The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you leave Paxson, Alaska, on the Denali Highway to make the 120-mile journey to Denali National Park, you will want to take a break at about the 20-mile mark to explore Upper Dickey Trail. Be prepared for wet and boggy hiking conditions following this trail through the Tangle Lakes Archaeological District to Dickey Lake. This trail also runs through the Gulkana National Wild River corridor.
There is one tent campsite near Dickey Lake, but you can find other fantastic RV camping opportunities nearby as the Bureau of Land Management controls the entire side of the highway. There is also a tremendous BLM RV camping in a campground nearby. You can stay for up to 14 days in Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at little or no cost. Therefore, they make fantastic options when exploring Alaska, so search for "BLM camping near me" whenever you are exploring the Last Frontier state.
The Rusty Lake Trail leads to Rusty Lake, which is in the same area as Dickey Lake. While this trail is usually drier than the Dickey Lake Trail, you will have one minor stream to cross, so be prepared to get wet. Rusty Lake is a fantastic place to start a paddling adventure on the interconnected Tangle Lakes, so kayakers or canoers often use this trail to portage their vessel as they start a paddling adventure. You may also see various wildlife, including bears, along this trail, especially in the late summer when berries are ripe.
Length: 0.75 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Landmark Gap Trail starts near the Rocky Creek Bridge, and it usually stays dry with the possibility of one marshy spot. This trail is within the Tangle Lakes Archaeological District, so it is against the law to go off the course. As you hike, watch for shards of pottery on the ground. These may have been left by people who inhabited this area over 7,000 years ago.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
If you are looking for a place to hike, then the Glacier Lake to Sevenmile Lake Trail is a fantastic option if the weather has been dry. You will love the changes in elevation as you hike along this trail. There is a large stream to cross without a bridge. This trail is not well marked in places, so bring a map. You will love seeing the glacier at Glacier Lake, and Sevenmile Lake is a fantastic place to fish.
Length: 8.5 miles
Intensity: Strenuous
The Gulkana National Wild and Scenic River is one of the top sportfishing destinations in Alaska. It is especially popular for anglers who love to catch sockeye salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, king salmon, red salmon, whitefish, longnose suckers, and lamprey. This is also an excellent destination for a family rafting adventure.
Mount Foraker is a fantastic place to go climbing. Since this climb is in Denali National Park, you will need a backcountry climbing and mountaineering permit. Most people spend two or three days doing this climb in the Alaskan Range.
When the seasons change, it is possible to see herds of up to 400 caribou migrating along the Denali Highway. The area near the rivers that cross this highway is home to grizzly and black bears, and people often spot moose near the Tangle Lakes Campground. It is common to see ptarmigan and many varieties of passerines near the lakes and rivers.
Riley Creek Day-Use Area is an excellent spot for a picnic, and there are picnic tables and a vault toilet available. You will love listening to and viewing Riley Creek while you dine. Watch for wildlife as moose and many varieties of birds are often spotted. Be sure to pack out your trash so that it does not hurt the wildlife.
The best option for RV camping in this area is the Tangle Lakes Campground. This campground, maintained by the Bureau of Land Management from May to September, offers 50 accessible camping sites. There is plenty of room here to accommodate campers up to 70 feet long. Another nearby option is Paxson Lake Campground, which has 45 sites. It is a popular choice for campers wanting to start a float trip on the Gulkana Wild and Scenic River.
The Bureau of Land Management maintains the north side of the Denali Highway, and Bureau of Land Management free camping is available along it from Paxson to Denali National Park. There are pullovers every couple of miles. A favorite with many campers is the one near mile marker 22.5, which is where the Landmark Gap Trail starts. Another fabulous choice is the one near mile marker 37. The views of Maclaren Summit can be stunning, and it is a great place to spot moose and Dall sheep. You cannot camp within 200 feet of water on public land in Alaska.
The sun is above the horizon on the summer solstice from about 3:40 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Therefore, if you usually are a night owl who loves to see nocturnal animals, there is never any darkness as even when the sun is not above the horizon there is still twilight. Make the most of this by exploring in the early morning and late evening hours as those animals are most active during those periods. It is more common to see animals in the summer than in the winter months.
The long summer days are an ideal time to visit the Upper Dickey Trail. Enjoy the time with family and friends as there is so much to do in this area, including climbing, rafting, hiking, and fishing. You will want to bring your camper to make the most of the long days. Before you head down the Denali Highway, take a minute and read more about BLM camping.
Using evidence collected at over 100 sites in this area, archeologists believe people have lived here for more than 10,000 years. Thankfully, they did not leave their trash behind as it would ruin this pristine area. Do your part and pick up after yourself so that generations to come can enjoy the natural beauty of this region.
You must take the Swede Lake Trail to reach the Upper Dickey Trail. The Swede Trail begins at mile marker 16.2 of the Denali Highway. It is a 10-mile trail, and the Upper Dickey Trail starts shortly after crossing the river. Access the Denali Highway in Paxson by driving west.
Ready to visit Upper Dickey 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.
