BLM Camping

Windy Creek Trail

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

The Windy Creek Trail is located north of Fairbanks and not too far from Denali National Park. The trail, which connects to the Colorado Creek Trail, runs alongside Windy Creek and through Windy Gap before crossing Fossil Creek. This rugged area provides breathtaking landscapes and plenty of opportunities to spot native wildlife. Visitors can view tall mountains, traverse valleys, and see beautiful forests of alder, spruce, and willow trees.

There are two cabins, the Wolf Run Cabin and the Windy Gap Cabin, located along the trail, and both can be used for camping. To find other BLM sites with cabins or camping options, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Upper East Grapefruit Trail

This trail offers gorgeous views but is also perfect for anyone looking for great rock climbing locations.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Wander Lake Trail

This scenic trail meanders around Wander Lake and is excellent for spotting migratory birds.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Windy Creek Trail

Visitors to this trail can take in the spectacular landscape or enjoy some wildlife photography.

Length: 8.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fossil Gap Trail

This trail crosses several creeks and passes through dense spruce forests.

Length: 8.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Lingonberry Loop

This gentle trail is great for hiking or trail running, and it’s also a fantastic snowshoeing option during the winter months.

Length: 1.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

The Chena River, which flows through Fairbanks, is one of the most popular locations for fishing. There are many areas where anglers can fish from the banks, and flyfishing is also a fantastic option. Common catches include trout and Arctic grayling, and salmon are seen during certain seasons.

Climbing

Grapefruit Rocks, one of the most popular climbing areas in all of Alaska, is located near Windy Creek Trail. The rocks offer more than 100 climbing routes, and there are several nearby areas that are excellent for bouldering. Fox Creek, which is also nearby, features several excellent ice climbs during the winter.

Wildlife Viewing

Windy Creek Trail and nearby Denali National Park are both superb locations to view wildlife. Visitors can often spot a range of native and migratory birds and many small mammals such as beavers, squirrels, martens, foxes, marmots, bats, and porcupines. The area is also home to both brown and black bears, elk, moose, caribou, lynx, and wolves.

Picnicking

One of the most popular picnic areas in the region is Olnes Pond Campground, which offers a picnic shelter that can be reserved. The area also provides easy access to fishing and hiking options. There are also several picnic areas, which feature tables and offer beautiful views throughout the Chena River State Recreation Area.

Snowmobiling

During the winter months, many people use the Windy Creek Trail for snowmobiling. Many other local trails can also be used for snowmobiling as long as there is adequate snow cover. Keep in mind that OHV vehicles are generally prohibited from these trails during the warmer seasons.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at Olnes Pond Campground. The campground offers 12 sites, and there is no size limit for RVs. Potable water and restrooms are also available. The River’s Edge Resort RV Park is another fantastic choice. This park provides both basic and full hookup options, and there are 167 sites available. The park is pet-friendly, and there is a dump station and a laundry room on site.

Free Camping

Visitors to the Windy Creek Trail area can enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping right on the trail by utilizing one of the area’s two cabins. Many people also enjoy backpacking along the trail, and you can set up a dispersed site. The Chena River State Recreation Area also offers several primitive dispersed camping options.

RV Rentals Near Windy Creek Trail Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Windy Creek Trail BLM trip

The entire Windy Creek area is ideal for recreational activities such as hiking, backpacking, and snowmobiling, but the terrain can sometimes be difficult to navigate. The foliage in the area can be very thick and can sometimes block parts of the trails. Creeks and rivers can run quickly, especially during storms or snowmelt times, so always cross with extreme caution. Bring a map and use a compass to ensure that you’re on track and to navigate back to a familiar area if necessary.

Visitors can stay at either the Wolf Run or Windy Gap Cabin without a reservation. The Windy Gap Cabin can accommodate four people, and the Wolf Run Cabin can accommodate six people. Each cabin features bunk beds, a table, a lantern, a cookstove, a wood stove, and a fire extinguisher. An ax is also provided and can be used to cut firewood. The stoves run on propane, so bring fuel if you plan to use them.

Some locations around Windy Creek require a backcountry permit, which can be obtained from the Backcountry Information Center. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and wild areas are often part of fragile ecosystems. Always stay on the trail or at designated campsites so you leave as little impact on the land and plants as possible. Try not to startle any wild animals, and if you do encounter an animal, never attempt to touch it. Keep the trail clean by picking up litter and disposing of your own trash, and remember to share the trail with other hikers, bikers, or snowmobilers.