Winter Trails and Frozen Lakes Report
Last Updated: December 3, 2025
Bookmark this page for weekly updates throughout the winter. But keep in mind that conditions often change faster than we can update them.
As colder weather and snow settles in across Voyageurs, ice is beginning to cover the lakes. That early freeze can be deceptive. A light layer of snow can hide thin, unstable ice, making shorelines and bays look safer than they are. It only takes a moment for a child or a dog to step onto weak ice, and the consequences can be severe.
🚫 Avoid walking on any lake ice until it has built up to at least four inches of clear, solid ice. Ice can be unpredictable. Thickness and stability can differ dramatically - even on the same lake and on the same day. Always confirm ice safety for yourself before you travel on it. Remember: no ice is ever 100% safe.
SNOWMOBILE TRAILS
LAKE ICE IS NOT THICK ENOUGH TO FOR THESE TRAILS YET
Purple Trail (International Falls to Kettle Falls): CLOSED
Green Trail (Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River): CLOSED
Green Trail (Ash River to Crane Lake): CLOSED
Dashed Black Trail Chain of Lakes: CLOSED
Yellow Trail (Ash River to Kettle Falls): CLOSED
Blue Trail (East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake): CLOSED
ICE ROADS
LAKE ICE IS NOT THICK ENOUGH FOR THESE ROADS YET
Rainy Lake Ice Road: CLOSED
Rainy Lake Dryweed Loop: CLOSED
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road: CLOSED from Kab VC to Ash River VC (10 miles)
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road West and East Spur Roads: CLOSED
SKI TRAILS
Echo Bay Ski Trail: Open - not groomed
Rainy Lake Rec Trail: Open - not groomed
Black Bay Ski Trail: CLOSED
Tilson Connector Trail: Open - not groomed
SNOWSHOE TRAILS
Rainy Lake Recreation Trail: Open
Oberholtzer Trail: Open
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail: Open
KabAsh Trail: Open
Blind Ash Bay Trail: Open
Sullivan Bay Trail: Open
KABETOGAMA LAKE RECREATION AREA
Sledding Hill: CLOSED
Ice Rink: CLOSED
For information on the land trails in communities nearby check out these links:
Voyageur Trail Society - Trail Updates
International Voyageurs Snowmobile Club Trail Report
Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions | Minnesota DNR
Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters Trail Reports
Ash River Kabetogama Snowdrifters Facebook Page
Polar Polers Ski Club Facebook Page
Campsite Closures
For current campsite closure information, check our Permits & Reservations page.
