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Trail Reports
Hi! I’m Stephanie, new manager of the Walleye Lodge & Motel located on the North shore of Lake Gogebic one mile West of Bergland and in the heart of BIG SNOW COUNTRY. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. We have a very large trail system in the Western UP and conditions change sometimes by the hour so always check with your host to get the latest condition updates. We try to stay in touch with the groomers and our guests so we can bring our guests the latest info. These reports will be general for our area.
March 12, 2009
We knew it couldn’t last forever, though we would have liked it to hang on a little longer. 4 days of 40+ temps really had an impact on the entire region. Trails are in poor to good condition with most being poor. Trails are reporting icy and bumpy throughout the entire region. While over the past few days there has been a significant cool down, we just didn’t see the snow we were expecting. Reports are anywhere from 2 inches to 6 but with the wind gusts blowing at between 30-50 mph who really can tell. Any snow that fell in the flat areas was blown away and the big storm we were expecting just didn’t settle in. Not unusual for the area unfortunately. The forecast is still calling for scattered snow showers throughout the week so we will keep our fingers crossed.
We have rooms available if you want to get in some late season riding and we are happy to accommodate you.
Thanks,
Alex & Stephanie
Walleye Lodge & Motel
Toll free 1-866-464-3242
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February 24, 2009
This past week Mother Nature decided winter was nowhere near over and dumped a bunch of snow on the area as well as the cold temps we needed to rescue our trails. Two storms settled into the area, the first dropping 4-5 inches of snow and the second dropping about another foot. This mixed with below freezing temps every day and below zero temps at night has left the trails in great condition once again. Groomers are doing what they do best as well and they are out in full force making sure the trails are ridable. This goes for all the trails in the surrounding area and trails north are in better shape than any others. Many riders are enjoying trips to Lake of the Clouds as well as touring through Ontonagon and the surrounding area.
We have rooms available and if you prefer having the trails to yourself, book with us during the week. Monday through Thursdays are low volume days and this is when you will most likely have the trails to yourself. Book early to be sure to get the rooms that best fit your needs.
Thanks,
Alex & Stephanie
Walleye Lodge & Motel
Toll free 1-866-464-3242
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February 15, 2009
Well, 3 days of 40 degree temps played havoc on the trails. As of right now though, the snow is falling, the temps are dropping and the groomers are out doing their jobs and making the trails rideable. It has been snowing since Thursday night and although they have been mostly light snow showers, last night was the beginning of the heavier snowfall. Temps are staying in the twenties during the day and dropping to the teens at night so the trails are rideable. The forcast looks good for us and for the trails so don’t be concerned with this recent thaw. It happens every year and was bound to happen this year as well. There is still plenty of time to get out there and enjoy the beautiful outdoors of the U.P. Trails north of us are still the best, though they are slushy in spots and there is low snow in others. We have rooms available and if you prefer having the trails to yourself, book with us during the week. Monday through Thursdays are low volume days and this is when you will most likely have the trails to yourself. Book early to be sure to get the rooms that best fit your needs.
Thanks,
Alex & Stephanie
Walleye Lodge & Motel
Toll free 1-866-464-3242
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February 6, 2009
Warmer temps have not had an impact on the trails, report groomers. In fact, Trail 1 North from Bergland to White Pine, 12 to Ontonagon and the trails throughout the Porcupine Mountain region are all in great shape rated excellent. There is a solid base even with the warm temps. In fact, groomers are reporting that the trails are the best that they have seen in years. Trail 1 North and 12 are also reported as low traffic trails. The excellent trails continue on throughout Rockland and into Mass City so there are plenty of miles out there to cover and enjoy the beautiful scenery that the U.P. has to offer! Gogebic County is reporting very good to excellent conditions and groomers are also stating these trails are the best so far this season. Trail 8 West into Gogebic County has its usual amount of decent to heavy traffic on the weekends. Make sure you are safe out there. Go slow on the corners as signs are being stolen and this is causing a real safety issue. For everyone’s sake, if you see any vandalism take place, please report it.
Walleye Lodge has rooms available and we are happy to accommodate you and your sleds. We have many rooms that can house big groups so give us a call and we will see what we can do for you. Remember, if you want the trails to yourself, try booking with us Mondays through Thursdays. Book early to be sure to get the rooms that best fit your needs.
Thanks,
Alex & Stephanie
Walleye Lodge & Motel
Toll free 1-866-464-3242
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January 30, 2009
What more could sledders ask for in January? There is some light snowfall this week and temperatures during the day are somewhat mild, 15-20 degrees. Trail conditions throughout the region are reporting excellent! Though trail 8 still a heavy traffic trail, it is groomed well and riders are raving about the conditions throughout the whole system. I guess winter really is here. Trails 1also still remains a heavy traffic trail on the weekends and you are likely to encounter many riders along the way. Off trail riding is fantastic as well, though there are reports of sleds getting stuck so be careful out there when riding off trail. Remember when you are riding through white pine to gas up. The station in Silver City remains closed indefinitly.
We have rooms available and if you prefer having the trails to yourself, book with us during the week. Monday through Thursdays are low volume days and this is when you will most likely have the trails to yourself. Fishing has been hot so bring a pole if your feeling lucky. Book early to be sure to get the rooms that best fit your needs.
Thanks,
Alex & Stephanie
Walleye Lodge & Motel
Toll free 1-866-464-3242
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January 14, 2009
Recent below freezing temperatures are helping to freeze up any slushy spots left out there on the trails. These low temps mixed with the occasional snowfalls are making the trails a playground for riders. With big snows falling through Gogebic county, Trail 8 west is getting better by the day and rates at very good to excellent now. The same with trail 1 South to Marinesco. These trails are on the same system and are being groomed almost daily. Remember though, on the weekends, these are heavily traveled trails and you will most likely encounter traffic along them. Our Northern trails are excellent and many are reporting off trail conditions at excellent as well. The traffic on these trails remains at low to moderate as it is still early in the riding season. News about gas in White Pine. While there has been “talk” among riders and others about the gas station in White Pine closing, I received an email stating that Konteka in White Pine will begin to carry gas in about 3 weeks, so you don’t have to worry about being without gas for your ATV or Snowmobile throughout the year. We have rooms available and if you prefer having the trails to yourself, book with us during the week. Monday through Thursdays are low volume days and this is when you will most likely have the trails to yourself. Fishing has been hot so bring a pole if your feeling lucky. Book early to be sure to get the rooms that best fit your needs.
Thanks,
Alex & Stephanie
Walleye Lodge & Motel
Toll free 1-866-464-3242
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January 6, 2009
Fresh snow is just what the doctor orders and riders and groomers are reporting trails are in good to excellent condition with two exceptions. Trails 8 west coming in from Ironwood would rate at good as this trail is seeing a lot of traffic and even though groomed regularly it is not holding up as good as it should. Trail 1 south also falls into the same category. This is the trail from Marinesco and is on the same trail system. This trail would be rated good also. North trails are excellent and off-trail remains very good to excellent. Traffic trail remains low for this time of year so it would be an excellent time to come ride this great system. We have rooms open and would be glad to help accommodate you to the most current trail conditions to ensure your stay is a good one. No Gas in Silver City so top of at the Hoop or Bergland before you take #102, this is a beautiful trail you shouldn’t miss, If you want some great early season riding come on up. We have the best trails, easy access, most snow and rooms open, we truly would appreciate your business, give us a call we will do what we can to make your stay a fun time. We added NFL Sunday Ticket Super Fan to our TV menu so we have your game, along with the best snow, trail access and snow trail permits. Fishing has been hot so bring a pole if you’re feeling lucky. Book early to be sure to get the rooms that best fit your needs.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
Walleye Lodge & Motel
Toll free 1-866-464-3242
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December 30, 2008
Happy New Year !! Warm weather settles snow and raises hell on trails. Groomer drivers say trails are near back to normal and we needed the snow to settle. We have a few inches of new snow today, and the forecast is snow every day. Riders are having some good rides and the trails are good to very good. Eight west is the only trail our riders report in our system that’s in poor shape. With the fresh snow we should be back to excellent by the weekend. No Gas in Silver City so top of at the Hoop or Bergland before you take #102, this is a beautiful trail you shouldn’t miss, If you want some great early season riding come on up. We have the best trails, easy access, most snow and rooms open, we truly would appreciate your business, give us a call we will do what we can to make your stay a fun time. We added NFL Sunday Ticket Super Fan to our TV menu so we have your game, along with the best snow, trail access and snow trail permits. Fishing has been hot so bring a pole if you’re feeling lucky. Book early to be sure to get the rooms that best fit your needs.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
Walleye Lodge & Motel
Toll free 1-866-464-3242
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December 18, 2008
Not many changes this week, trails are still very good to excellent with a little fresh snow each day. Trail pressure remains low for our area so riders are happy & having great rides. Sunday to Thursdays are still the best days to have the trails to yourselves, but heavy trail use has not been a problem yet this year. Normally we are booked about three weeks ahead but that’s not the case this year, so we have a few rooms open including Christmas week. It’s has been nice to look out the window and see all the sleds. Off trail is excellent with the deep snow and tons of room to play. No Gas in Silver City so top of at the Hoop or Bergland before you take #102, this is a beautiful trail you shouldn’t miss, If you want some great early season riding come on up. We have the best trails, easy access, most snow and rooms open, we truly would appreciate your business, give us a call we will do what we can to make your stay a fun time. We added NFL Sunday Ticket Super Fan to our TV menu so we have your game, along with the best snow, trail access and snow trail permits. Fishing has been hot so bring a pole if you’re feeling lucky. Book early to be sure to get the rooms that best fit your needs.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
Walleye Lodge & Motel
Toll free 1-866-464-3242
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December 13, 2008
Snow, snow and more snow and riders are reporting great trails with low trail pressure. Groomers are out and all is well. There’s some confusion on trail eight being closed. Trail eight is open but the access trail to Bergland is where the problem is. They are working on an alternate route at this time. Off trail is excellent with the deep snow and tons of room to play. No Gas in Silver City so top of at the Hoop or Bergland before you take #102, this is a beautiful trail and you should be fine if you top off. If you want some great early season riding come on up. We have the best trails, easy access, most snow and rooms open, we truly would appreciate your business, give us a call we will do what we can to make your stay a fun time. We added NFL Sunday Ticket Super Fan to our TV menu so we have your game, along with the best snow, trail access and snow trail permits. Fishing has been hot so bring a pole if you’re feeling lucky. Book early to be sure to get the rooms that best fit your needs.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
Walleye Lodge & Motel
Toll free 1-866-464-3242
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December 6, 2008
What month is it?? Looks like January up here. Two feet of snow on the deck, can’t see the lake it’s snowing so hard and a lot of happy riders are reporting the trails are good. We did have a little trail deterioration yesterday but with the foot of new snow today that is not a problem anymore. Nothing but thumbs up this time of year is really good news. Best story so far is one of our early riders was going to be the first rider from here to Rockland. He caught up to the groomer half way up so decided to pass the groomer and push on. After a mile or so of pushing snow that was coming over the sled he started to rethink his plan. Another half mile was all he could take and was somewhat so scared he turned back. I first heard the story at the bar that afternoon from the locals who told me about the rider who was real glad to be in the bar and told everyone an exciting story of his morning ride. After returning home I asked the rider if he found any snow on his morning ride, I too got the story and he was ready to leave early. Then his wife called to say she was headed up, she to loves to ride so they are staying for the week, but have decided to let the groomers break trail. A bit of bad news we lost the Silver City gas station, so first gas will be White Pine on the #102 run. Top of at the Hoop or Bergland before you take #102, this is a beautiful trail and you should be fine if you top off. If you want some great early season riding come on up. The big Snow Cross event is this weekend in Ironwood, it’s about a thirty mile ride so enjoy a nice ride watch a great event and get back to the best trails in the area for your own riding adventure. Would like to say see ya on the trail, but I’m the guy in the green truck trying to keep up with the plowing. Ride safe, we have rooms open, and we truly appreciate your business, give us a call we will do what we can to make your stay a fun time. We added NFL Sunday Ticket Super Fan to our T.V. menu so we have your game, along with the best snow, trail access and snow trail permits. Fishing has been hot so bring a pole if you’re feeling lucky. Book early to be sure to get the rooms that best fit your needs.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
Walleye Lodge & Motel
Toll free 1-866-464-3242
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December 1, 2008
U.P. snowmobile trails opened up today to another fresh snow fall; we have three more inches in the driveway so we are close to a foot with more across the road in the high county. Should be a good opener as far as snow goes. Talked with the trail boss today and the plan is somewhat like last year, letting the riders pack the trail base, groomers will be out working the wet spots and doing some panning (grooming with out the cutting blades down) in the deeper snow. We ask the riders to ride the full width of the trail as nothing seems to build good a base as well as your sleds. The snows high moisture count is an excellent quality for a good base. All we need are the riders. D’s holding to the lower summer rates for the first few weekends so it’s an excellent time to run the rust off those skies and save a few bucks at the same time. Please give your sled a good safety check; those problems you never fixed this past summer are still there. The lake is frozen but not rideable as ice conditions are all over the place. And a few beers or cocktails do not make it safer, this time of the year stay off the ice! A few riders never take this advice to heart, we have unfortunately lost a guest to unstable early ice, and it’s not a fun thing to have to deal with the family’s sorrow and the law for such an avoidable accident. Ya see I don’t want to meet your parents, unless of course your bring them up to enjoy our winter wonderland. We always wonder if we could have done more, so keep your ass off the lake!!! Till the ice is safe, thanks in advance Smitty. We added NFL Sunday Ticket Super Fan to our T.V. menu so we have your game, along with the best snow and trail access. Fishing has been hot so bring a pole if you’re feeling lucky. Book early to be sure to get the rooms that best fit your needs.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
Walleye Lodge & Motel
Toll free 1-866-464-3242
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March 8, 2008
This is it the last report for this winter season, a season very different from most years. We had, and still have, the best trails in all the years we have been here, but over all it was a slow year. Trails remain in very good to excellent condition with riders way below normal for our area. We have a few rooms open for the weekend. We close the place up on Monday the 10th, with the income falling further behind our expenses, it’s a good time for a much needed vacation, (you think you got a heating bill???) Florida here we come!! Thanks again to all who share your winter with us, it was a fun winter and never have we had so many happy guests enjoying these awesome trails. They were great all winter. We will be back for the Walleye Opener May 15th so come check out this beautiful place this summer. Great fishing, Porcupine Mountains, 150 waterfalls and all the hiking you can handle are here waiting for you. We take the phones and books with us on vacation so give us a call and we will make your summer vacation a great time. Hope you are enjoying this snowy winter, ride safe.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
February 29, 2008
Was staring a new report and it would be the same as the last one. Trail traffic is way below normal and we have excellent conditions. Ton’s of snow and more on the way, and rooms open. What a great week of riding for our guests & this one looks just as good. More fresh snow again today, I can’t remember the last day I didn’t plow. All trail reports are a big thumbs, up so conditions remain excellent. Our last day open this season will be Sunday March 9th. This is another of those crazy weeks where we still have several rooms open for this weekend, so please give us a call and come up and enjoy this winter paradise. This is as good as it gets in Big Snow Country very rarely has it been so beautiful and at the same time the trails so empty. Snowmobiling is the only way to see this beautiful land, the many wet lands, creeks and rivers make it inaccessible any other time of year. We will do our best to make your stay fun for your life long memories. Thanks again to all of you who took the time to come see us this winter, we appreciate your friendship and letting us be a part of your winter. We are now booking for the spring and summer and will be back in full swing for the Walleye Opener May 15th see ya soon. We have trail permits on hand for your convenience. Hope you are enjoying this snowy winter, ride safe.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
February 19, 2008
What a great week of riding for our guests & this one looks just as good. More fresh snow again today, I can’t remember the last day I didn’t plow. All trail reports are a big thumbs, up so conditions remain excellent. Our last day open this season will be Sunday March 9th, we hope to work a boat show in on our way south for a much needed vacation. This is one of those crazy weeks where we still have several rooms open for this weekend, so please give us a call and come up and enjoy this winter paradise. This is as good as it gets in Big Snow Country very rarely has it been so beautiful and at the same time the trails so empty. Snowmobiling is the only way to see this beautiful land, the many wet lands, creeks and rivers make it inaccessible any other time of year. We will do our best to make your stay fun for your life long memories. Thanks again to all of you who took the time to come see us this winter, we appreciate your friendship and letting us be a part of your winter. We are now booking for the spring and summer and will be back in full swing for the Walleye Opener May 15th see ya soon. We have trail permits on hand for your convenience. Hope you are enjoying this snowy winter, ride safe.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
February 4, 2008
We had a Tony the Tiger weekend and it was GRRRRREEEAT, riders reports were all good. Just talked with the groomer garage and all (3) of the groomers are running in all four directions, Just enough fresh snow to make it pretty so we should have an excellent week. The book looks a little crazy this week we had a few rooms open up so give us a call, they open up a little more on Saturday and early next week. Get out and enjoy these beautiful trails, ride safe. Hope to see you soon!!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 31, 2008
Plenty of fresh snow is making it a must to plow every day. Not sure of the total I don’t know how to measure snow in a fifty mile an hour wind. Riders report trails are great, Groomers are out, temps are back up so everyone is happy. High winds kept the snow off the lake so even the fishermen are happy. Should be a great weekend, trail traffic should be OK with all the new snow in our area. Two rooms have opened up for the weekend so give us a call. Give us a call anyway we would like to meet you and introduce you to our great trail system and our large clean rooms. Hope to see you soon!!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 28, 2008
Warm weather today has brought out a few wet spots and heavier traffic has some corners icy so use a little extra care. We are under a winter storm watch for tonight and tomorrow and the temps are right for a big one which we don’t need, a foot is plenty. We have a high of thirty tomorrow and in the single digits by Wednesday so winter is back. I talked with the groomer garage a few minutes ago and we are grooming. We have two groomers down; one will be back tomorrow and the other on Wednesday. There are only a few riders up today and trails are very good to fair depending on when they were last groomed. With the new snow, lower temps and repaired groomers we should be back to very good to excellent by Wednesday. Early week has been the best riding, but weekend traffic is also down. Give us a call we would like to meet you and introduce you to our great trail system and our large clean rooms. Hope to see you soon!!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 22, 2008
Snow every day, the best trail conditions I have seen in ten years, guest report excellent trails and lite traffic. Warmer weather (20’s), lite trail traffic, it doesn't get any better than this. I don’t know what else to tell you, it’s defiantly worth the drive and we unbelievably have rooms open. Sorry to those of you who tried to come up last weekend, it’s been feast or famine one week full & turning guests and friends away, the next half empty and nobody calling? Just caught the weather more snow tonight and it looks like a great weekend. Groomers are out daily so trails should remain in excellent conditions. Ride safe and enjoy the great out of doors. Hope to see you soon!!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 18, 2008
Fresh snow every day, cold weather, lite traffic and excellent trails are the word from here. Temps this weekend will firm up any water spots left as the high is going to be below zero. Heavy snow warnings again tonight and I’m running out of places to put it. We have a lot of snow. I talked with the groomer driver and he said they are all running and the trails are excellent. This is confirmed by our guests, many regulars saying the best they have ever seen. We have some rooms open so, if you have never ridden the best trails in the Midwest now’s your chance. Hope you are having a good New Year, if you know any fishermen tell them the bite is good right now or bring a tip up of your own and see how you do. Hope to see you soon!!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 14, 2008
Four plus inches of new snow greeted me this morning and I can’t see half way across the lake it’s snowing so hard as I write this. Snow is wide spread and we are in a winter storm warring for most of the day. Riders report trails are in excellent condition, groomers are out so it’s a big GO from here. One group went up to the tip of the Keweenaw and said trails were excellent up and back, that’s about a 305 mile ride from the Walleye. Trail pressure remains lite. We are full for the 18th & 19th we have a few room up till then and some rooms open up on the 20th. Call early so we can help get the room that best fit’s your needs. You will have the best riding in the mid west, remember the Walleye Lodge has seven major trails in three miles, there’s no need to ride the same trail twenty plus miles every day to get to the good riding. Hope you are having a good New Year, if you know any fishermen tell them the bite in good right now or bring a tip up of your own and see how you do. Hope to see you soon!!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 11, 2008
Not a lot of input from riders yet but things look good. Just talked with the groomer garage and all three groomers are grooming both day and night so be careful around groomers and give them a lot of room. We never received the snow that was predicted, we have a little on the ground this a.m. but not enough to help. Trails are smooth but icy so make sure your carbides are in good shape and slow down for the corners. North trails are better than the south according to our groomers, though there are a few wet spots to watch out for. Fresh snow would make it excellent but I will say they are very good in our area for the North trails and fair for the south. Snow is in the forecast but as we learned last week that might not help?? Sled traffic has been really down drastically, which means the trails have not been beaten up at all from traffic. Traffic should remain lite so it’s an excellent time to check out our trails system. Hope you are having a good new year, if you know any fishermen tell them the bite in very good right now or bring a tip up of your own and see how you do. Smitty & D. From the Walleye Lodge. Have a Happy, Happy New Years see you in ’08!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 7, 2008
One more day and we are headed back to winter. We never got the rain, while at the same time the snow has been holding up, so with some fresh snow and the cooler weather in our future we should be back in business. The forecast looks good & has the temps dropping every day with snow. Little to no traffic should keep our base. Talked with the groomer garage just now, the groomers are not going out till the cooler weather moves in. I'm guessing Tuesday night or Wednesday. Hope you are having a good new year and see ya soon.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 3, 2008
The weather outside is frightful is the song we are singing this weekend. Predictions, by both local and national weather stations, are giving us temps in the low forties with rain for the weekend. We have an excellent base and lots of snow but not sure how it will fair four days of warm weather. We have no control over the weather but feel it’s our duty to let you know what’s up; many of our report readers are friends & customers. Walleye Lodge will not enforce our cancellation policy this week, and we will try and contact our scheduled guests. If you have reservations please call and tell us your plans, we don’t want you to waste your time or gas money when the riding will be questionable. It’s been a slower than normal season with the wide spread snow, but you play the cards you are dealt. Hope to bring you a better report next time and will let you know how we fair the warm weather. Football on the new big screen, beer, D, more beer & maybe an ice fishing trip are my plans. Have a great weekend. Have a Happy, Happy New Years and see you in ’08!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
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