There has been an increased interest in backpacking on snowmobiles, much like a motorcycle trip, or dare I say a BW.. Never mind. Anyway, the popular trip seems to be from Silver Bay to Portage while making two or three stops along the way.
Packing light is essential, to the extent that one guy calls it the toothbrush run because all he brings is his wallet and a toothbrush, apparently, he doesn’t like to ride with a backpack.
The increased popularity is largely due to advances in snowmobile technology. Many of the newer sleds are designed to travel further distances by increasing fuel tank sizes and better fuel mileage, not to mention they are more comfortable to ride.
“Snowmobile Glampers” are also outfitting their machines with GPS units, or using mapping apps on their cell phones to help navigate the trails. Minnesota snowmobile trails are not known for being overly “signed.”
Having an electronic confirmation of your position is nice to reassure you are on the correct trail and heading in the right direction. It is easy to get turned around, especially on lakes at night.
I wandered around Poplar Lake one evening after leaving the Windigo and got turned around while trying to find the boat landing trail that leads to Little Iron. It was pitch black and the fresh snow was covering the tracks that I had trusted would still be there. Eventually I found a recognizable section of shoreline, one advantage of being a fishing guide on the lake, then skirted my way back to the boat landing before finding the trail.
There are a few hotels along the North Shore willing to let snowmobilers park in their lots while taking these trips. I would name some, but I would rather not hear from anyone I missed, but there are a few to choose from – including the Skyport!
Cory Christianson has worked as a fishing guide on the Gunflint Trail since 2000. If you have any fishing or wildlife reports or stories to share, send an email to: christiansoncory@hotmail.com. You can also visit Cory’s website at Gunflintfishingguide.com.
Leave a Reply