Chena River

Guide to Chena Dome Trail in Chena River State Recreation Area Trail Access: Upper Chena Dome Trailhead Mile 50.5 & Lower Chena Dome Trailhead Mile 49.4 Chena Hot Springs Road Allowable Uses: Hiking, Biking & Horseback Riding Distance: 29 mile loop Total Elevation Gain: 8300 ft. Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation (feet) Elevation (feet) Hiking Time: 2-4 days for Backpackers Chena Dome TrailDome ElevationTrail Profile Chena 5000 4000 Saftey and Considerations: 3000 2000 1000 0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 Trail(miles) Miles Distance Special Features: The Chena Dome Trail rewards hearty hikers with amazing views from the alpine ridgeline. The tundra is covered with wildflowers in July, and blueberries in August. At mile 8.5 from the upper trailhead is the site of a military airplane crash that occurred in the 1950s; stop and have a good look but don't disturb any artifacts. Trail Description: This 29-mile loop trail circles the entire Angel Creek drainage. Mile markers travel in a counterclockwise direction from the upper trailhead. Each end of the trail travels through forest for about three miles up to timberline. The rest of the trail follows tundra ridge tops and is marked by rock cairns. Each trailhead offers steep but scenic day hikes, and the entire loop is a good 2-4 day trip for backpackers. Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Portions of the trail are steep and rocky, and can be treacherous. Wear suitable footwear. The route above timberline can be difficult to follow in inclement weather; the trail may not be obvious; hikers need to carefully follow rock cairns. Weather can change rapidly; carry rain gear, warm clothes, and be prepared. Camping: Minimize your impact on the area by camping away from the trail, packing out what you pack in, and burying human waste away from the trail. The shelter cabin is located near mile 17 from the upper trailhead. This cabin cannot be reserved and is on a first come first serve basis. Cabin Coordinates: (NAD83) N65° 0.825’ W146° 33.310’ Water Availability: Water sources are unreliable and are unsafe without treating. Make sure to purify or boil water before drinking. Carry at least one day’s supply of water. Water may be available at a saddle at mile 7.5, a spring at mile 9, pools at mile 11-13, a spring at mile 14.5, the trail shelter water catchment system at mile 17, pools near mile 18, and pools at mile 20.5. There may be snow banks in early summer. Park Rules: Disturbing or gathering natural materials is prohibited in the Recreation Area, except for berries, mushrooms, and similar edibles for personal use. For a complete set of park rules visit: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chena/chenareg.htm Alaska State Parks Northern Area Office 3700 Airport Way Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 451 - 2695