The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
BLM land, which the Bureau of Land Management controls, is a great place to camp, especially if you are looking to boondock for free. In the United States, there are over 245 million acres of land that are protected by BLM, and each piece of land can fit into one of the following categories: public lands, developed recreation areas, national conservation lands, or wilderness areas. Each of these types of land has different rules about camping, so make sure you look into where you are camping before you set up your campsite.
Bear Creek Trail is located about 50 miles south of Cooper Landing, Alaska, on the Kenai Peninsula. It's about 150 miles south of Anchorage. Since this BLM site is in a remote area, it's beautiful yet rugged. The trail is perfect for those who want to experience the Kenai wilderness. Another great place to visit when you are staying in this part of Alaska is Kenai Fjord National Park. The remote landscape that you find in this park is one of the highlights of this state. There are over 40 glaciers in the Harding Icefield, and it provides a challenging hike that is more than an eight-mile round trip.
Certain areas of the trail are closed during the summer because the trail is too wet to travel. In addition, some areas are only accessible by snowmobile during the winter when the land is frozen over.
This trail is best hiked during the winter months because it crosses over several marshy lands that are wet during the summer. The trail is lightly trafficked, and there is a lake along part of the trail, so you can get some ice fishing done during the winter months.
Length: 7.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Bird Ridge Trail is located just north of Hope, AK, inside Chugach State Park. It is a great option to explore during the spring and the summer months of the year because there are wildflowers along the trail that you can enjoy. This is also a dog-friendly trail, so take your furry friend hiking in Alaska with you.
Length: 4.6 miles
Intensity: Hard
This is a relatively easy trail to manage, so it is great for those with less experience. Located a few miles south of Anchorage, it is a looped trail where you can see all types of wildlife throughout the year. The trail is dog-friendly, and there are views of the water and the mountains along the way.
Length: 4.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
On the upper portion of the Bear Creek Trail, there are many fishing options that anglers will want to try. In Bear Creek, you can even fly fish if you have the right gear. Fishing in nearby Seward is optimal, especially if you are looking to catch salmon or other saltwater fish in Resurrection Bay. There are also streams and lakes in the area that offer freshwater fishing. You can easily rent a boat in the area to take out into the bay for the day to try catching larger fish.
There are a few dedicating climbing locations that you can find in this part of Alaska, but one highlight is McHugh Peak, which is located in the southwest corner of Chugach State Park. It is great for long walks, and the summit of the peak is only about 4,300 feet.
There are quite a few options if you are looking for a place for wildlife viewing. Kenai Lake and Tongass National Forest are great black bear viewing areas, and you could easily see moose, beavers, porcupines, and other wildlife in the area. The national and state parks near Bear Creek Trail are also great places to spot wildlife.
RV camping is available in the Bear Creek Trail area. There are options like Cooper Creek Campground, which is made up of 26 sites that have fire pits, picnic tables, and running water that you can use during the summer months. In the winter, some of the facilities may be unavailable. Quartz Creek Campground is another nearby option to consider with 46 campsites; however, this campground has an off season that begins in September.
One of the dispersed camping locations in this area that is free to use is Exit Glacier Campground. It is located in Kenai Fjords National Park, and there are 12 designated camping spots that you can select. There is a pump that you can use to get water to drink and to cook with at this location.
When you plan to go camping in this area of Alaska, make sure that you pack for the weather. In winter, you will not be able to get a fully functional campsite easily, but that is the only time that the Bear Creek Trail can be trekked because of the bogginess of the land. Make sure to bring warm clothing as well as a few extra blankets. Don't forget to check the weather before your trip because this far north because it tends to get cold quicker. Also, make sure to bring the pots and pans that you need to cook over a fire and in your RV in case it's too cold to cook outdoors. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When you are traveling and camping on BLM land, you must clean up after yourself so that the next person visiting does not find evidence that you were there. This is essential for keeping these remote areas beautiful. Also, since there are many bears in this area, leaving food or garbage behind can attract them, which will not be good for you or future campers.
From Seward, head north on State Highway 9 for about 36 miles. That highway will turn into AK-1 N, which you will follow for about 18 miles. Turn left onto Hope Highway, and turn left again onto Palmer Creek Road/ Resurrection Creek Road. Bear Creek Road is a dirt road that takes you about a mile back to the gate where the trail begins.
Ready to visit Bear Creek Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
