Trail Detail

Isabella, MN
29k
Classic Only
No
No
218-830-2457
[ NWS ]
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Notes

These classic single-tracked trails are set in the remote boreal forest of Isabella on Superior National Forest. The trails wind along lakeshores and through spruce/tamarack bogs and old pine, fir, aspen, and birch forests. Skiers can experience a wilderness character on mostly beginner to intermediate loops. Trailhead located at Flathorn Picnic area.
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Trail Reports

2018-2019 season
Reports 11 to 20 of 38    Month: Mar | Feb | Jan | Dec
Friday, February 22, 2019
Morning
Grooming 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Trails groomed after 4" additional snow Thursday morning. Trails are in excellent condition. Road new fat bike trails yesterday but they were a bit soft. Cabins are available for the National Forest Lodge's final ski weekend of the season.
(Andy Fisher)
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Morning
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Beautiful morning ski from National Forest Lodge to western loop (19 to 23) and back (9k). Trails had some obvious use over the 3 day weekend, but track-set is still generally in very good shape. A few minor icy spots, but had good kick with Swix Green. Downhills were very fast (18 degrees F) and I probably would have biffed a bit less frequently by skipping my glide wax.
Photos:
(Andy Fisher)
Friday, February 15, 2019
Afternoon
Grooming 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
The snow keeps piling up, 3 feet since Jan 1st, a foot in the past 7 days. Entire trail system groomed this morning. Excellent conditions. 30+ inches trail-side. 15+ inch base. Great skiing on tap this weekend.
(Andy Fisher)
Monday, February 11, 2019
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Skied 7.5km of southwest trail sections. Tracks were filling in with falling snow, but still great conditions.
(Lura Wilson)
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Morning
Grooming 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
2.5 feet in woods. 12-18" base. An inch or 2 every other day has been the pattern since Saturday. Hard to keep up, with more snow in the forecast. Groomed from Flathorn to Gegoka late Tuesday, but now covered with the 2" overnight. Won't be making another attempt until Friday. New 10km fat bike trails.
(Andy Fisher)
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Morning
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Yesterday and today were among the best days skiing I've ever had. Trails were in great shape, well groomed, and great snow. There were lots of animal tracks - rabbits and wolves! Highly recommended. And of course the lodging and food and music at National Forest Lodge are superb.
(Lee Stuart)
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Morning
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Trails in excellent shape with fresh white powder groomed to perfection. Wolves had traversed the trails overnight leaving paw prints along the main ski/fatbike trail. Trees were dappled with snow. While we didn't get to ski Sunday morning, the landscape was enhanced with a thick coating of white sparkly hoar frost.
(Dave Raatz)
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Morning
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
The trails were incredible - deeply piled snow was well groomed, perfect single track classic conditions. The 30 plus k of trails roll gently through pristine northern pine forests, around lakes, and over quaint bridges for river crossings. Definitely a full day of amazing skiing for experienced skiers, and beginner friendly trails for the more casual skier. Only a 90 minute drive from Duluth, and not far from Sugarbush, this system makes for an ideal low key Birkie training destination. The resort itself was delightful; the food was excellent, cabins were warm and adorable, the outdoor hot tub was warm and relaxing. Everyone who loves good classic skiing should come experience this place.
Photos:
(Sarah Farley)
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
We stopped in Isabella yesterday afternoon for late-day ski. Beautiful trees, flocked with snow. Lots of snow. The trails had been recently groomed. We saw one guy at the trailhead; we heard from three friends they'd skied there that day. It's altogether possible we were the only six people on the trails since grooming (and it was Saturday!). Lots of snow on the ground and snowing most of the time we were there, about 10 degrees colder than when we got to the lake in Silver Bay. In addition to being a beautiful place to ski, it's a super fun place to ski with kids - we think we'd last been there with a 2 + 5 year old (they moved the parking lot in 2006). We are making plans to return with our high school skier and bringing her friends. It's really a pretty magical place. This trail is beautiful and lots of maps make it easy to navigate. (You are in that spot of the state that's iffy cell phone coverage, taking maps of an unknown trail more important). Make time to get there and stay all day.
Photos:
(Kristin Riker-Coleman)
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Beautiful classic single track trails through tall pines with fabulous grooming. You can ski out the door on 35k from National Forest Lodge.
Photos:
(Angie Miller)

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