The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
After heading out of Paxson, Alaska on the Denali Highway, you will find the Swede Mountain Trail on the left at about 19.5 miles. Use the pullout on the right to park and carefully cross the highway to enjoy this ten-mile-long hike. It is an easy footpath to follow as green dotted signs mark its course. The trail is only open to foot traffic during the summer, but snowmobilers, off-road vehicles, and bikers can follow red and white signs once the ground becomes solid or snow-covered. This trail is an easy place to stop and enjoy on your way to Denali National Park. Along its route, you will see various wildlife and cultural objects. This trail crosses the Middle Fork of the Gulkana River, so special regulations require that you stay on the path. The course offers stunning views of Alphabet Hills, Dickey Lake, and Tangle Lakes Archaeological District.
You can stay in the pullout for up to 14 days before moving on, so it is an excellent option for boondocking. You can also stay in the Alaskan Bureau of Land Management campgrounds for free or at minimal cost for the same amount of time. Therefore, as you explore the Last Frontier state, google "BLM camping near me." You can also find other options across the Western United States.
This trail starts along the Denali Highway about two miles before getting to the Swede Mountain Trail. This hike is a favorite with many families as it is a leisurely stroll. It provides access to Rusty Lake. Come prepared for one creek crossing.
Length: 0.75 miles
Intensity: Easy
This rocky and dry trail is about three miles south of Landmark Gap Lake, and it typically has one marshy spot. There are several nearby archeological sites, and you may see excavations going on during your hike. Since this trail is within the Tangle Lakes Archaeological District, you must stay on the path. This trail starts near the Rocky Creek Bridge.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail starts about mile marker 30.5 of the Denali Highway, and it goes from Glacier Lake to Sevenmile Lake. You will need to cross a large stream near this trail's starting point. This rugged trail crosses several hills, and it is not well marked in places, so bring a topological map.
Length: 8.5 miles
Intensity: Strenuous
The Swede Mountain Trail crosses the Middle Fork of the Gulkana River, which is a fantastic place to fish. Rainbow trout and Arctic grayling fishing are often great if the river is not frozen, while June and July are ideal times to catch sockeye salmon. Additionally, many people use the main river, containing Class II and Class III rapids, as a floating location starting at Paxson Lake and ending 47 miles later at the Sourdough Creek Campground.
The southeast ride of Mount Foraker is a terrific place for a climbing adventure. Expect to do some hiking to reach this location that stays snowy and icy through most of the year. Start your climbing trip at the southeast fork of the Kahiltna Glacier and plan on setting up a base camp at the base of Mount Crossen. The long ridge connecting Mount Crossen with Mount Foraker is where you will find the best climbs.
The Tangle Lake Ridge Trail, beginning off the Denali Highway about mile marker 21, is a fantastic spot to see caribou, bison, and other animals. This trail has been used since prehistoric times by hunters. You will pass several streams where you can watch beavers building their homes. Closer to the Delta River, you are likely to see grizzly and black bears, especially in blueberry patches in the summertime.
Round Tangle Lake is a fantastic spot for a picnic. Close to the Tangle Lake Campground, this lake offers beautiful old-growth trees clear around its perimeter. It is the first of a series of interconnected lakes, and many people enjoy a picnic at this location before going on a paddling adventure.
While there is no developed RV camping at Swede Mountain Trail, you can stay nearby in the Tangle Lakes Campground. There are 50 campsites, and this campground has a boat ramp, making it a great place to launch an adventure on the Delta River. The Tangle Ridge Hiking Trail also starts at this campground. Before starting your drive along the Denali Highway from Paxson, consider spending a night at the Paxson Lake Campground. It has 45 sites, and people often use it as a starting point for a float trip on the Gulkana Wild and Scenic River.
There are pullouts where you can boondock every couple of miles along the Denali Highway. The one right across from the start of the Swede Mountain Trail is a great option. Another great option is the Rock Creek Pullout about mile marker 22.5, and you can easily access the Landmark Gap Trail from this location. Another choice is the Maclaren Summit near mile marker 37, which offers sweeping views of the entire area. Since the Bureau of Land Management controls the area immediately north of the Denali Highway, all of these areas are open to Bureau of Land Management free camping.
If you are exploring the outdoors in this area, it is vital to think about bear safety. If you spot a bear, you want to make noise so that the bear knows that you are there. Avoid overgrown areas with thick brush whenever possible because bears are harder to spot in these areas. Traveling in groups is an excellent idea because bears can more easily detect that you are present, and they want to avoid contact whenever possible. Realize that bears, especially mothers with young cubs, wish to keep their distance from you, so try not to infringe on their personal space.
Hiking along the Swede Mountain Trail and exploring the Tangle Lakes Archaeological District is a memory-making experience. You will love discovering this part of Alaska where people have lived for thousands of years. There are many great archeological sites that you will want to explore, but before you do, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Archeologists have discovered over 100 sites near the Swede Mountain Trail, indicating that people have lived in this region for more than 10,000 years. Many Inuits consider these sites sacred, and therefore, you should respect them by packing out your trash.
The Swede Mountain Trail starts along the Denali Highway near mile marker 19.5. It is easy to get to this trail from the Paxson Lake Campground. Go north on Alaska 4 for about 10.4 miles until it intersects with Alaska 8. Turn left and go approximately 19.5 miles, and you will see the parking area on the left and the trailhead on the right.
Address: Swede Mountain Trail, Alaska 8 mile marker 19.5, Alaska
Ready to visit Swede 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.
