Valhalla Trail Lodges / Pub & Grub

Woodside Cottages of Bayfield

Reported by:	Gary Dalzell - Woodside Cottages
Date of Report:	March 21, 2008
Trail Conditions:	Fair
Snow Cover:	22-26 inches
Area Report:	Welcome to this site. This is my fourth 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: Conditions are fair to very good. There is 2-4" of loose snow. I took a 35 mile exploratory ride Thursday and will be riding again today.) Trail conditions have deteriorated the past two weeks due to recent warm weather. However,the trails are smooth and there a few bare spots. We received up to 4" of wet heavy snow last night which was much needed. With the warm weather, the trails are very hard and icy as temps dip below freezing at night. They loosen later in the day but hi-fax issues are a concern during times of colder temps. The Forest Road (FR's) riding conditions vary widely. Some are getting rough especially on the corners and some are about as smooth as groomed trails. Conditions into Iron River on #3 are poor. The 4" snow should help cover some of bare spots for a short time. The 1/4 mile stretch of plowed trail 40 east of Old Baldy there is almost gone. Trailering will be your best option. No big snowmakers on the horizon. Temps will be seasonal in the 30's and freeze at night which will help mantain what we have. With daylight savings time, an hour later start will give the frozen conditions a chance to loosen up during the day. Remember that forest roads are not groomed, lack stop signs and curve signs and there are many unmarked intersections. In addition, various FR's have been plowed to support logging and other activities. But there are hundreds of miles of FR out there for your enjoyment. Lake Superior is iced over between Bayfield and Madeline Isla and looks unrideable with the recent melting. 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. WE ARE OFFERING A LODGING SPECIAL SPECIAL ALL OF MARCH WITH THE FIRST NIGHT AT REGULAR WINTER RATES THEN 50% OFF THE REST OF YOUR STAY. 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. Be aware that dogsled teams train in the area on the marked dogsled trail system (blue paw print signs) and the forest roads. If you encounter a dog team, stop, and let the team go by or slowly pass the team. 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 annual Book Across The Bay cross country ski race will be held February 16 across Chequamegon Bay between Washburn and Ashland. The Apostle Island Sled Dog Race is Feb. 2-3. The mainland sea caves are now accessible. The Ice Road is open from Bayfield to Madeline Island.
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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!