The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Start hiking this trail at mile marker 107 of the Steese Highway. Enjoy stunning views of the Alaskan Range and the Yukon River as you hike its 27-mile length. There are two cabins available if you want to stay along this trail located about 100 miles northeast of Fairbanks. If you are interested in a shorter hike, consider the interpretative trail near the Eagle Summit Trailhead. While you are in this area, check out Denali National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park.
Although you can stay in the cabins, you may camp along the edge of this trail if you are at least 100 yards from the water. That is because it is on Bureau of Land Management public land. You may also want to consider nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Generally, you can stay in these campgrounds for up to 14 consecutive days for free or for a minimal fee. You may also want to search for BLM camping near me to find other areas to stay while traveling to this trail.
Start by climbing the gradual incline from the Summit Trailhead to follow the Wickersham Dome Trail. Ensure that you stay to the left when the trail forks at about 1.7 miles. The next 0.75 miles of this trail often stay muddy before you make the final push to reach the top of a ridge where you will want to check out the cool rock formations.
Length: 7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Summit Trail at White Mountain National Recreation Area begins near Wickersham Dome, and it drops through some low areas before emerging in a gorgeous spruce forest. You will love the views of Beaver Creek once you start the long downhill part of this trail. You can easily access Borealis-LeFevre Cabin if you want to spend longer exploring this remote area.
Length: 19 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Wickersham Creek Trail begins near Wickersham Dome, and it runs downhill to a spruce bog lowlands. This trail loses almost 2,000 feet in elevation in its first five miles. The end of this trail often stays covered in snow and ice, so hikers will want to be careful.
Length: 19 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Birch Creek near Twelvemile Summit is a fantastic place to go fishing. This is a terrific place to fish for Arctic grayling on dry flies and nymphs. Anglers also catch an occasional northern pike. You can also float 110 miles of the river, beginning and ending along the Steese Highway.
The main wall at Mount Prindle is a fantastic place to go climbing. Access this area by following Faith Creek Road off the Steese Highway; a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended. After crossing Zephyr Creek, you can see the climbing area a bit left of due north. You may be the only climber in this remote area, so use safety precautions.
While you must be self-sufficient, the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve is an excellent place for wildlife viewing. This is a fantastic place to spot Dall sheep, moose, and grizzly bears. Most visitors access the preserve by floating the Yukon or Charley rivers. Since there is no phone service, get detailed information by visiting the Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center before launching on this adventure.
When leaving Fairbanks, stop at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center for a picnic. Officials designed this free center to help you learn more about Alaska's land and its cultural groups. You will want to take a selfie under the antler arch. Frequently, cultural programs occur at this location.
While Pinnell Mountain Trail does not feature BLM RV camping in a campground, you can find other options along the Steese Highway. If you are seeking an upscale experience, then consider Chena Hot Springs Resort, which has a pool, and you can participate in organized tours of the area. Enjoy beautiful views of the river or wet a line while staying at the Upper Chatanika River State Site.
While there is no organized camping near the Pinnell Mountain Trail, you can find Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunities nearby. One option is to stay at Cripple Creek Campground. This campground offers easy access to the Chatanika River and is the usual ending spot for a canoeing trip starting at the Upper Chatanika River State Site. You can also camp at the Bedrock Recreation Site, which offers easy access to outstanding fishing.
When planning a trip along the Pinnell Mountain Trail, it is vital to consider the weather as it can change very quickly. You will want to dress in layers on top and bottom. For your upper body, the layer next to your skin needs to be a wicking layer that will remove moisture from your body quickly. Then put on at least two insulating layers before topping them with a windbreaking layer. On the bottom, wear a wicking layer with wool pants over it. Depending on trail conditions, you may also want to add wind pants on top of your wool pants.
Many people find that completing a hike like this trail builds their self-esteem. You will enjoy seeing the fabulous scenery. Bring your family or friends and create memories that will last a lifetime. Before heading north from Fairbanks, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping as supplies can be very difficult to access.
This trail is in a pristine area, and it takes everyone working together to keep it that way. Be sure to carry out your trash so that those who follow you up this trail can have a beautiful time. Additionally, carrying out your trash ensures that wild animals do not get sick from trying to eat it.
It is easy to get to the Pinnell Mountain Trail from the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center in Fairbanks. Start by heading west on Dunkel Street and turn left onto Wendell Avenue. Stay left to get on the Old Steese Highway. Turn right on College Road and almost immediately left onto Alaska 2. Turn right onto Alaska 6 and go for 83 miles. You will see the trailhead and a small parking lot.
Ready to visit Pinnell Mountain 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 of 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.
