Chena River

Guide to Stiles Creek Trail in Chena River State Recreation Area Trail Access: Chena Hot Springs Rd: Mi. 31.6 & 36.4 Allowable Uses: ATV, Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding, Snowmobile, Skiing Distance: 15 miles one-way from lower to upper trailhead Total Elevation Gain: 1700 feet *Note: The Stiles Creek extension is under construction during 2013/2014, and will be accessible from Mi. 41.6 when completed. Stiles Creek Trail: Stiles Creek Trail begins at mile 31.6 Chena Hot Springs Road and ascends gently to a ridgeline paralleling the road, with pleasant valley views at several spots. Stiles Creek Cabin Reservations are required to stay at the Stiles Creek Cabin. To reserve the cabin visit: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/cabins/north.htm Cabin Coordinates: (N64° 57.917' W146° 28.056'). 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. 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 Park Access: Due to saturated soils during spring break-up, motorized trails are closed (except for hiking) from April 20th through May 24th. Contact the Northern Area office for closure dates; dates may vary. The trail is relatively level as it intersects with the Chena Hot Springs Winter Trail a half-mile from the trailhead. Keep right to continue on the Stiles Creek Trail; to the left is the Chena Hot Springs Winter Trail (this also leads to the Colorado Creek Trail—see map). After 1.75 miles the trail levels out and then climbs gently to a hilltop view of Chena Dome. The next five miles of the trail consist of a series of small ridges and saddles. Mile marker 7 provides a flat, open area with a great view of the Chena Dome Trail. Beginning at mile 7.7 the trail drops downslope to the Stiles Creek Cabin. At mile 7.9, turn right to the cabin or continue straight if you wish to bypass it. From mile 7.9 to 9.1, the trail is fairly flat with a gentle uphill rise. From an overlook of Chena Dome Trail, at mile 9.1, the trail begins a 3.5 mile trek over a series of ridges and saddles. At mile 12.8, there is another scenic overlook. This area is a pleasant place to camp overnight. From there, the trail continues downhill and flattens out. It intersects again with the Winter Trail. Take a left turn to reach the trailhead at the mile 36.4 shooting range on Chena Hot Springs Road. Alaska State Parks Northern Area Office 3700 Airport Way Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 451 - 2695