The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Trail Creek Trail in Alaska is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This federal agency is responsible for protecting the natural beauty and diversity of many parks and trails. Alaska is home to 70 million acres of gorgeous wetlands and mountains. By camping responsibly, the natural beauty of the state can be preserved for generations to come.
Trail Creek Trail is just off the Wickersham Creek Trail, which can be accessed via the Elliott Highway. There are several cabins on the trail open to public use. This trail crosses Beaver Creek and is near the Cache Mountain Loop. Visitors often enjoy amazing interactions with local wildlife while hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Denali National Park is about 167 miles to the south, and the Yukon–Charley Rivers National Preserve is a short distance east.
This trail starts near the city of Clear and has an elevation gain of almost 1,000 feet. It's perfect for both hikers and rock climbers.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Enjoy amazing views of the nearby Table Top Mountain with an elevation gain of 1,338 feet. You can find amazing vistas of the surrounding land as well as close encounters with birds and other wildlife.
Length: 4.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Park at Prindle Campground for easy access to this difficult trail. This challenging adventure pushes you through forests and streams to reach the satisfying summit. At the trail's peak, you can see amazing valleys and forests that stretch for hundreds of miles into the distance.
Length: 10.4 miles
Intensity: Hard
You can either fish or take a watercraft out on the 180-mile Beaver Creek. This creek is a tributary of the prominent Yukon River. Depending on where you enter the creek, you can take canoes out on the water or use boats in deeper areas. Northern pike and Arctic graylings are the most prevalent fish available.
The Trail Creek Trail connects with the Cache Mountain Loop Trail. More than 20 miles long, this trail requires steep climbing up the craggy mountainside. You can also visit the Murphy Dome, which used to be a prominent Air Force station but has become a recreational area. Hike or climb your way across the land or bring an ATV.
Alaska is one of the most diverse natural wildlife environments in the country. The state is home to 70 percent of the continent's bear population, including brown bears, black bears, and grizzly bears. There are also a variety of fish and bird populations unique to the area. Plan your trip to Trail Creek Trail to see caribou, moose, wolverine, foxes, bald eagles, falcons, and much more.
You can easily picnic along the trail in one of its many flat areas. There are also public-use cabins with basic amenities where you can rest and relax before continuing your journey.
The Bureau of Land Management allows hunting in Alaska as long as you have a valid hunting license. Depending on the season, you can find moose or herds of mountain goats. You also have big game opportunities like bears and wolves. Bird hunting is also available for ducks, geese, and more.
Check out the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds available at Cripple Creek. This site offers both tent and RV spots. It's open through the summer season and allows pets and children. You should also consider RV camping at the Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site. This site will cost a little more but has more spots available as well as a boat launch and picnic tables.
All Bureau of Land Management free camping in Alaska is on a first-come, first-served basis. You can camp on BLM lands for up to two weeks at a time; however, most of the dispersed camping in the Trail Creek Trail area is limited to tents. You can find other available areas by searching "BLM camping near me" when you get into the area.
When venturing out on the trail, make sure to dress appropriately. Bring enough water and snacks, and be aware of any recent bear sightings in the area. Keep track of everyone in your hiking group, and plan regular breaks throughout your journey. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Be aware of your responsibility as a camper. BLM requires all visitors to clean up after themselves. Keeping your area clean and free of litter helps to preserve the natural wildlife of Alaska. Hunt responsibly and with all the proper permits. Never antagonize or otherwise disturb the animals. By doing your part on Trail Creek Trail, you protect this site for future generations.
From Fairbanks, take the Steese Highway until it becomes the Elliott Highway. Turn off at milepost 28, which leads to the Wickersham Dome Trailhead. Follow this trail until you get to mile 6, and you'll be at the entrance of the Trail Creek Trail.
Ready to visit Trail Creek 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.
