Ely, MN Chamber Of Commerce - Winter

March 10, 2010

Snowmobile Trails

The snow base and trail conditions have deteriorated due to warm temperatures and sunshine. Open areas and south facing slopes have really lost snow. Grooming has ceased pending additional snow. Conditions will be poor on most stretches, and expect many bare patches, exposed rocks and dirt. Snowmobiling is not advised at this time. Lake stakes have been removed from Bear Island Lake.

Cross Country Ski Trails

The Hidden Valley Cross Country Ski Trails – There are over 15 kilometers of trails at Hidden Valley. Spring conditions. 3/9/10

The Birch Lake White Pine Plantation, 17 miles south of Ely in Babbitt, was established in 1916 from seedlings grown at the Baird Ranger Station. The young red pine were transported 7 miles by horse and wagon and another 11 miles by canoe to this burned and barren area where local residents planted them. There is a continuing research project in progress to determine the optimum number of trees per acre in relation to most rapid growth. These trees will reach maturity at 120 years in 2035. The area east of Forest Road #131 is generally flat, and the areas west are more challenging but relatively easy. This trail was last groomed on Saturday morning for classic skiing. Watch for bare spots. This trail will not be groomed again this season. 3/8/10

The Babbitt Golf Course –The Babbitt Golf Course was groomed for the final time this season. The golf course offers over 2 miles of groomed trails. It is still in fairly good condition. 3/8/10

The Bear Head State Park Trails wind through mixed pine, balsam, birch and aspen stand and skirt four lakes along the way. Great views of Bear Head Lake can be seen from varying vantage points. Many exciting hills, both gentle and more demanding, await the skier. These trails are machine groomed and accommodate both beginner and expert skiers. With recent warm weather and forecasted rain, snow and trail conditions are quickly deteriorating. These trails will not be groomed again unless we get a sufficient amount of new snow. Expect bare patches, exposed rocks and debris on the trails. The Becky Lake Loop has been packed by users and is a great trail for snowshoes or hiking. Ski trails are in poor condition with a 0-5 inch base. 3/10/10

The North Junction Trails consist of a series of loops. There are two loops south of the North Arm Road. The Beaver Meadow Trail is a beginner to intermediate trail that goes through an area occupied by beaver. The Moose Trail is an intermediate level that goes through hilly upland areas, a spruce swamp, and a beaver pond. Please respect camp property and watch for vehicles. The North Junction trails are icy and there are bare patches. 3/8/10

The North Arm Trail is one of the premier skier-tracked trail systems in the area. It boasts 30 km of scenic trails in and out of the BWCA Wilderness. (A Wilderness Permit is required and available at the trail head.) These trails are classic in every sense of the word (though skate skiing can be fabulous in late winter on the hard crusted lakes). Because they are not machine groomed, they can be challenging at times even for intermediate-skilled skiers. They are the most beautiful in the area as they roll up and down over forested ledge rock and across lakes through the wilderness. The trails are easy to follow and each intersection has a ‘you are here’ map. Beginner skiers can first test their proficiency. It’s that time of year again when the skiing gets interesting and changes considerably from day to day, and even hour to hour. Warm temperatures have also impacted these trails. No new report. 3/10/10

The Pine Park Trail is located between the Hidden Valley connector trail and the trails at Silver Rapids. These trails can be accessed from Ernie’s Road. This trail is not skiable at this time due to warm temperatures and no new snow recently. 3/10/10

Trezona Trail – Dogs are allowed on this trail. This 6.4 Km trail is relatively flat and has great views of the old Pioneer Mine headframe. It circles Miner’s Lake which is a designated trout lake. Expect spring conditions on this trail and grooming has ended unless we get a good snowfall. 3/10/10

Silver Rapids Trail –No Current Report.

The Bear Island Ski Trail – This trail is a multi use 20km user tracked trail for easy to intermediate level skiers. No trail permit is required. The trail winds through Superior National Forest to Perch Lake with short side loops that are waiting to be explored! The trail offers a peaceful and solitary ski setting with many opportunities for wildlife sighting and tracking. There is also a 1-mile groomed trail along the shoreline of Bear Island Lake. The trailhead is located at the intersection of Highway 21 and the Escape Road. Skiers should park along the shoulder of the Escape Road and walk across Highway 21 to the wooded trailhead. Grooming is ended for the season. This is a great trail to hike at this time. Not really enough snow for skiing or snowshoeing at this time. 3/8/10

South Farm Trails – These trails are user tracked all the way and offer opportunities for skiers of all skill levels. If someone is looking for a trail-breaking opportunity, or a little-used wilderness trail, this is it. (A Wilderness Permit is required and available at the trail head.) No current report.

Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis. Please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.

A Snowmobile State Trail sticker is required for all snowmobiles operating on state or grant-in-aid trails. All cross-country skiers on state park or forest ski trails, or on state or grant-in-aid trails, who are aged 16 and above must have a Minnesota Ski Pass. Snowmobile Trail Stickers and MN State Ski Passes can be purchased at several locations in Ely, on-line at: dnr.state.mn.us and by phone at: 888/665-4236.

Thanks for supporting our trails!