The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is an organization that is in charge of all US public land, which includes both national and state parks. This federal agency manages several aspects of public land use, such as development and recreation. Its main goal is to preserve both the natural and cultural values of US public land. This means being responsible for informing and helping all visitors to the BLM campgrounds and parks.
The Klutina Lake Trail was introduced to America thanks to the 1896 discovery of gold in Valdez, which triggered a great gold rush. To avoid using Canadian trails, Americans put their efforts into making and finding alternatives to reach the nearby Copper River. The Klutina Lake Trail is a portion of the greater trails used at that time, and nowadays, it sees frequent visits for hiking, winter sports, and wildlife viewing. This trail is also a popular detour for visitors thanks to its proximity to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, which is only 63 miles away from the trail.
The Klutina Lake Trail welcomes visitors to walk as well as use bikes. To access this trail, you must cross through private Native-owned land, so the US government has obtained a 60-foot easement road that allows for walking and motor vehicles.
Length: 23 miles
Difficulty: Easy
For the most part, this looping trail near Kenny Lake is considered a leisure experience for visitors. The trail elevates 308 feet and takes around one hour and eight minutes to finish. It is very popular for the natural sights it walks by, but it is still possible to enjoy a quiet trip during certain parts of the day.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Richardson Scenic Byway-North trail is generally chosen by travelers due to the amazing views it offers throughout the long trip. This point-to-point trail has an elevation of 31,866 feet and, on average, takes multiple days to complete. Though the trail is mostly used for scenic driving, the trail is actually the oldest highway in Alaska and was originally a gold rush trail. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Length: 246.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Boreal Forest Loop and Valdez Trail is a loop trail that is very short compared to nearby trails. It has an elevation of 114 feet, and on average, it should take around 34 minutes to complete. It also offers information signs along the way and an overlook of the Copper River.
Length: 1.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Tiekel Trees Alpine Access Trail is a challenging out-and-back trail that is located on an old mining trail to Tiekel Valley. It has an elevation of 1,653 feet and takes, on average, two hours and 10 minutes to complete. The difficult trail does reward hikers with stunning views of the Boulder Creek waterfalls.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Hard
Klutina Lake Trail goes along the Klutina River, which feeds into Klutina Lake, and fortunately, the river is home to multiple great catches. You can expect to see king and sockeye salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, and Dolly Varden in the river. You can access the river at the Richardson Highway Bridge or off the public access sections of Klutina Lake Road.
Expect to see a lot of wildlife in this part of Alaska, but be wary of dangerous predators. Species such as brown and black bears, wolverines, foxes, porcupines, and ground squirrels all inhabit the nearby regions. Walking through many of the trails in this area should provide plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife.
BLM RV camping is accessible throughout the Klutina Lake Trail, especially near the area where the Copper River diverges into the Klutina River. Here you can find King For A Day Campground & Charters, which offers guests showers, washers, and dryers, as well as guided tours. This campground has rates starting at $35 per night. Additionally, you can visit Klutina Salmon Charters & Campground, which, aside from fishing charters, offers guests access to their campgrounds. This campground has 50 campsites for visitors and offers cabins, tent sites, and electric and dry RV sites.
Finding Bureau of Land Management free camping near this region can be difficult, but you can visit Valdez Glacier Campground in the Copper River Valley region. This campsite offers ten spots for tent camping. The spots work on a first-come, first-served basis and have a great view of a waterfall created by glacier run-off.
Taking a trip, especially to Alaska, is a fun family experience, but without proper planning, it can become an arduous journey. The first thing you need to do is make sure you have everything you need before you hit the road. You need to have a campground that meets all of your needs in mind before you start heading out. Are you taking a pet? How many people are traveling with you? Do you need a certain amenity? Take all these factors into account when you decide on your RV campsite. Once you have a campsite in mind, you'll have to make a reservation if possible. Plenty of RV parks offer you the opportunity to reserve your spot well ahead of time so you don't end up without a place to stay. You'll want to rely on sites that work on a first-come, first-served basis only if your other options don't pan out. Finally, you'll need to read the regulations and rules of the area where you'll be staying. Can you gather firewood? What are the quiet hours? Do pets need to be on a leash? Reading these rules will get you out of unnecessary trouble.
Still wondering "Where can I find BLM camping near me?" It's normal to be worried about a big trip. Planning an RV trip is a daunting task, especially if it's your first time, so be sure to go read our blog if you have any concerns about BLM camping.
The Klutina Lake Trail and the Copper River Valley region are located in areas known for great historical and cultural value. One of the goals you should have during your trip is to not disturb nature and local wildlife by leaving behind trash or an unclean campsite. You must adhere to the local regulations regarding trash disposal, wildlife interactions, and campsite etiquette. Visitors must be sure to clean up any traces they might possibly leave behind.
From Copper Center, head southeast on Old Richardson Highway for about half a mile. Then turn right onto AK-4N and travel for about a mile. Turn onto the Brenwick-Craig Road at milepost 101.5 and travel for another mile. Here you will find parking in the form of the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge.
Ready to visit the Klutina Lake 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 a nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
