Valhalla Trail Lodges / Pub & Grub

Woodside Cottages of Bayfield

Reported by:	Gary Dalzell - Woodside Cottages
Date of Report:	March 20, 2009
Trail Conditions:	Poor
Snow Cover:	14-20 inches
Area Report:	Welcome to this site. This is my fifth year compiling the report for Bayfield and west to the Valhalla area in the Chequamegon National Forest. You will find that my report is valid and based on my first hand experience while riding my sled, talking to the area groooming coordinator or going out to measure the snow depth and a visual of the trails. (UPDATE: TRAILS AND ATV TRAILS ARE CLOSED) The end of an excellent season of riding is about here. There is a small pocket west of Bayfield and north and NE of Valhalla that will support poor to fair forest road riding. But the temps were in the 55-60 range the last two days and will be 45-50 the next seven days. No snow makers either. Expect bare areas in exposed sections and any plowed areas. Our ride ended Saturday afternoon in 57 degree temps and mushy conditions. I won't be riding until or if we get more snow. So I will do my best with future reports. TR13/33 is detoured just south of the PubNGrub east of FR697/TR13 towards Valhalla to FR694. TR13/FR697/FR694 is also plowed and not rideable. Alternate is TR31 to Valhalla and TR 35 to the Sun Bowl. Forest road conditions will vary including bumpy corners and ruts after the warm temps and freeze. BEWARE OF A SERIES OFF MAJOR BUMPS ON FR437 WEST OF VALHALLA AND FR 252 TO FR690/428. Remember that forest roads are not groomed, lack stop signs and curve signs, have many unmarked intersections and conditions will vary greatly. In addition, various FR's have been plowed to support logging and other activities. Anyone looking for quality lodging, consider staying with us at Woodside Cottages and we have availability. We have 13 new cottages complete with gas fireplaces, jacuzzi, kitchens and other amenities for your enjoyment after a day on the trails. Visit our website by going to the upper left hand corner of this site or go to www.woodsidecottages.com for great pics and info about our cottages. We are currently offering specials on our website. Be aware that dogsled teams train in the area on the marked dogsled trail system (blue paw print signs) and the forest roads. Call us at 715-779-5600 for further assistance and lodging needs as well as the Valhalla View at 715-292-7546. The PuBNGBrub now has credit card operated gas pump for your convenience. C-Side on TR13 has gas and food too. Ride safe and keep to the right! Gary bayfield rider
News and Events:	The Bayfield area has numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors year round. X-Country and downhill skiing at Mt. Ashwabay is just 3 miles south of our cottages. There are 35 km of trails for the beginner to the expert. There is downhill skiing as well at Mt. Ashwabay on 14 alpine runs and they have snow-making equipment. The Valhalla area, located 10 miles west of Washburn, supports 30 km of groomed trails in the Chequamegon National Forest. The mainland sea caves are accessible.
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There is an extensive state trial system maintained and groomed with newly acquired groomers by the area clubs. The trails are a combinations of trails and designated forest roads almost exclusively through the woods and areas where logging has taken place. The trails are void of riding ditches and lakes.

There are hundreds of miles of marked forest roads that provide another option. They are unimproved roads and are usually not maintained nor see vehicles in the Winter. The forest roads are not groomed but they provide an opportunity to break powder and also for one to "ride" their sled no matter the conditions. Be aware that the forest roads do not include stop and curve signs and there are many unmarked intersections.

One of the other benefits of riding in this area is that it receives far less volume of sled traffic compared to the more common riding destinations. There are just two places where one can get gas, food and beverages. That in itself helps make the trails safer.

Northern Bayfield County - It doesn't get any better than this!