Jenna Weiber photographed in 2015 this view of the VNP’s Yellow Trail as it heads to Kettle Falls.
VNP
Today’s Voyageurs National Park snowmobile trail spotlight is the Yellow Trail, which extends from Ash River to Kettle Falls.
A short ride from Ash River on the Green Trail over the Moose River Portage, the Yellow Trail begins. Sledding north on the trail brings the rider close to several past residences on Namakan Lake. Visitor Destination I.W. Stevens’ Pine Cover Resort preserves several structures from this notable Namakan Lake bachelor. The trail swings around the north side of Kubel Island where mail order bride Lydia Torrey lived for decades after her husband passed away in a drowning accident.
Just north of Kubel Island, the trail moves inland due to thin ice along the waterways. Thin ice is common in the areas of Old Dutch Bay and Blind Indian, Voyageurs and Squirrel Narrows, as well as near the Kettle Falls Dam. It is recommended to remain on the trail in these areas, and to always use caution whenever anyone suspects thin ice.
The Yellow Trail emerges briefly on Mica Bay, which passes Mica Island, where a short-lived mining operation, never profitable, extracted large sheets of Mica. As Mica is heat resistant and transparent in thin sheets, it was used in electrical conductors and woodstove windows until cheaper modern materials replaced it. The mines are now flooded and currently covered in snow.
After another ride through the forest, the Purple Trail junction awaits, which spurs to Rainy Lake. The Yellow Trail continues for a short distance and ends at the hibernating Kettle Falls Dam and Hotel. Winter solitude, quiet, and beauty grace the landscape. Be sure to spend some time at the overlook--if the sun should emerge, the view can be dramatic.
The Yellow Trail, 7.5 miles in length one-way, offers much to explore, from woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife to snapshots of past residents. Dress warm, prepare for the weather, and enjoy the trails within Voyageurs National Park
The most up to date winter trail conditions are available at www.nps.gov/voya.
All trails are open. Recent high winds have caused drifting. Use caution especially when off trail on large lake surfaces.
Snowmobile trails
- International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
- Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
- Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
- Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
- Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
- East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Open, staked, and groomed
Ice roads
- Rainy Lake Ice Road – Open to Cranberry Bay and around Dryweed Island
- Kabetogama Lake Ice Road – Open
Ski trails
- Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
- Black Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
- Tilson Connector Trail – Open, packed, and tracked
- KabAsh Trail – Open
Snowshoe trails
- Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail – Open, not packed
- Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open, not packed
- Oberholtzer Trail – Open, not packed
- Sullivan Bay Trail – Open, not packed
IVSC
The International Voyageurs Snowmobile Club posted on Monday at http://www.ridetheborder.com/
A little more snow coming Tuesday, but then more cold. The operators will still be out making sure all our trails will be in great shape. Thanks to Bruce, John, Ron, Ryan and Kevin for their dedication. As we're heading into our last month and you're looking for a place to ride, load up your machine and come north for some awesome scenery and great trails. Have fun and be safe.
Larry
Petersen
The winter severity index for the International Falls area was 76 on Feb. 25, reports Larry Petersen, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources area wildlife manager.
The WSI was 130 last year at this date, and 87 two years ago, reports Petersen.
The average WSI for this date is about 83. The harshest winter in the mid-1990 had an index of 144 on this date, according to Petersen.
All the winter severity data dates from 1966 to present.
The snow depth is around 12-16 inches in the International Falls vicinity, reports Petersen.
The winter severity index is a standardized number resource managers use when considering impacts of the winter on deer. It is calculated using temperature and snow depth in the period from Nov. 1 through April 30 or whenever winter ends. Every day the daily low temperature is zero or below is one point, and every day the snow depth is 15 inches or deeper in an open aspen woods is one point. The points are added each week until winter ends.
Larry
Petersen
