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BLM Camping

Tonsina River Trail

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Alaska's Tonsina River Trail is located just south of the town of Glenallen, adjacent to Wrangell St. Elias National Park. The trail leads to the Tonsina River and offers magnificent views of the area's scenery. Because it's a wetland habitat, there are many opportunities to spot animals as they venture to the river to drink or eat. Some of the lands around the trail are privately owned, so try to stay on the trail as much as possible.

Public lands like the Tonsina River Trail, which the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) maintains for the enjoyment of visitors, can be found throughout Alaska and the rest of the country. To find BLM sites similar to Tonsina River Trail but with camping amenities, search for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Tonsina River Trail

Offering breathtaking views, this trail is gentle enough for inexperienced hikers.

Length: 2.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Liberty Falls Trail

Located in the nearby Liberty Falls State Recreation Site, this trail is generally quiet and peaceful.

Length: 2.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Root Glacier Trail

Located in Wrangell St. Elias National Park, this trail offers stunning views and is an excellent place to see wildlife.

Length: 5.7 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Bonanza Mine Trail

This lengthy trail offers a fantastic challenge and beautiful views for experienced hikers.

Length: 8.3 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Skookum Volcano Trail

This trail passes by Skookum Creek Volcano and through many fascinating geological formations.

Length: 4.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The Tonsina River offers fantastic fishing opportunities. Grayling, lake trout, and Dolly Varden trout are the most common catches, but you can also catch king, coho, and sockeye salmon at various times throughout the year. Rafters can also float down the river, but the river can be pretty rough, so it's recommended for experienced rafters only.

Climbing

The area around the Tonsina River Trail mainly offers alpine climbing options, although there are also some ice-climbing routes. Peaks in the Wrangell Mountains are the most common choice for climbers. For example, Ahtna Peak, Mount Drum, Mount Regal, and Rime Peak are excellent options.

Wildlife Viewing

Hikers can often spot wildlife right on the Tonsina River Trail, but Wrangell St. Elias National Park and the Liberty Falls State Recreation Site also offer amazing wildlife viewing and photography options. The most common animals are birds and small mammals like squirrels, marmots, and porcupines, but lucky visitors may spot a moose, elk, reindeer, lynx, beaver, or bear.

Picnicking

The Wrangell St. Elias National Park Visitor Center is an ideal place for a picnic. Tables are available, and the views of the area are gorgeous. Visitors can also stop at the visitor center to shop or learn more about the area's history. There are also several areas with picnic tables at the Liberty Falls State Recreation Site.

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

Most trails in the area, including the Tonsina River Trail, are a good option for snowshoeing, and several can also be used for cross-country skiing. Many people opt for snowshoes even in the spring months for areas where snow hasn't fully melted.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping and standard RV camping are available in several spots in the area around the Tonsina River Trail. The Squirrel Creek Campground has 25 campsites that can accommodate RVs of any size, and toilets and water are available. Tolsona Wilderness Campground offers RV sites with electric hookups—bathrooms, showers, a laundry room, and a dump station are all available. You can also rent a tube for use on the nearby creek. The Dry Creek State Recreation Site offers a slightly more rugged camping experience, but it has 50 sites for RVs of any size, and the bathrooms are clean. The campground also has nine picnic areas.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Kendesnii Campground. The campground offers ten sites that are free for any campers and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The road into the campground can be a bit rough, so be prepared for bumps. There are few amenities in the area, but clean bathrooms are available.

RV Rentals Near Tonsina River Trail Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Tonsina River Trail BLM trip

The weather around Glenallen and the Tonsina River Trail is relatively mild and dry in the summer, with daytime temperatures hovering in the mid-60s and low 70s. Nights can be chilly, even during the middle of summer, so always wear layers and pack plenty of blankets and warm clothing if you plan to camp overnight. From September to May, temperatures routinely drop below freezing. During the winter, temperatures are often well below zero. Always exercise extreme caution if you plan to take part in any outdoor recreation during the winter months.

The area around the Tonsina River is home to several large animal species, so learn how to protect yourself and your campsite before you head out. Always secure your food and supplies where animals can't reach them, and if you encounter a wild animal, leave it alone and maintain a safe distance.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace practices are an essential aspect of enjoying a stay at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. These practices, such as being courteous to other hikers, picking up your trash, and protecting native plants, help keep the area looking beautiful and ensure that it can be visited for many generations to come. It's also important to always control any fires you build and make sure the fire's remnants are completely cool before moving on. Stay on the trail and try to minimize your impact on the environment.