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Hiking Rainy Lake: Gadgets, Apps, and Trails

3/23/2020

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Ladies Hiking
Amateur and veteran hikers alike clamor to the trails the moment the last snow piles in the north melt into the ground. Hiking is a hobby, a form of exercise, and a fun family outing. There’s nothing quite like following the trail, peering over every corner to see what’s just around the bend. The excitement of not knowing what animals and insects you’ll bump into keeps the smallest child moving ever forward, ready for the next encounter.

A few decades ago, hikers had to map out their trails and lug around a few extra gadgets to ensure their safety. But now, thanks to modern tech like smart phones and GPS devices, we can wander and know just where we are at almost any given moment. There’s something freeing about getting lost only to locate yourself as a small dot on a big map full of mystery. Just the same, there are extra steps you can take to ensure you remain safe, have fun, and create a memorable experience on the trail.

Start with Gadgets

Though reception can limit cell phone data in certain areas, bringing your smart phone is always a good idea. Trying to get away from the constant chatter of your everyday life? Turn it on airplane mode when you’re not using it. But just by having this device on hand, you have a powerful tool that can send calls or texts for help and pin point your exact location, or at least while in range of cell service. So what do you do if you don’t have cell service? GPS phone or tracker.

GPS phones ensure you can locate yourself when cell service is unavailable. But it also protects you if you find yourself set off from the trail. Maybe you followed that adorable beaver into the woods to get a better picture from a safe distance and found your feet far from the trail when you looked up. GPS phones and trackers will give you and your loved ones peace of mind before you hit the trail.

If nothing else, and just in case your electronic gadgets’ batteries die, packing a compass is a tried and true method for navigating hiking trails. Being able to tell directions can be the difference between life and death, especially during cold nights in spring or fall.

Trails and Apps

Voyageurs National Park has trails that range from easy to difficult. Rocks, narrow pathways, bogs, and more can pose challenges to hikers as they make their way further into the trail. The National Park Service created a list of trails, breaking them down by location, level of difficulty, time it will take to complete, and notes that better describe what you can expect.

But remember that smart phone we mentioned earlier? Before you set out on a hike, you can download numerous apps that detail the route, level of difficulty, and even help you make challenges to outdo yourself or your friends. Some apps allow users to review trails, providing their personal insight and experience for various trails so other users can better prepare. Here are a few of REI, the well-known outfitter’s, favorite apps for hikers.

Now that you’ve prepared for a safe hike and you’ve got your route picked out, all that’s left to pack is a filling snack, your favorite hiking boots, and a camera (or your smartphone that doubles as a camera). Happy trails!
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Birding 101: Rainy Lake Birding for Beginners

3/23/2020

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Family and Park Ranger Birding
Birding is a hobby you can take with you anywhere. Even some of the coldest, most remote places in the world have various types of birds that live or migrate there seasonally. It’s a hobby you can bundle into two: hiking and birding, boating and birding, four-wheeling and birding, to name a few. If you’re outside, look to the sky and listen carefully. This hobby changes with the seasons, bringing new species of birds to new locations for an array of colors, sizes, and sounds.


At Rainy Lake, it’s easy to slow down and notice the sounds and sights you might otherwise miss. The warmer temperatures in the spring mean birds that migrate south return to mate, nest, and settle in for a beautiful summer. With more bird activity and a greater chance to see rare birds that are out to socialize, April is a great time to hone your birding technique. Grab a pair of binoculars, get outside, and look or listen for a few of our favorites.


By Color:
  • Northern Cardinal: The male Northern Cardinal is easy to spot thanks to its vibrant red feathers with dark black accents. Though small, it’s not easily missed against the brown and green backdrop of early spring. Females also have pink/red wings but may be easier to miss than their male counterpart.
  • Blue Jays: On a clear blue day, these birds may be tougher to spot. With grey bellies and bright sky-blue feathers, they stand out on budding tree branches in early spring. They are larger than the Northern Cardinal and often louder. It’s hard to miss a Blue Jay call, so follow the sound and you’ll be able to locate this brilliant blue bird.
  • American Goldfinch: Nothing says spring like an array of bright yellow feathers. The American Goldfinch is hard to miss with its cheerfully vivid yellow body and dark black feathers. Males are significantly brighter while females tend to blend in with the brown branches.
  • Baltimore Orioles: With blazing orange bellies and black heads, male Baltimore Orioles are easy to spot. Their female counterpart, though not as bright, still have yellow-orange bodies and brown wings which make them noticeable amidst budding green branches.


By Sound:
  • Mourning Doves: This might be a common bird that you hear in and out of the city, but Mourning Doves have a very distinct call. Chances are you’ll hear them before you see them due to their dull brown and tan bodies. However, their heads and necks have an opalescent, peach glow that adds to their beauty. Listen carefully and take notice of these stunning, singing birds next time you’re outside.
  • Black-Capped Chickadee: Easily mocked by many, the Black-Capped Chickadee has a distinct call that almost sounds repetitive. But what many don’t know is that the longer the cry, the greater the threat. For Black-Capped Chickadees, their call is about survival. Listen close to observe next time!
  • Bald Eagle: You will likely hear this bird before you see it. Frequently perched high above open prairies and fields, this bird of prey has a piercing, loud call. Once endangered, this bird can be frequently seen soaring above open bodies of water and land in search of food.
  • Northern Mockingbird: We couldn’t talk about bird songs without mentioning the mockingbird. Known for its repetitive nature, the Northern Mockingbird sticks to its tune. Cross your fingers for a song you like and listen closely for the same verse over and over.


We’ve named just a few common spring-time birds here at Rainy Lake, but consider taking our birding challenge and download a printable list of birds you can scout for next time you’re outside. Want to encourage birds to visit your yard? Check out these tips from Minnesota DNR for bird feeding in the spring!
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Winter Activities to Keep the Winter Blues Away

12/20/2019

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Picture
The holidays are over and winter is now in full swing. The bitter cold seems less intense under the mid-day sun and the wind comes and goes leaving moments of stillness in between. The temps are low (or below zero) and daylight is short. But up north, we don’t let this slow us down. In fact, we embrace the cold. Not just because we’ve built up a tolerance to frigid air, but because staying active keeps the winter blues away and gives us a special, rare glimpse into nature’s stark beauty that comes only in the deepest part of winter.
What are the secrets to a perfect winter day? We’re glad you asked. Here’s how we’d spend every precious moment of daylight in our beautiful corner of Voyageurs National Park.
  • 8:00 AM: We’d start with a hearty breakfast. After a restful night at one of our favorite lodges, we’d prepare a delicious meal that fills us up before embarking on our adventures. If we have any leftovers, we’d pack them up for a snack to eat later.
  • 9:00 AM: Daylight is passing quickly, so after cleaning up from breakfast, we’d quickly layer on winter gear over our clothes, grab our fishing license and rod, and head to our best-kept secret fishing spot. New to ice fishing? Here are a few tips on what gear you’ll need and how to find your own best-kept secret fishing spot.
  • 11:00 AM: Despite your best efforts, you might need to warm up after over an hour of fishing. It’s time to head back to our lodge and prep lunch.
  • Noon: It’s as warm as it will be all day around noon. So, after lunch, we decide to take a new form of transportation: snowmobile. We grab our helmet and head out on sled to Rainy Lake Visitor Center.
  • 1:00 PM: We spend a few minutes exploring the bookstore, exhibit area, displays, and activity table before borrowing a free pair or two of cross country skis at the visitor center. With trails nearby, we map out our route and get moving.
  • 2:30 PM: It’s time for a quick snack break. Cross country skiing can make you break a sweat, so we unpack our snacks and sit down for a moment to soak in our surroundings. Not sure what to pack beyond your breakfast scraps? Here are our top suggestions. Then, after a quick break, it’s time to head back to the visitor center and beat the setting sun.
  • 4:00 PM: After returning our skis, we head back to our lodge and get cozy. We rest our legs and prepare any fish caught from earlier in the day for our supper. As the sun sets, we pour a cup of hot cocoa, watch the sky closely for any glimpse of the Northern Lights, and reminisce about our favorite moments from the busy day.
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  • Lodging
    • Vacation Rentals
    • Resorts, Cabins, B&Bs
    • Hotels & Motels
    • Houseboats
  • Things to Do
  • Attractions
    • Voyageurs National Park
    • Rainy Lake
    • Rainy River
    • Guides & Outfitter Services >
      • resorts from old fishing page
    • Fishing On Rainy River
    • ATV & Snowmobiling
    • Hiking & Biking
    • Golfing
Send More Info