trail, the Central Gunflint and Banadad trail systems are reported to be in very good to excellent condition for both classic and skate skiing. On average, these trails have a base measuring 12-20 inches. There is roughly 2 feet of snow on the ground. And closer to shore, the Pincushion Mountain ski trails are reported to be in excellent condition for both skate and classic skiing, with a 10-14 inch packed powder base. Snow depth is roughly 1 1/2- to 3-feet. And, don’t miss the Volks Ski Fest, a new family-oriented ski event, which will take place throughout Cook County from January 31 through February 8, with ski and snowshoe outings, clinics, bonfires, dog sled rides, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a scavenger hunt, and much more! For further information, check out
www.grandmarais.com, or dial 1-888-922-5000.
Lutsen
Cascade River State Park currently offers excellent conditions for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The trails are groomed, with a 10 inch base. Local snow depth is roughly 22 inches. Nearby, the ski trails at Cascade Lodge and Solbakken Resort have a 12-24 inch hard base covered with a nice layer of new snow, and conditions are reported to be great! From 3-4 feet of snow covers the ground along these trails. And, horse-drawn sleigh rides are offered from Cascade Lodge into Cascade River State Park!
Silver Bay
Tettegouche State Park trails are groomed and tracked, and both skiers and snowmobilers report very good to excellent conditions! The trails have a 12 inch groomed surface. Similar conditions are reported for snowmobiling at Temperance River State Park. There are lots of signs of wildlife along the trail, including wolf, fox, coyotes, otter, beaver and deer. The waterfalls are stunning due to the ice formations. Local snow depth is roughly 30 inches.
Two Harbors
Gooseberry Falls State Park is covered in 21 inches of snow. The ski and snowmobile trails are in excellent condition, and both trails have a 12 inch groomed surface. There are beautiful ice formations on the waterfalls and along the Lake Superior shoreline. Ice shards are piling up along the shore between Duluth and Two Harbors, making for some great photo opportunities. And visitors report seeing signs of fox, pine marten, deer, wolf and eagles.
Duluth/Grand Marais
The North Shore State Trail is in fair to good condition for snowmobiling, with a 4-8 inch base. The entire trail has been groomed this week, and it will be regroomed on Friday and Saturday nights. Please note that some areas of the trail are icy, and some of the corners are becoming bare. Trailside snow depth ranges from 15-30 inches. Please note that some sections of the trail are icy–please use caution.
Carlton
The ski trails running through Fond du Lac State Forest are reported to be in very good condition, with a 4 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails have a 6 inch groomed surface, and are listed in good condition. There are some bare areas at the hills and corners along the snowmobile trail. Ten inches of snow covers the ground in this area. At Jay Cooke State Park, the ski trails are in fair condition, with a 12 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails have an 8 inch groomed surface, and are in fair to good condition. There are icy sections along both trails. Fifteen- to 20-inches of snow covers the ground at Jay Cooke State Park.
Sandstone
Banning State Park currently offers excellent conditions for snowmobiling, and good conditions for skiing. The trails are fully groomed, with a 7-9 inch base. The ground is covered in roughly 14 inches of snow. Snowmobile trailer parking is available at Banning Junction Restaurant. And just to the north, the ski and snowmobile trails running through Moose Lake State Park are groomed and in very good to excellent condition, with a 6-8 inch base.
East of Hinckley
The snowmobile trails running through St. Croix State Park are groomed and in good condition, with a 3 inch base. The Kettle River ice crossing is open with at least 18 inches of ice. The ski trails are also groomed, but are icy and in fair condition, with a 6 inch base. The portion of the Willard Munger State Trail which runs through the park is in good condition. Just over 1 foot of snow covers the ground in this area.
Northcentral/West Region
Argyle
The ski and snowmobile trails at Old Mill State Park are groomed and in very good condition, with a 6 inch base. A warming shelter is also available, along with firewood and starter material. Local snow depth is 16 inches.
Waskish
The snowmobile trails running through the Big Bog State Recreation Area and the surrounding area are groomed and in excellent condition. The trails have an 8 inch base. Camper cabin users have been snowshoeing in the bog on a nice base of snow, and anglers are having lots of success fishing on nearby Upper Red Lake. Twenty inches of snow is on the ground in this area.
Bemidji
The Lake Bemidji State Park snowmobile trails have an 8 inch groomed surface, and are listed in excellent condition! The ski trails have been down-graded to fair condition due to the debris that covers the trail base. Roughly 16 inches of snow covers the ground in this area.
Fergus Falls/Battle Lake
Otter Country Snowmobile Trails are groomed and in good to very good condition, with an 8-12 inch base. Approximately 28-32 inches of snow covers the ground. Trails throughout the entire Otter Tail County vicinity pass rolling hills, an abundance of lakes, wooded farmland, and even Inspiration Peak, with numerous connections to other trail systems. The ski and snowmobile trails running through Maplewood State Park are in excellent condition, with an 8-10 inch groomed surface.
Alexandria
Lake Carlos State Park ski and snowmobile trails are entirely groomed. The base is running 3-6 inches, and conditions are good. There is roughly 16 inches of snow in the woods. A Candlelight Ski will be offered February 7, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A candlelight snowshoe trail will also available.
Brainerd
The ski and snowmobile trails within Pillsbury State Forest are reported to be in fair condition overall, with a 5 inch base. Both trails are fully groomed. Nearby, the section of the Paul Bunyan State Snowmobile Trail running through Pequot Lakes is reported to be in very good condition, with a 3 inch groomed surface. At Crow Wing State Park, both the ski and snowmobile trails are reported to be groomed and in good condition. The trails have a 4-5 inch base. Local snow depth is 13-14 inches.
Onamia
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park ski and snowmobile trails are groomed and in good condition, with a 5 inch base. Last weekend’s warm temperatures and strong winds left some icy spots and some debris on the trails. Local snow depth is roughly 1 foot. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available during the day. Camper Cabin reservations can be made by calling 1-866-857-2757, or by logging on to the reservation website at
www.stayatmnparks.com. And, a Candlelight Ski will be offered Saturday, February 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Orrock (west of Zimmerman)
The Ann Lake Trail, running through the Sand Dunes State Forest, is now considered to be in poor condition for snowmobiling, and in fair condition for skiing. The trails have a 3-5 inch base overall, however there are many icy and bare areas along the way. Roughly 15 inches of snow covers the ground.
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity
Monticello
Thawing temperatures on January 31 left the ski trails at Lake Maria State Park icy and glazed. The trails have been re-groomed to help break-up the glare ice base. While the re-groomed snow is coarse and icy, the trails are in fair to good condition, with a 2 inch base on most 22 kilometers of traditional ski trails and 5 kilometers of skate ski trails. Ski-in cabins are also available–please call the state park reservation line at 1-866-857-2757 to reserve a cabin. The ground is covered in just under 1 foot of snow.
Three Rivers Park District -Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott and Wright county parks
Packed and tracked trails, as well as good classic and skate ski trail conditions, can be found at Baker Park Reserve in Maple Plain, Cleary Lake Regional Park in Prior Lake, and Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. The skate ski trails are also in good condition at Carver Park Reserve in Victoria, Eagle Lake Regional Park in Plymouth, French Regional Park in Plymouth, and Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington. Rentals are available at many of the parks within the Three Rivers Park District. Please call ahead to secure equipment rental.
St. Paul
Fort Snelling State Park ski trails are in fair condition, with a 4 inch groomed surface. There are scattered small patches of exposed soil. The Pike Island Trail has the best conditions in the park. Please note that the ice on the rivers is very unsafe. Local snow depth is 6 inches.
Almelund (east of North Branch)
The ski trail system within Wild River State Park has been groomed and tracked, and conditions are reported to be good. The trails have a 4 inch base. There is roughly 10 inches of snow in the woods. Wild River offers ski and snowshoe rental throughout the winter season when the trails are open. For rental information, dial 651/257-0685
Marine On St. Croix (north of Stillwater)
The William O’Brien State Park ski trails are in fair condition, with a 2 inch partially groomed surface. The ground is covered with 5 inches of snow. Please note that the water from the marsh is flowing across the trail just east of the railroad crossing–please watch for ice and slush. The tracks have become shallow and icy in some areas. There have been lots of signs of coyotes this year, along with lots of “singing” taking place at night!
Afton (south of Hastings)
The ski trails at Afton State Park are groomed, with 2 inch base. Conditions are reported to be good. The ground is covered in roughly 4 inches of snow. A Candlelight Hike and Snowshoe event will be offered February 7 from 6pm until 9pm. Hike or snowshoe by moonlight along a two mile trail lined with candle luminaries. Afterwards, warm up by the wood stove and enjoy refreshments in the trail center.
Southern Region
Preston
Ski and snowmobile trail conditions within Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park are reported to be fair. Both trails have an 8 inch partially groomed surface. Some sections of the ski trails have been damaged due to unauthorized hiking and snowmobile use, and some sections are icy and fast. Portions of the snowmobile trails running through area fields have bare spots. The ground is covered in 15 inches of snow.
Waterville (southwest of Faribault)
From 8-10 inches of snow covers the ground at Sakatah Lake State Park. The ski trails are in fair condition, with a 1.5-3.5 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails are reported to be in fair condition, with a 1-3 inch base. Recent warm temperatures have resulted in icy spots, and exposed leaves and twigs on some sections of these trails. The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, which travels past Sakatah Lake State Park, is reported to be in fair condition overall for both skiing and snowmobiling, however bare areas are developing.
Mankato
Due to recent warm weather, the ski trails are icy at Minneopa State Park. Conditions are still considered fair, and the trail is holding onto its 2-4 inch base. If weather permits, the trails will be regroomed this weekend. The road to the mill is open.
New Ulm
Fort Ridgely State Park ski trails are ungroomed, but in fair condition, with a 4 inch base. High winds have blown snow into some of the tracks. The snowmobile trails are reported to be groomed and in good condition, with a 4 inch base. There is approximately 6 inches of snow on the ground in this area.
Granite Falls
Upper Sioux Agency State Park is reported to offer fair conditions for skiing, and good conditions for snowmobiling, with a 2 inch trail base. The ski trails are groomed, and the snowmobile trails remain ungroomed. The trails are icy in some areas due to the recent warm temperatures. Local snow depth is 6-10 inches.
New London
Sibley State Park ski trails are groomed, and in fair condition, with a 12 inch base. The snowmobile trails are also in fair condition, with a 0-2 inch base. Both trails were recently groomed. Roughly 1 foot of snow covers the ground in this area. The heated trail center is open daily and has a supply of wood for the fireplace. And, towards the city of Willmar, the Glacial Lakes State Trail is in fair condition for snowmobiling, with a 1-3 inch partially groomed surface. Local snow depth is 10-12 inches.
Most other trails in southern Minnesota are now in poor condition due to recent warm temperatures.
“The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources State Climatology Office and Explore Minnesota Tourism.”
