The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Birch Creek is one of the 25 Wild and Scenic Rivers in Alaska. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal government agency, oversees Birch Creek and maintains its natural beauty. While you are permitted to camp at the remote Birch Creek area, most of the creek is inaccessible by road. Nevertheless, many make the off-road trek to this BLM site to see the tumbling whitewater. You can get there via canoes, kayaks, or by booking a whitewater raft tour. Many other visitors find their way to the creek during the winter to enjoy cold-weather sports such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Located 206 miles northeast of Denali National Park and 360 miles north of Wrangell St. Elias National Park, the creek is in the vicinity of some impressive naturally preserved areas. Small communities like the hamlet of Central, AK, lie in the immediate area. The nearest large city, Fairbanks, AK, is 85 miles to the southwest.
The Prindle Campground Trail begins in Prindle Campground and elevates 1,640 feet in a short distance to get to the summit of Prindle Mountain. The in-and-out trail is a muddy climb that crosses two rivers before it begins its ascent. Located a short drive from Central, AK, the hike is an excellent supplement at the end of a boat trip down the Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River.
Length: 10.4 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The Pinnell Mountain Trail is one of the few primitive trails in this part of Alaska that is well-maintained. Though the trail starts at a high elevation at Eagle Summit, it descends and repeatedly ascends by over 4,000 feet along its route. A point-to-point course, this hike demands that someone stay behind to drive to the pickup point and retrieve the hikers. Views of the surrounding mountains and the confluence of Birch Creek and the Yukon River make this challenging climb worth the effort.
Length: 22.4 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Since it's a wild and scenic river, the only means of reaching Birch Creek is by watercraft. Crafts are limited to canoes, kayaks, and specialized rafts. Usually, visitors take seven to 10 days to run the entire length of the creek, stopping to camp along the way. The fishing is excellent for northern pike, shellfish, salmon, and Arctic grayling.
Rocks worth climbing beside the river are rare, and there are none toward the south as far as Fairbanks that offer a challenge to rock climbers. However, you'll find rock formations 25 miles north of the creek that beckon climbers during the summer months.
Moose, caribou, black bear, grizzly bear, wolf, lynx, and fox are abundant throughout the length of the creek. Birds of prey are making a comeback within the area. Peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and red-tailed hawks are commonly seen cruising the skies above the creek. Keep in mind that wildlife along Birch Creek are unfamiliar with the sight or scent of humans.
Though picnic tables are unavailable alongside Birch Creek, picnicking is allowed. Visitors traveling to the creek to picnic find areas beside Steers Highway to pull over. Organized parks are limited to those found in hamlets like Central or Circle, AK. Roadside picnickers must clean the area before leaving.
In the wilderness of Alaska, there is little artificial light to pollute the skies. Stargazing on clear nights is a favorite activity of visitors. The night sky presents a sight seldom seen in the lower 48 states as the trajectories are angled differently.
If you don't want to camp on rustic BLM public land, there's an RV camping option within 50 miles of Birch Creek. Granite Tors Trails Campground offers 24 RV campsites from late May to September 15 for rigs up to 25 feet in length. The campground provides restrooms with flush toilets, fire rings, grills, and picnic tables. There are several RV campgrounds in Fairbanks, including River’s Edge RV Campground, Chena River State Recreation Site, Fairbanks / Chena River KOA, and Go North Base Camp Hostel and Campground. However, these RV campgrounds are 85 miles away and should only be used as a park-and-go augmentation to your whitewater vacation on Birch Creek.
In Alaskan BLM areas, dispersed camping is allowed. However, there is only one highway with limited access to the area capable of handling RV traffic. There are a few areas alongside Steers Highway where RVs can pull over for the night to boondock. Most dispersed camping in the area is limited to tent camping. During a float down Birch Creek, tents may be pitched on sandbars or alongside the water in a clear space.
Always plan an RV camping trip in the wildernesses of Alaska with the knowledge that RV campsites are limited. The best bet is to park your RV in an organized RV park in an urban area. In this case, Fairbanks, AK, is rich in RV campgrounds and is only 85 miles from Birch Creek. Make sure to pack your RV correctly with plenty of changes of clothes and footwear as the weather changes rapidly in the area. Cookware, sunblock, and insect repellent are also essential items to bring along.
BLM camping, even in organized camps, is less expensive than camping elsewhere, with a nominal charge administered for each night that you stay. Other campers are friendly, seeking the same solitude you desire. BLM camping brings you closer to nature than any other form of camping. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
BLM requires visitors to Birch Creek to clean up after themselves to help preserve the area's natural qualities. If water levels allow, camp on gravel bars. Leave your camp clean by packing out any trash and burying any human waste at least 200 feet from the water. Do not confront the wildlife — this is their home and you are merely a visitor. By following these rules, you can contribute to the maintenance of a pristine environment.
To reach Birch Creek from Fairbanks, AK, get onto Alaska Highway 2 (AK-2) and drive for 11 miles. Turn right onto Alaska Highway 6 (AK-6) and go for 74 miles to the Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River embarkation point to meet your guide service.
Address: 222 University Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Ready to visit Birch Creek? 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.
