The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Osar Lake Trail in Alaska is located right off the south portion of the Denali Highway and provides an excellent opportunity for hikers, bikers, and ATV riders to enjoy the natural landscape only the Alaskan wilderness can provide. The Osar Lake Trail itself leads users right to Osar Lake in the Maclaren River Basin.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a United States government organization, owns and oversees the Osar Lake Trail and the surrounding area. Because the BLM owns this land, it's open for free to public use, and it doubles as one of the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds with free, dispersed camping options for all visitors.
The Osar Lake Trail is a point of interest for visitors along the Denali Highway and includes a path over hilly terrain.
Length: 7.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Gulkana River Trail follows a moderately challenging but short path to the remnants of Gulkana Glacier, which has since become the Gulkana River.
Length: 0.5 mile
Intensity: Moderate
The Castner Creek Glacier Trail is located just north of the Osar Lake Trail and gives visitors a chance to walk through naturally formed ice caves.
Length: 1.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
Osar Lake itself is only two miles long and is not considered a good spot for fishing and boating. However, there are some other larger lakes nearby that have been marked as good fishing places, including the Tangle Lakes. There, you can catch European grayling and arctic grayling in accordance with current Alaskan fishing regulations. You can also catch lake trout in Fielding Lake and use the boat launching area on the shore.
Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall's sheep are common in the Osar Lake Trail area. Though these large species can be difficult to spot, smaller mammals like arctic ground squirrels, red squirrels, foxes, and marmots are relatively easy to see. You may also catch glimpses of wolverines, coyotes, and snowshoe hares. As with wildlife viewing at any BLM-owned land area, be sure to keep your distance from the animals, and do not feed them.
ATV and off-road vehicle riders love the Osar Lake Trail for its hilly path and possibilities for rock crawling. In the winter, snowmobiles may also enjoy the trail, as can snowshoe hikers and cross-country skiers. Whenever you come to Osar Lake Trail for any type of riding, be sure to come in groups in case of emergencies since cell service is usually sparse in the area.
Hunters visit the Osar Lake Trail and Osar Lake area often in August and September. Those who come with a valid Alaska state-issued hunting license can attempt hunting and trapping muskox, mountain goats, caribou, and moose. Hare hunting is especially popular in the area, even with young hunters.
The Alaskan wilderness offers visitors a chance to see the night sky like never before. Far from city lights, the area around the Osar Lake Trail frequently experiences sights of the Northern Lights. Keep in mind that the sun rarely sets in this area during the summer, so stargazing should be done in spring, fall, or winter. Wintertime is the best for experiencing glimpses of the Northern Lights, though the season is harsh and cold along this trail, so stargazers should pack accordingly to stay warm during stargazing.
You can always try a Bureau of Land Management free camping option with an RV, but know that the BLM-marked roads and trails are not tailored for RV use, and there are usually no options for RV hookups. That being said, if you would like to go RV camping at a campground that does have hookup and amenities, opt for a privately owned campground nearby. One place you can try is the Tolsona Wilderness Campground, which has hookups and free Wi-Fi for guests. Another good option is Riley Creek Campground, offering the same amenities and free stay options during the winter months.
When searching for "BLM camping near me," look to the Osar Lake Trail and the surrounding BLM-owned area. Here, you're permitted to camp for free for up to 14 days at a time in one spot, and you may choose your camping spot anywhere that is at least 200 feet from marked trails and open water sources. Motorized vehicles, including RVs, are allowed on the Osar Lake Trail, but keep in mind that the trail may be difficult for larger vehicles to travel on, so RV camping is most easily accessible near the front area of the trail. It should also be noted that there are no electrical or water hookups along the Osar Lake Trail, so all camping here is primitive.
The Osar Lake Trail area experiences harsh winters with lots of snowfall, while its summers are mild with comfortable temperatures. That being said, always plan your trip around the local weather forecast, and don't be afraid to overpack for pop-up thunderstorms and snowstorms. If you plan on camping along the trail, always pack lots of drinking and washing water, and consider bringing battery- or gas-operated equipment like heaters and fire starters. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All visitors to the Osar Lake Trail are asked to follow the Leave No Trace rules put in place by the BLM. These rules include things like packing up what you bring in, disposing of trash properly, and watching campfires closely in order to avoid wildfire breakouts. By doing your part, you can help keep the Osar Lake Trail area clean and preserved for future generations to enjoy.
To reach the trailhead for the Osar Lake Trail from Anchorage, take AK-1 N for 194 miles to Gabon. From there, continue straight on AK-4 N for 57 miles, then turn left onto AK-8 W. Travel for 25 miles, and then the trailhead will be marked on the right of the road.
Ready to visit Osar 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 nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
