It is March, Daylight Saving Time is happening, but there is no getting around the fact that there is plenty of snow and winter still rules the forest. Rather than bemoaning that fact, take advantage of some of the best weather for winter fun we’ve had in a long time. Ski and snowmobile trails are in good shape, and there is plenty of snow to snowshoe in.
We’ve added more georeferenced PDF maps to our website for those that want to use their phones to navigate ski trails. Maps are available to download for the Flathorn – Gegoka, Pincushion Mountain, Sugarbush, and Bally Creek Ski trail systems.
The state DNR has similar maps for trails at Cascade River, Judge C. R. Magney, and other state parks as well as for area snowmobile trails. A word of caution though – digital maps should not be your primary source of navigation. Batteries do wear out quickly in cold weather, so bring a paper map and possibly a back-up battery for your phone.
While skiing and snowmobiling continue, we’re coming to the end of the ice fishing season. Seasons on walleye, northern pike, and bass all closed the last week of February, and March 14 is the date to get your ice house off the lake. If you are headed to the lake, beware of slush areas.
If you are headed into the Boundary Waters, remember that if you are at a campsite and have to answer a call of nature, you are required to use the latrine, even if the path and latrine are covered in snow.
It is pretty easy to see that problems will arise in spring if people leave waste in other areas of a campsite. Off campsites, bury waste in snow 200 feet from the shore or pack it out. Just remember to take a moment to think about what will be left behind when the snow is gone, and do what you have to in order to leave no trace. The same thinking applies to fire.
You are required to use the fire grate if you are building a fire at a campsite. If you are not at a campsite, you are allowed to build a fire in the winter. We recommend either using a fire pan, which you bring with you, or building the fire on the frozen lake. Use small enough wood that it will burn totally to ash during your fire.
After you are done, make sure the fire is out and disperse the ash over a large area. If you’ve built a quinzhee or other snow structures, pull them down when you are done and try to restore the area to its natural appearance.
Right now, in winter, you only need a self-issued entry permit for Boundary Waters trips, but starting again in May, you will need a Forest Service issued quota permit. You can reserve a permit through Recreation.gov on the web right now. Since it is a first come, first served system, it is a good idea to have several dates and several entry points in mind in case there are no permits available for your first choice.
The reservation system allows you to view a table showing how many permits are available for a range of dates, so it is easy to check options. There are many permits available, and we encourage people to check out all the opportunities which are out there.
Wherever you are headed, you’ll probably have to drive at least part of the way. Deep snow has really pushed animals towards using roads for travel, so be extra alert for deer and other animals in the road and for low flying birds near road kill sites.
Logging operations will have trucks using the Greenwood Road and Pike Lake Road on the Gunflint District, along with the Firebox Road and the Blueberry Road. The latter two are dual use with Gunflint to Grand Portage Snowmobile Trail, so snowmobiles will have to use caution. On the Tofte District, trucks will be using the Wanless Road, Lake County 7, Lake County 8, and Cook County 1.
Take advantage of the combination of long spring days and abundant snow to enjoy our weather, and get out in the forest!
Leave a Reply