Trail Detail

Isabella, MN
29k
Classic Only
No
No
218-830-2457
[ NWS ]
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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.
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Trail Reports

2023-2024 season
Reports 7 to 15 of 15    Month: Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan | Dec
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)
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ B skis ]
First grooming - We sent the snow machine out to pack the trails after an estimated 8-inch base of snow fell over the past couple of days. The snow isn't deep enough to set tracks yet but since it isn't that deep, the setting of tracks as you go and skiing on the packed trail is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon in the forest. Rocks are still exposed in some areas and the wetland trails are undulating.
Photos:
(Nancy Schultz)
Sunday, January 7, 2024
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Rock skis ]
We were hoping for more snowfall, but have to settle for 3.5 inches. Trails are ungroomed. This was our first ski of the season. Started on Lake Gegoka and then moved onto the trail system and found it easy to set my track because the snow wasn't that deep. Grooming plans: We will wait until there are at least 6 inches before packing of the trails occurs.
Photos:
(Nancy Schultz)
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Evening
Observation 
Walked out to trail post #19 from Boat Landing on Gegoka Lake. 2 to 3 inches of snow has fallen since Friday. We likely could have skied it but it was debatable so we opted to hike.
Photos:
(Nancy Schultz)
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Morning
Observation 
[ Trails: Closed, Bare ground ]
Though Isabella may be among the first and last to have good skiing, we are in the same boat as the rest the State. No snow. But a lot of local skiers are instead enjoying the miles of bug-free hiking!
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Morning
Observation 
Nope, we are not yet open because of inadequate snow. The good news is that we have had lots of very cold weather that has frozen down our many wetland bogs, so when we do get enough snow we should be able to open the trail (with exception of segments 9-10-11 that are closed due to logging activity).
Photos:

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