The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Liberty Falls Trail, located approximately 235 miles east of Anchorage, Alaska, showcases a beautiful waterfall along the Edgerton Highway, an offshoot of the larger north-south Richardson Highway, which connects the cities of Valdez and Fairbanks. It’s within the Liberty Falls State Recreation Site, but the Bureau of Land Management, known as BLM, has an office nearby and controls land around it. BLM camping is available in this area.
Located on the banks of Liberty Creek, a tributary of the Copper River, Liberty Falls Trail is only 11 miles from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and roughly 400 miles from Denali National Park. While there are towns in the area, the trail is relatively remote, but Liberty Falls Trail is a great place to check out if you want to get away from everything.
After a somewhat steep beginning, everything evens out and gives you a picture-perfect view of the falls. You can even get close enough to feel the waterfall’s mist! The trail’s known to locals, but don’t be surprised if you feel like you’re hiking solo. Note that dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Moderate
If you’d like a less strenuous trail, this one near Liberty Falls and Kenny Lake is waiting for you. Your dog can accompany you as long as she’s on a leash. At the end of this in-and-out trail, you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous scenic outlook. You can also bike on this trail if you don’t mind a couple of muddy places.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is popular with both locals and visitors. Many hikers describe this trail as easy to moderate, but its length and icy spots can increase the difficulty if you’re not used to those conditions. A shuttle bus is available at the park to take you to the trailhead.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Difficult
At this trail that is also within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, hikers get the chance to check out the remnants of a dormant volcano. The trail is an excellent spot for bird and wildlife watching. Bring along your pup — just make sure he’s on a leash — for a pleasant stroll along a dry riverbed.
Length: 4.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This isn’t the place to bring a powered boat, but the area around Liberty Falls Trail is renowned for superb fly-fishing. Many excursion companies run fishing trips along the Chitina River and nearby Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Be advised, though, that because of the rugged landscape and presence of bears, you should strongly consider a crewed expedition if your plans include floating on a river with a pole in your hands.
Alaska has great places to climb all over the state, and Liberty Falls Trail and its surroundings are no exception. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is your best bet for dedicated rock climbing, with Hurricane (South West) Ridge being a favorite among the climbing crowd.
Visitors to Liberty Falls Trail can see a host of wildlife. Moose and elk are frequently sighted along with various birds and smaller mammals like coyotes and beavers. And yes, your chances of seeing a bear are pretty good, particularly in the summer months. However, exercise common sense and keep a safe distance while taking your photographs, particularly if you see a mother bear with her cubs. With a few precautions, wildlife spotting here can be very rewarding.
A dedicated picnic area is available overlooking Liberty Falls, and there are plenty of rocks and clearings along Liberty Falls Trail where you can take a break and enjoy a meal.
RV camping is available at Liberty Falls Trail. Liberty Falls State Recreation Site, where the trail is located, has ten RV sites. The campground is privately run, with a cost of $25 per night. All RV sites have electricity and are pull-through. Campers can stay up to 15 days, and pets are welcome.
The BLM field office for Liberty Hills Trail is in the town of Chitina, approximately seven miles east of the trail. The office can direct you towards Bureau of Land Management free campgrounds. With the proximity of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, there are plenty of campsites available for tenters and backpackers.
Liberty Falls Trail is open year-round, but it’s in southeastern Alaska, so the best time to visit for BLM RV camping is spring and summer. Temperatures are generally quite comfortable at this time of year, with highs in the mid-60s and lows in the high 40s. However, you should always be prepared for extremes, so bring along clothing suitable for both hot and cold weather. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must, as are sunscreen and bug repellant, the latter to combat Alaska’s notorious mosquitoes and blowflies.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds offer the best of both worlds for those who enjoy quiet, lovely surroundings. You might not see many people, but those you meet will share your enthusiasm for the Alaskan wilderness. With Bureau of Land Management free camping, you can keep your costs low. Our blog is the best source for learning more about BLM camping.
It’s important to remember when on BLM land to be mindful of your surroundings. Pick up any trash you create and make sure that you dispose of it properly. To avoid contamination, bury any human waste at least 200 feet away from any water source. Respect the local wildlife and never confront any creature — remember, this is their home and not yours.
Liberty Falls Trail is seven miles from the town of Chitina inside the Liberty Falls State Recreation Area off the Edgerton Highway. The highway can be accessed via Alaska 1 coming from the west or the Richardson Highway coming from the south. The trail is at mile marker 23.5; watch for the signs for the recreation area.
Ready to visit Liberty Falls 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.
