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Trail Creek Trail
A truly Alaskan hike complete with river crossings, muddy trails, and open tundra with breathtaking views.
Plan Around Trail Creek Trail
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Trail Creek Trail Details
The trailhead is at Mile 29.8 on Nabesna Road, where the road crosses Trail Creek. There is no parking lot, so just park along the road. Do not park in the river drainage in case of flooding. The first four miles of this hike follow the creekbed. You'll likely have to cross the creek several times. The rocky creekbed can be challenging on your ankles and feet so wear sturdy boots and be prepared to take it slowly. There is an ATV trail alongside the creek but it is difficult to find. Stay within the creek bed but east of the stream channel for the best bet at avoiding crossings. After four miles, you'll enter Trail Creek Canyon and two miles later the canyon will narrow significantly. The ATV trail dissipates and a sign here indicates its terminus. There are beautiful grassy campsites above the eastern side of the creek. To continue to the top of the pass, and the start of Lost Creek, you will have to make your own route. It is 10 miles one way from the trailhead to the pass. From the end of the established trail, follow the first major side canyon, which is the fourth drainage on the eastern side of the canyon. Ascend for three to four miles, either following the gravel riverbed or higher up, along the tundra. Keep an eye out for Dall sheep in this area. It is best to do this trip in at least 2 or 3 days, but you can opt to do a longer hike in the area as well. You can also link up with the Lost Creek Trail. Beware that ATV use and hunting are both permitted and that road conditions on Nabesna Road are subject to change, particularly at the two significant creek crossings.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
20 miles
Estimated time
10 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Trail Creek Trail
Compare nearby parks around Trail Creek Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Trail Creek Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Trail Creek Trail while the map context is still fresh.
1.0 mi away
Kendesnii Campground
This is the park's only maintained campground and is located at milepost 27.8.
1.8 mi away
Lost Creek Trail
Hike an unmaintained route past wildflowers, through tundra, and over creeks to the top of a mountain pass.
5.7 mi away
Jack Creek
This is a primitive non-park service campground at milepost 35.3.
6.4 mi away
Skookum Volcano Trail
You can make this half-day hike into an out-and-back or a loop to a high mountain pass.
6.8 mi away
Rock Lake
This is a primitive non-park service campground at milepost 21.8.
