Lake of the Woods, MN

[CrossfireLOW]

Since there seem to be almost no reports from northern Minnesota here I thought I would add a few pics from my ride last Sunday around my area. Things were pretty decent overall, the swamps were a little thin. These pics are from before the Wed-Thur snowfall, conditions should be good to excellent after storm.

 

[WorkHardPlayHrd]

Thank you so much we've been thinking about going up that way. Never have before. Is there a place you would recommend for lodging near food and gas. Any info would be helpful. Would be backpacking in so wouldn't have to worry about trailer parking. Thank you.

 

[CrossfireLOW]

Lodging can be really tricky around here in winter. Ice fishermen take up most if not all rooms in the area on weekends. There is also a couple winter vehicle testing sites here that bring in a significant number of people during the week and there is a large power line project going through the area that has a lot of workers staying in the area. Bottom line for lodging is to call ahead for reservations.
The americinn in baudette would be my first recommendation but it's also probably the first booked up. Any of the resorts around wheelers point are good options.
There is also the casino in warroad as an option to stay at.

 

[WorkHardPlayHrd]

Thank you that will get me started. I always make reservations because you never know about lodging in an area. Thank you happy trails.

 

[Winter Warlock]

He ain't a kiddin about lodging and ice fisherman! Up in Baudette, if your'e a snowmobiler, ya almost gotta give up your first born to get a room on the weekend1 lol

 

[CrossfireLOW]

Some pics from yesterday. Can't really get any better trail conditions than we found!!!

 

[bearrassler]

Conditions look great Crossfire, but it still looks like you have that heavy traffic problem. I will have to get up to that area soon.

 

[WorkHardPlayHrd]

Thanks crossfirelow we're going to drop in two harbors, go up to grand portage for one night, stay at the casino in warroad the next, then head back to two harbor's the next day. Thanks for the info.

 

[CrossfireLOW]

Thanks crossfirelow we're going to drop in two harbors, go up to grand portage for one night, stay at the casino in warroad the next, then head back to two harbor's the next day. Thanks for the info.

That is an ambitious itinerary. Actually it's more than ambitious, it's down right crazy. Grand portage to warroad in one day is just nuts but to follow it up planning to go from warroad back to two harbors the next day! There is no time for relaxing on that trip or detours or mechanical issues.

 

[CrossfireLOW]

Went way off the beaten path today and found some untouched forest roads.

 

[oldguy]

Thanks crossfirelow we're going to drop in two harbors, go up to grand portage for one night, stay at the casino in warroad the next, then head back to two harbor's the next day. Thanks for the info.

This trip is can be done if you drop going to Warroad. I went from Two Harbors to I-Falls in one day, it was 225 miles. We cheated and used lakes and rivers from Tower to I-Falls. Warroad would have to be another 100 plus miles from the Falls.

 

[xcr440]

This trip is can be done if you drop going to Warroad. I went from Two Harbors to I-Falls in one day, it was 225 miles. We cheated and used lakes and rivers from Tower to I-Falls. Warroad would have to be another 100 plus miles from the Falls.

Finland park and ride to I-Falls is a similar distance, staying on trails, including crossing Vermillion.

The Warroad addition would be a big day for sure, but not completely undoable, if you are riding by 7am, and don't stop but for gas/food.

Grand Portage to Warroad??? Get back to us on that one, that is one huge day and night of riding. Not to mention I don't think they have the Tomahawk blown open from Isabella to Ely yet - at least it was not groomed going in on the southern end on Saturday.

 

[bearrassler]

This trip is can be done if you drop going to Warroad. I went from Two Harbors to I-Falls in one day, it was 225 miles. We cheated and used lakes and rivers from Tower to I-Falls. Warroad would have to be another 100 plus miles from the Falls.

I would guess from I Falls to Warroad would be another 140 to 150 miles, and from Grand Portage to Warroad would be more like 450 to 500. You can ride that far in a long day but it would take some of the fun out of the ride for me. 250 to 350 is where I like to be at max.

 

[CrossfireLOW]

FYI, as of yesterday, the trail heading east from the Baudette to Waskish trail that connects to Birchdale and Big Falls had not been groomed. These trails are probably the most remote in the state, there are hardly even any roads in the area and many beaver dams that need to freeze up before a groomer can get through.

I Falls to Warroad is about 110 miles by highway, by trail I am guessing at least 200 maybe closer to 250.

If you look at a map of most trails around here, they are tight twisty trails through dense woods or swamps. The issue with planning is based on travel time and not miles traveled. Averaging more than 30-40 miles per hour would be like being in a race.

With ideal and pristine trail conditions it takes about 4 hours to get from Baudette to Ash River and I knew exactly where I was and wanted to go the entire time....

 

[WorkHardPlayHrd]

Finally I had time to type. We're going to overlay in international falls. It's been a few miserable days on the farm here and I can't wait to get away. Thank you for your good advice. We're running brand new sleds and have done 400 mile days, but after the last few days just want to try and enjoy stuff. Still want to hit a 500 mile plus 3 day and this should do her. They finally panned down here in eau claire county, but it's to swamp prep, wait out a possible 40 degree Saturday, and hope the snow storm comes through on Sunday into Monday. Then maybe we'll take the kids out. They're getting sick of racing each other across the fields. Thank you.

 

[rayds]

I rode with Crossfire last weekend. Snow/trail conditions were about as good as it gets. Any pics with a snowmobile track on the trail were ours. Rode 250+ miles, such heavy traffic--- saw no more than 6 sleds. Trail grooming was awesome. Was told the snowmobile club procured a groomer this fall and is grooming the land trails. Even though first year grooming, the person or persons grooming knows what he is doing!! I have traveled a lot of groomed trails and the groomer up there did an awesome job.

WorkHardPlayHrd-- glad to see you have changed plans a little, will be a much more enjoyable trip, and not have to push every hour/mile to make next overnight stop, enjoy!!!! From my perspective, you are going to ride some of the best trails/area Minnesota has to offer. Hoping the the snow holds up with the warm spell forecast.

 

[BobRoss]

Heading up to Fourtown / Baudette area tomorrow for the weekend. Looking for some good riding, those pictures look great!

 

[xcr440]

Crossfire - check your PM please!