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 Tangle Lakes Foot Trail on the left at about 21.5 miles as you drive along the Denali Highway. There is parking on the left next to the trailhead, so this is an easy trail to access. You will enjoy exploring the Tangle Lakes Archeological District, so spend a night or two in the Tangle Lakes Campground, where this trail begins. Enjoy views of the Tangle Lakes and the Tangle Lakes and Amphitheatre Mountains from this trail.
This government has listed this area on the National Register of Historic Places. Archeologists have found evidence showing that people have lived in this region for over 10,000 years. It was a popular hunting ground for early settlers who killed caribou and picked berries to sustain themselves. You are still likely to see caribou, and late-summer berry picking is often fantastic. You will want to stop at this trail on your way to Denali National Park, which is about 120 miles farther up the highway.
When exploring sites along the Denali Highway, it is easy to boondock because one side of the highway belongs to the Bureau of Land Management. When traveling throughout Alaska, search for "BLM camping near me" to find fantastic options near your location.
The Rusty Lake Trail runs in the same area as the Tangle Lakes Foot Trail. This easy trail leads from the Denali Highway to Rusty Lake. Wear clothes that you do not mind getting wet in because you will need to cross one minor stream. Individuals who do not mind carrying their canoe or kayak a short distance can use this trail and Rusty Lake to start a paddling adventure on the interconnected Tangle Lakes.
Length: 0.75 miles
Intensity: Easy
If you are looking for an option that is dry enough to hike when other trails may be too wet, then the Landmark Gap Trail is fantastic. This trail begins at the Rocky Creek Bridge. It usually only has one marshy spot. Be sure to stay on the course as it is within the Tangle Lakes Archaeological District, and going off the trail can result in fines.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located about eight miles from the Tangle Lakes Campground, this trail crosses a large stream. There is no bridge, so consider the weather before hiking this trail. It runs from Glacier Lake to Sevenmile Lake. This trail crosses several hills where snow may linger longer than along the highway, so use caution. This trail lacks markings in places, so bring a map and compass to stay on course.
Length: 8.5 miles
Intensity: Hard
The Tangle Lakes are a terrific place for a paddling adventure. There are four main lakes and numerous smaller ones connected along a ten-mile course. These rivers form the headwaters of the Delta River. In the spring, anglers often catch Arctic grayling and rainbow trout while sockeye salmon fishing can be super in August.
Mount Foraker in Denali National Park is a fantastic place for a climbing adventure. You are likely to want your snow gear as the route stays snow-covered most of the year. If you want to try climbing ice pitches, this is an ideal choice. Many people choose to start their adventure at the southeast fork of the Kahiltna Glacier and spend a night or two camping on Mount Crossen when climbing in this area.
The lakes making up the Tangle Lake Archeological District are fantastic places to spot trumpeter swans, long-tailed ducks, common mergansers, common loons, and Arctic terns. You can also see many migratory songbirds along these lakes and their connecting streams in the spring. Consider planning your trip to coincide with the caribou migration, which takes place in August. You may see beavers, moose, and grizzly bears even from the highway.
The Riley Creek Day-Use Area is a fantastic place for a picnic. This park is a wonderful creekside spot that feels very remote. You will love watching the river run by, and beavers sometimes build their dams near this area.
The Tangle Lakes Foot Trail starts in the Tangle Lakes Campground, and it is a great place to go RV camping along the Denali Highway. You can select between 50 campsites. Many people choose to use this campground as a starting point on their 30-mile Delta Wild and Scenic River floating trip. About 20 miles before this campground is the community of Paxton, Alaska. The Paxson Lake Campground is a great place to stay. It offers 45 sites, and it is a popular choice for people starting a float trip on the Gulkana Wild and Scenic River.
The Denali Highway has pull-offs every couple of miles, and they are terrific places to boondock. One is located right across from the start of the Tangle Lakes Foot Trail. There is another one at mile marker 22.5, and that is a terrific place to hike the Landmark Gap Trail. Near mile marker 37 is a large option, which offers stunning views from Maclaren Summit. Since the Bureau of Land Management controls the north side of the highway, these are easy Bureau of Land Management free camping areas to access.
May 1 to June 15 is the best time to plan a paddling adventure on the Tangle Lakes and the two nearby scenic rivers. The crowds of tourists and the bugs have not come to the area yet, so it is the perfect time to find some solitude in the area's Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. The weather is usually very stable during this time, with daytime highs in the mid-60s. Making a list and checking it can help ensure you leave nothing behind because you cannot return for it. Plan your itinerary carefully, and let someone not on the trip know when you plan on going and returning. Before you leave to go camping in central Alaska, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Archeologists have discovered over 100 sites that indicate people have lived in this region for more than 10,000 years. The only way that can continue is if everyone packs out their trash. Do not leave it behind as it will hurt the wildlife that the residents depend on for survival.
The Tangle Lakes Foot Trail starts along the Denali Highway near mile marker 21.5. It is easy to get to this trail from Denali National Park by going southeast from the park on Park Road. Turn right on Alaska 3 South, and turn left on Alaska 4. Continue for about 120.4 miles. Note that this road is mainly gravel.
Address: Tangle Lakes Foot Trail, Alaska 8 mile marker 21.5, Alaska
Ready to visit Tangle Lakes Foot 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.
