The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you're looking for an unforgettable vacation destination near Fairbanks, Alaska, Lower Nome Creek Trail is a wonderful place to visit. Not only does it offer some of the most stunning scenery in the country, but it's also a perfect place to go hiking, biking, or fishing. Furthermore, the trail is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which is a federal agency tasked with overseeing and preserving public lands in the US. As with other BLM sites in Alaska, you can enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping alongside the trail. However, campers are limited to staying in one location for no longer than two weeks a month.
Despite the trail's northerly latitude, summers in the area tend to be fairly warm. Furthermore, the days are exceptionally long during these months. In fact, the sun barely dips below the horizon on the year's longest days, which allows hikers to enjoy continuous daylight. The closest national parks to the Lower Nome Creek Trail are Denali National Park, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, and Gates of the Arctic National Park.
This iconic trail offers incredible views of the Alaskan tundra, forests, and meadows. It begins at the intersection with McKay Trail, which is located at the top of a ridge. Then the trail descends until it crosses the creek.
Length: 14 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Lower Nome Creek offers world-class fishing, and you'll be able to catch trout, arctic grayling, Alaska silvers, and other species native to the area. The fishing season in the area runs from May through September.
Lower Nome Creek Trail offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing. In fact, it's one of the best places in the Fairbanks area to see moose, foxes, caribou, lynx, and black bears. Also, the region is home to a wide range of bird species, such as crossbills, robins, jays, and chickadees. Some of the best viewing spots are alongside Lower Nome Creek. Furthermore, the park's meadows and tundra offer unobstructed views, which can make it easier to spot wildlife in the distance.
While there aren't any designated picnic areas, there are numerous exceptional picnicking spots amid the pristine forests, meadows, and tundra that you can find along the trail. The striking landscape of the region makes the trail an exceptional place to enjoy stunning views while you have a bite to eat.
Since the area is quite remote, light pollution is minimal. This means that you'll be able to enjoy stunning, unforgettable views of the night sky. Furthermore, the northerly location of the region makes it a perfect place to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the aurora borealis.
If you want RV camping near this BLM site that isn't primitive, some of the best places to stay are Chena River Wayside, Tanana Valley Campground and RV Park, and River's Edge RV Park and Campground. These campgrounds offer affordable prices, water and electric hookups, and beautiful scenery.
You'll be able to enjoy free trailside camping at this BLM site. There are some other primitive campgrounds near the Lower Nome Creek Trail, such as Ophir Creek Campground, Mount Prindle Campground, and Arctic Circle Campground. When camping at these Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, it's always important to follow the principles of Leave No Trace, check the weather forecast, and ensure that you are not unprepared. Furthermore, you'll need to make sure that you do not stay at your campsite for longer than two weeks within one month.
If you're headed to the trail, you'll be able to enjoy some of the most pristine landscapes in the country, and it's one of the best options if you're looking for "BLM camping near me" in the Fairbanks area. However, it's important to make sure that you are adequately prepared. Since the region is quite remote, it's extremely important to make sure that you bring wilderness survival gear with you, including a fire starter, camp stove, and knife.
Furthermore, weather conditions along the trail can change rapidly. This is especially true in the region's higher elevations. So it's extremely important to check the forecast before you go. Winters in the region are exceptionally harsh, and temperatures can dip below -50 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, it's best to visit between May and September.
Since the nearest RV campgrounds are located near Fairbanks, it's important to bring everything that you'll need with you when hiking. So before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
To make sure that future generations will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of this trail and other BLM sites, it's important to make sure that you always practice the principles of Leave No Trace. This means leaving the trail exactly as you found it and staying up to date on the latest fire regulations.
The trail is located around an hour and a half northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska. To get to it from the city, you'll need to start your trip by getting on AK-2 West. Take this road until you reach the town of Fox, which is approximately 10 miles away. Then get on AK-6 North and continue for 43.8 miles until you reach Nome Creek Road. Stay on it for 2.4 miles until you reach the point where the trail intersects the road.
Ready to visit the Lower Nome 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.
