Reporter:Ely Chamber of Commerce/Explore MN Visitor Center
Trail Conditions: Good
Snow Cover: 15-18 inches
Date of Report: January 17, 2018
Area Report:
Ely Area Lakes & Trails: Most lakes have good solid ice, however, thin ice may exist in areas with current (streams, narrows, rivers). Lakes do have slushy areas and some pressure ridges. Area lakes are staked, with the exception of Birch and Mud Lake (hopefully staked by Sunday). All trails along the Echo Trail are groomed. Hidden Bay is closed due to active logging. There is logging between Birch Lake and White Iron, so please use caution and remember the trails are shared with logging equipment. Overall trail condition is fair.
Taconite Trail: Snow – 8-20” depth Base – 1-3” Groomed – yes Condition – good to very good The entire Taconite is in good to very good condition. Use caution in the area between Pfeiffer Lake and Big Aspen as there is logging activity and also a section of open water remaining (Caution signs and flagging is in place). There are low-hanging branches in places throughout the trail from last week’s heavy snow.
Arrowhead Trail: Snow – 12-24” depth Base –1-5” Groomed – yes Condition – Very Good The entire Arrowhead is groomed and in very good condition. Also please be aware of and slow down for logging activity throughout the trail.
Putnam-Fishing Lakes Trail: Base – 1-3” Groomed – no Condition – fair We anticipate having this trail groomed in the next week if conditions allow.
Lake Vermilion State Park and Soudan Underground Mine State Park: Snow 13-14”, Base – 4”, Condition – fair The trail remains ungroomed. We anticipate having these trails groomed in the next week if conditions allow.
Tomahawk Trail & Local Trail Sections: Snow 15-18” depth, Base – 1-4” Groomed – yes Condition – fair The Tomahawk is open and trails are groomed to the Knotted Pine in Isabella.
