Reporter:Western U.P. Snowmobile Report

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: 24

Date of Report: March 20, 2020

Area Report:

Western U P Snowmobile Trail Report— 3/20/2020

Gogebic Range Trail Authority – Snowmobile & ORV Club Trail Report

• Trail Condition: Poor
• Last Groomed: March 13th, 2020
• Base Snowfall: 24″
• Reported On: March 18th, 2020 @ 9:30am

Groomer Report

Wednesday 3/18/2020 9:00 am CST Overall Story:   Poor

Trails are hazardous with slush ponds and pools as well as “rotting snow bridges” as the Hurley White Thunder Riders put it so well.  We have not groomed in 10 days.  Brushing activities have been on-going in wet areas to use the snow pack while we can.  Riding is limited, most clubs except Keweenaw Snow Trails has quit grooming.  Last weekend a neighboring club was swallowed by a hidden slush lake under the snow.  There is fresh snow being called for and awfully enough rain for 12 hours before it.  We will be out riding evaluating trails to see what can be groomed, if anything.

WARNINGS AND NOTICES:   We are begging riders to ride off trail legally as there are 1-million acres of public land east of Wakefield to off trail ride on – please only ride legal areas!  The Ottawa National Forest is 990,000 acres and much of it open to cross-country riding (no trail/road) if there is 6″ or more of snow.  Several restricted areas, contact the forest for further information.  CLICK THIS LINK FOR MAPS, scroll down to motor vehicle use maps.

Trail 2 from Hurley to Ramsay US-2 Crossing:

Overall rating:  Fair

Last groomed 3/7/2020.    Please do not ride on side walks near Holiday and try to keep noise down in town.

Trail 2 from Ramsay Crossing to Wakefield:

Overall rating:  Fair to Poor

Last groomed 3/7/2020.  There is a water hazard near Blackjack.  Trail is icy.

Trail 2 from Wakefield to Marenisco:

Overall Rating:  Fair

Last groomed 3/6/2020.  Water Hazard west of 2/8 intersection. 

Trail 8 from Wakefield to Tula Crossing:

Overall Rating: Fair **SEE NOTE

Last Groomed 3/6/2020.  The ditch trail on Gogebic Area Grooming’s side has had the water holes open up, it is impassable.  We do not advise riding this trail unless you are a highly experienced technical rider with a long track.

Trail 160 from Walmart to Montreal River (WI):

Overall Rating:  Fair

Last Groomed 3/6/2020.  There is logging about 1/2 way north on the trail, YIELD TO LOGGERS AND GIVE THEM RESPECT – IT’S THEIR LAND!   STAY ON THE TRAIL!!!!!!   This is our most scenic trail and is a treat to ride!  Stay on the trail in the farm fields.  Over 25 landowners are involved to make this trail a reality, please respect them and ride responsibly.  There are several scenic vistas on the trail:

Bald Mountain “NORTH” lookout viewing Madeline Island/ mouth of the Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior

Bald Mountain “SOUTH” lookout viewing Gogebic Range (Powderhorn, Copper Peak)

Montreal River Gorge look out

Superior Falls Waterfall Complex.

11S (Wakefield, MI to Winchester, WI):

Overall Rating:  Good

Last Groomed 3/6/2020.  Increased logging traffic is in the area for only 1/4 mile,  PLEASE YIELD TO ANY AND ALL LOGGING TRAFFIC.  There is a short section of dual use the landowner (Keweenaw Land) has graciously approved us to use along with them.  It is private land and we are guests, please act like it.

11N (Wakefield, MI to South boundary Rd/White Pine):  Closed due to off trail riding.  Seeking local community support with ideas on how to reopen it.  200 yards of private property closed this 25 mile trail.

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Gogebic Area Groomers Report 3/19/2020

Hello from Lake Gogebic where social distancing is why we live and work here!  We hope you and your family are healthy and holding up well through the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19).   This pandemic coupled with rapidly deteriorating trails are forcing the final report of our 2020 Snowmobile Season.   Gogebic Area Groomers are done grooming, but don’t think for a minute that their job is over as they’ve already started planning and working on next season!   Lake Gogebic trails have been amazing all season, and we extend a multitude of thanks to our hard-working, dedicated team.    We are certainly fortunate for their efforts as well as the those of all surrounding clubs.

We also owe a debt of gratitude to all our loyal guests and customers, as without their continued support, we wouldn’t even exist!   On behalf of Gogebic Area Grooming, all our local area businesses, employees, residents and volunteers – we shout out a HUGE “thank you” for making the Lake Gogebic Area your home away from home!   We know that you have a choice of where to ride and spend your vacation time, and we appreciate that you choose our beautiful region!   We hope that your time here was special and that you took home memories that will make great stories for years to come (some stories better than others!).

Gogebic Area Groomers have projects going on throughout the year, and we encourage (need) people to get involved.   We ask you to be a part of our efforts with a sponsorship of $30 for a single membership, $50 for a family membership and $125 for a business membership.    These can be sent to “Gogebic Area Grooming” at “P.O. Box 409, Bergland, MI 49910”.    We appreciate all donations/sponsorship and we will do our part in communicating our goals, efforts and accomplishments back to you.  

While you and your families may be confined to your homes right now – it’s a great time to start planning your next vacation.   Please keep the Lake Gogebic Area in mind as it is a great place to visit year-round.   From fishing to hiking, ATV’ing, waterfall touring, swimming, boating, kayaking, camping and more – we’ve got it all!   I know if you call all any of our local area businesses, that they will be happy to help you plan your next family vacation or fishing trip!   

Well, that’s it for now folks – this season was a great one and we have been blessed.   For the moment we are just staying home, staying positive and looking forward to a brighter tomorrow.    While the tourism industry is taking a huge hit, we will get through this and be will emerge better and stronger!   

U.P. Thunder Riders Trail Report 3/6/2020

• Trail Condition: Fair
• Last Groomed: March 03rd, 2020
• Base Snowfall: 20″
• Reported On: March 03rd, 2020 @ 6:53pm

Groomer Report

Groomers were out on the trails March 2 and won’t be out again until we receive more snow. We do have an approaching snow storm headed our way and we’ve seen from guesstimate of 3-8inches so we’ll wait and see

Trails are fair to poor. Road areas are now thin, icy and bare. Gas stations are bare too

Trail #2 east of Watersmeet to Trail #107, fair/poor icy

Trail #2 west of Watersmeet to Trail #1 south fair/poor and icy

Trail #3 from the Wisconsin border to Watersmeet is OK, Watersmeet to Paulding fair with icy corners.

Trail #13 south to Cisco Chain, fair with icy corners