Groomed snowmobile trails open

Snowmobile enthusiasts can expect over 100 miles of groomed trails to ride from the Fish Creek Meadows snowmobile parking lot, according to a release from the Nez Perce National Forest.

The Clearwater Ranger District recently reported two feet of snow at Fish Creek Meadows and grooming was done on Monday, Feb. 6. Restrooms are provided at the plowed snowmobile parking lot. The Grangeville-Salmon Rd. is plowed to mile marker 8 and open only to snowmobiles after this point.

The district would like to remind both skiers and snowmobilers about the respective stickers required from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR). The IDPR Park N' Ski permits are available at Rae Brothers Sporting Goods in Grangeville for $25 for annual permit, or $7.50 for a three-day permit. This pass allow the purchaser to Park N' Ski at 11 Nordic ski areas statewide. Upon purchasing the permit, skiers are able to designate one specific Nordic ski area they visit frequently or would like to see improvements at. The permit fee is then dedicated by law to be used exclusively for improving Nordic ski opportunities and parking at the area designated. Skiers are reminded to display their stickers on the front driver's side window of vehicles to avoid citations or fines.

Snowmobile registration stickers are available for purchase at: Idaho County Courthouse, Tackett's Saw Shop, and Rae Brother's Sporting Goods in Grangeville; Carol and Val's Store and the Elk City General Store in Elk City; Tom Cat and Frank's Sporting Goods in Kooskia; Mac's RV's in Clearwater; and Bud's Saw Service in Cottonwood. Snowmobile registration applies to both new and used sleds. The registration fee is $22.50 and like the Park N' Ski pass, the money will support a groomed trail system of the purchaser's choice. The funds go to the respective county to support the maintenance and operation of trail groomers, signing of snowmobile trails, plowing parking lots, and maintenance of warming shelters.

For more information on our ski and snowmobile trails, please stop in or call the Clearwater Ranger District at (208) 983-1963.