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The Sphunge Island East campsite on Kabetogama Lake is made accessible to vehicles for winter camping via new a spur road plowed south off of the main ice road at the east end of Sphunge Island. Camping permits are required and can be reserved at recreation.gov.
NPS / C. Nevalainen
Winter Trails and Frozen Lakes Report
Last Updated: February 5, 2026 Bookmark this page for weekly updates throughout the winter. But keep in mind that conditions often change faster than we can update them
The park has received a small amount of fresh snow recently, and overall conditions remain excellent for riding. Lake surfaces are smooth and in great shape, providing ideal travel conditions. Land portages are also holding up well, though snow depth remains limited. While additional snow would help build a stronger base on portages, they continue to offer good riding conditions. Snow drifts have filled in somewhat, but they are still present and extremely hard, so expect surprises if you ride off trail. We have also seen some ice roads being plowed on the lakes; please watch for ice road berms, which can be difficult to see and may catch riders off guard. We are currently grooming lake surfaces and portages using our large groomers, as well as a side-by-side with a drag.
Conditions are shaping up nicely for upcoming winter park events in February! Join us on Saturday, February 14, for Winter Fun with the Polar Polers Nordic Ski Club. From 1:00–5:00 PM, visitors can borrow cross-country skis or snowshoes for free at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, then travel via the ice road out to the Black Bay Ski Trails. All ages and experience levels are welcome, and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and provide demonstrations. This event is part of Boreal Stargazing Week, with additional events taking place virtually and across northern Minnesota. More details can be found here: Boreal Stargazing Week
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 from Rainy Lake through Lost Bay portage
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) and Pine Trail (figure 8 loop) packed and 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
