Valhalla Trail Lodges / Pub & Grub

Woodside Cottages of Bayfield

Reported by:	Gary Dalzell - Woodside Cottages
Date of Report:	February 6, 2010
Trail Conditions:	Excellent
Snow Cover:	24-30 inches
Area Report:	Welcome to this site. This is my sixth year compiling the report for Bayfield west to the Valhalla area in the Chequamegon National Forest. You will find that my report is 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. Nothing much has changed up here as the groomed trails continue to provide excellent riding west of Valhalla and north to Bayfield. Same with the forest roads. The conditions will continue as there are no warmups coming the next 7 days. We could receive some measureable snow by Tuesday. Forest road riding will vary as some are getting hard packed but some lesser FR's still have 8-12" of loose snow on the edges. Be careful as snow depth is 2ft-3ft in the ditches/edges. There are also a lot of hanging braches due to the heavey ice and snow the past weekend The Annual Apostle Island Sled Dog Race will wind up Sunday and was run today under perfect conditions for the dogs and the mushers. The only groomed trail affected is a 1/2 mile section of TR51 just north of TR31. The route will be signed. Allow the mushers right away as they are in competition. TR1 between Happy Hollow Rd. and Henhen Rd. has firmed up to allow the groomer through. Logging/plow in two sections between Valhalla and TR31/TR1 junction has ended. TR 3 just south of TR3 and BattleAxe Rd. has been re-routed as has TR31 in the Bladder Lake area north east of Iron River. So has the sharp corner on TR31 north of Iron River along the highline to provide better visibility and greater safety. Remember that forest roads are not groomed, lack stop signs and curve signs, have many unmarked intersections and conditions will vary greatly. Anyone looking for quality lodging, consider staying with us at Woodside Cottages and we have availability and are offering specials. 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. 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. Chuck & Sig are retiring after 36 years June 2010. Stop in and wish them well. 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!