Trail Detail

Isabella, MN
29k
Classic Only
No
No
218-830-2457
[ NWS ]
New Reports Report Requests

Notes

These classic single-tracked trails are set in the remote boreal forest of Isabella on Superior National Forest. The trails wind along lakeshores and through spruce/tamarack bogs and old pine, fir, aspen, and birch forests. Skiers can experience a wilderness character on mostly beginner to intermediate loops. Trailhead located at Flathorn Picnic area.
Proximity
Search
Ski Trails Rollerski Trails Stores Lodging
Within    

Trail Reports

2023-2024 season
Reports 1 to 10 of 15    Month: Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan | Dec
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: Partial, Rock skis ]
We skied from Jensen Trail on Highway #1 to 16> 20> 21> 24> Shelter> 24> 12> back to Highway #1. There was always snow to ski on, albeit pretty thin on occasion; 80% was 2 to 4-inch heavy-wet snow cover. Using waxless worked well; had good kick and glide. The bog had the least snow, so skiing in Labrador Tea vegetation was part of the adventure. Mary and I were delighted to have spent most of this sunny day enjoying these trails. Lake Gegoka is now opened up, time to get out the water skis.
Photos:
(Nancy Schultz)
Friday, April 5, 2024
Morning
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
I skied around segments around and just north of Flathorn Lake. There is still a good overall base of snow and tracks that are holding up well (groomed lasyt Saturday). However there are occasional, mostly short, patches of bare ground (<2%). These are easily visible and easy to get around. More problematic are isolated small cobbles or roots that are above the snow. Skiing was really fun, but rock skis are your best bet. Parking lot is plowed.
Photos:
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Morning
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
All the trails are packed and some are tracked. Trails are fully snow covered although the sections along Gegoka Lake are thin. It was a great ski on a sunny day.
Photos:
(Brad Anderson)
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Morning
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Good skis ]
Skiing this morning before the temps climbed was beautiful (around the lake). Trail grooming ranges from a little bumpy to very good with no bare spots. Note: we did not get the parking lot plowed before the weekend, so it wouldn't hurt to bring a shovel. There have been a bunch of cars going in and out that have packed the short road in, so you shouldn't have a problem. However, it is a good precaution.
Photos:
Friday, March 29, 2024
Afternoon
Grooming 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
100% of the trails were packed yesterday and about 75% of trails were trackset today. The groomed trails mostly on the east and north. And included segments around Flathorn. Grooming conditions were quite challenging with the warming snow and some equipment problems, but we think there will be fun skiing regardless. If anyone gets out there this weekend we hope you will post on skinnyski.
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Afternoon
Grooming 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
With over a foot of fresh new fluffy snow, we packed today. Grooming plans: Tomorrow morning we will track set. We plan to have the trails groomed for the weekend. Should be beautiful weekend to make up for lost time! Stand by.
(Mary Lawler Shedd)
Thursday, February 22, 2024
Morning
Observation 
Nope! Sorry to report the lack of adequate snow, but with weekend coming up we thought we should let folks know.... There is still some skiable snow on the trails, but there are too many gaps, roots, rocks, and ground cover for even the most inveterate rock-skier. We do, however, welcome hikers to the trails. Take advantage of these unusual conditions to get out onto the lovely trails for decent hiking. Dogs welcome.
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Rock skis ]
Well, the big melt is occurring, we still have 5 to 7 inches of snow on the trail. Now hard-packed but skiable with rock skis. Plenty of folks are making the most out of the marginal snow quality we have.
Photos:
(Nancy Schultz)
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Rock skis ]
Our 8 inches of snow is sinking due to warm temps, however, our ski felt like there was plenty of cover to feel at ease going down hills without hitting rocks. We recommend rock skis in case there are indeed rocks out there that might pose a problem. There are lots of whips in areas but they are thin and don't cause any drag unless you are in wetlands where the Labrador Tea plants are thick.
Photos:
(Nancy Schultz)
Monday, January 22, 2024
Morning
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Rock skis ]
Snow conditions were good today, our 8 inches or so is packed to a very firm 3-inch base. We did not run into any rocks, though we still recommend rock skis in case. There are lots of whips in areas but they are thin and don't cause any drag unless you are in the wetlands where the labrador tea is thick. Strange season indeed.
Photos:
(Nancy Schultz)

Next Last