Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

 
Plowing on Rainy Lake Ice Road
Plowing the Rainy Lake Ice Road

NPS / B. Line

Winter Trails and Frozen Lakes Report

Last Updated: February 19, 2026
Bookmark this page for weekly updates throughout the winter. But keep in mind that conditions often change faster than we can update them

We had several warm days that many people enjoyed getting out on the trails last week. Those warm temperatures, combined with heavy traffic, has left our winter trails in poor shape. We were seeing patches of earth though the snow, which can greatly impact safety and ride quality. We got about 3 inches of fresh snow this week, which will give us enough to work with in our grooming operations. We are touching up the trails to extend them longer into the season. If you are out on your snowmobile in the Ash River area, be particularly alert for snow berms and ruts left by fisherman plowing access near the trail. The ice roads are down to bare ice in many areas, leaving them very slick. Traction and breaking can be challenging. Fresh snow will improve traction somewhat, but drive cautiously.


Always check conditions for yourself before heading out and remember ice is never 100% safe

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

ICE ROADS
Rainy Lake Ice Road: Open to Cranberry
Rainy Lake Dryweed Loop: CLOSED
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road: Open *Leaves from Gappa Landing boat launch instead of the Kabetogama Visitor Center*
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road West and East Spur Roads: Open
Campsite Spur Roads (R111 Dove Bay West, R26 Sunrise Point, K31 Sphunge Island East): Open

SKI TRAILS
Rainy Lake Rec Trail: Open – packed and tracked
Black Bay Ski Trail: Open – Birch Trail (beginner loop) packed and tracked, Figure 8 and Ridge Trail packed not tracked
Tilson Connector Trail: Open – packed and tracked
Echo Bay Ski Trail: Open – both loops packed and tracked

SNOWSHOE TRAILS
Rainy Lake Rec Trail: Open
Oberholtzer Trail: Open
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail: Open
Kab/Ash Trail: Open
Blind Ash Bay Trail: Open
Sullivan Bay Trail: Open

KABETOGAMA LAKE RECREATION AREA
Sledding Hill: Open and groomed

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

Campsite Closures

For current campsite closure information, check our Permits & Reservations page.

 

Loading weather forecast...

Last updated: February 19, 2026

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Voyageurs National Park Headquarters
360 Hwy 11 East

International Falls, MN 56649

Phone:

(218)-283-6600

Contact Us