Date of Report: June 16, 2022
Area Report:
6/16/2022 Sawyer County ATV Trail Report:
Wednesday, 6/15/22 we had some nice rain showers which should help keep the dust down and riding conditions great! Mosquito repellant is a must. Many of the trails are still seeing some effects from the March ice storm, so you may see some thinner trees hanging over sections of trail. We have crews planned to take care of these but if you see a trail-related problem, be sure to report to
info@sawyercountyalliance.com or cathy@sawyercountytrails.com.
Northwest area (Nelson Lake area) Trail 8 heading north from Nelson Lake is still wet and has some water in between the dry/rocky trail areas. Head east on the fire lanes around Nelson Lake to get to the Seeley Hills trails. Roads all around Nelson Lake are open to ATV traffic but watch for deer on the side of the roads. It’s also an easy ride to get into Hayward from here.
Northeast area (Seeley Hills-Moose Lake) A scenic trail system through the Sawyer County Forest – most trails are hard-packed dirt with areas of embedded rock and a couple areas of wash-out tiles (Trail 8). There are a few perennial water holes throughout, but they are drying up. This Saturday, June 18th, CAMBA is holding their mountain bike race, the Chequamegon 100. The racers will cross the ATV trails at several spots, as well as be on short stretches of a few ATV trails – Trail 31 from Phipps Fire Lane south for a short distance until they shoot off onto the Birkie ski trail, as well as other short segments. The ATV Trails do not close for these bike races, so please use caution.
We had some recent bulldozer and trail resurfacing on sections of Trail 31 above Chippewa Trail, as well as far up Trail 8 east. There is active logging going on just south of Lake Helane Rd on Trail 77.
Moose Lake Area; Series of gravel fire lanes and dirt trails. Some trails wind through moderate hilly areas. South on FR 319 will take you down to cross Hwy B then east to the River Rd area of the Chippewa Flowage. The graders have been out on Trail 5 and it’s shaping up nicely. A few days ago, bulldozing work was happening on Trail 715 (snowmobile trail 3/21) and a temporary re-route was in place during this. Moose Lake is a beautiful area to ride or stop for a bite to eat at one of the local establishments – all accessible by ATV. South on Trail 5 takes you through the Barker Lake/Fishtrap Lake areas and down to Winter/Loretta- there is a permanent re-route around Wolf’s Eagle Lodge – watch for signs.
LCO Loop: Some areas of sandy trail, along with hard-packed dirt trails that wind through a heavily forested area south of the Casino in Hayward. The first section of wooded trail (30) is probably the wettest, and usually has some good water holes throughout the season due to the heavy tree cover. Follow signage as you will cross a few roads between forest sections. Trail 29 is off Trail 30 and will take you over to the Round Lake. That trail can have a few deep-water holes along the way. Trail 30 ends at the intersection of Trail 3; head SE on Trail 3 at the intersection to get over to the top of Trail 777; two sections of challenging water and rock trail set in a hilly area of the forest, or you can head SW, staying straight on Trail 3, to get over to highway K/Hwy E for road riding to more areas, or to avoid the top of Trail 777.
Tuscobia/9-mile Loop: Graders have been out on the Tuscobia, our recent rain should help hold the dust down. Head west on the Tuscobia to get to the Birchwood area trails and the Spider Lake area trails and fire lanes. East takes you through Couderay, Radisson (gas/food), Ojibwa (camping), Winter (gas/food/more), Loretta (access Deadhorse Trail) and over to Oxbo and down to the Flambeau Forest trails before reaching Price County. There is a temporary re-route in the Flambeau Forest around the Connors Creek Bridge as it is not due to be replaced until fall. The section between Ojibwa and Winter had a few rough spots last weekend but hopefully the graders have it taken care of. 9-Mile Loop has two exits on the Tuscobia near Lemington.
These are not all our trails in Sawyer County, just highlights of ones recently ridden or have reports on over the past week or so.
Please contact the Chequamegon National Forest’s District Recreational Info at 715-634-4821 for additional questions. For the Flambeau State Forest call 715-332-5271.
Non-Resident Trail Passes are required for ATVs. (WI residents do not need a trail pass, but are required to display their registration sticker.)
State law requires ATVs to operate with headlights on at all times.
Sawyer County allows the use of Side by Sides on ALL ATV TRAILS, including those in the Chequamegon National Forest.