For those of you planning a trip into the national forest, this is the first of what will be a weekly column on things that might affect your visit. We’ll have information on road conditions, truck traffic related to national forest timber harvests, campground conditions, and more.
Campgrounds are in their winter mode now. Except for East Bearskin, where water is available at the lodge, there is no potable water at campgrounds until spring. There is also no garbage service available, and Dumpsters are either locked or removed for the winter.
Due to the end of services, the fee season has also ended, and camping is free at Forest Service campgrounds. Camping is allowed throughout the winter; however, access roads are not plowed, and outhouses may be snowed in and out of toilet paper. It’s a good idea to pack paper, but please, dispose of it properly in the outhouse or pack it out.
Do your part to keep the campground clean during the off-season, or it will be a mess in the spring.
Speaking of seasons, deer season is the reason for many people deciding to camp this coming week. The regular firearms deer season is open from November 3 to November 18 in this area. Everyone out in the woods, hunter or not, even the dog, should wear some blaze orange. Make sure to check with the Minnesota DNR and/or tribal authorities for details, and check the Superior National Forest website’s Hunting Page as well if you are planning to hunt on the forest.
As you travel the roads toward your deer stand, you’ll probably find that the rains of October haven’t been kind to the roads in some areas. Beware of potholes, soft shoulders, ruts, and other spots where rain may have weakened the road. If you find any particularly bad or dangerous spots, please let us know at the Gunflint District Office.
There is still roadwork and culvert replacement happening on the 600 Road so you may have to wait for equipment to move if you are traveling that road.
You’ll run into truck traffic on the Tofte District on the Frank Lake Road, Trappers Lake Road, Dumbell River Road, Wanless Road, Lake County 7, Lake County 705, Cook County 33, the 4 Mile Grade, and The Grade. The Gunflint District will have hauling on the Caribou Trail, the Murmur Creek Road, and the Greenwood Road.
There aren’t many leaf watchers on the roads any more, but there are plenty of snow buntings and a fair number of deer. Fall is a peak time to watch wildlife, but unfortunately, when the wildlife is in the road, there can be collisions. Keep your eyes peeled and remember that often a sudden stop or swerve can be more dangerous than a collision.
Have a safe and enjoyable time in the forest, and good luck to all the hunters this week!
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