Pinnell Mountain

Pinnell Mountain NRT https://www.blm.gov/visit/pinnell-mountain-trail https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steese_National_Conservation_Area Sweeping mountain vistas and brilliant wildflower displays under the unceasing light of the midnight sun, the Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail offers an unforgettable experience whether your visit lasts a few hours or a few days. Located approximately 100 miles (161 km) northeast of Fairbanks, this 27-mile (44 km) hiking trail traverses a series of alpine ridge tops entirely above timberline. The Pinnell Mountain Trail is marked with rock cairns as it crosses open tundra with views north to the Yukon River and south to the Alaska Range. Wooden posts along the trail show the mileage from the start at Eagle Summit to the trail's end at Twelvemile Summit. Two shelters provide refuge from storms, but hikers should come prepared for unpredictable, dramatic alpine weather.accessible An accessible interpretive loop trail leads to an observation deck near the Eagle Summit Trailhead.

Safety The Trail Offering an escape to a unique and remote section of the Steese National Conservation Area, the Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail winds through a visual feast of sweeping mountain vistas, brilliant wildflower displays, and the unceasing light of the midnight sun. Pinnell Mountain, the highest point along the trail at 4,721 feet (1438 m), was named for Robert Pinnell, who died while climbing nearby Porcupine Dome. The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail traverses the high ridges between the White Mountains and the Crazy Mountains. Storms moving through the Yukon or Tanana valleys reach this high ground and stall. The results are windy conditions, low clouds, ground fog, rain, hail, or snow. Temperatures can drop below freezing in April, while highs can reach to the middle 80’s in July. Be prepared for snow at any time of the year. The trail is 27 miles (44 km) long and traverses a series of alpine ridge tops that are entirely above timberline. Mileage is measured from Eagle Summit (mile 0) toward Twelvemile Summit (mile 27). Where terrain makes the trail difficult to follow, rock cairns and wooden posts areas indicate the trail. Many parts of the trail require good navigational skills, especially when visibility is poor. There are two shelter cabins located on the Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail. The Ptarmigan Creek Shelter Cabin is located near mile 10.1 (16.2 km) in a saddle just below Pinnell Mountain. The North Fork Shelter Cabin is located at mile 17.8 (28.6 km) on the back side of a hill. These small cabins provide emergency shelter, away from strong wind and blowing rain or snow. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Hikers should always have tents and be prepared to use them in case the shelters are occupied. Hikers using the Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail should expect a physical challenge. Most of the trail has at least an 8 percent grade and in many sections the grade exceeds 25 percent. At Eagle Summit, Pinnell Mountain, and Table Mountain, the trail features long switchbacks with 600-foot (182 m) elevation changes over a distance of one-half mile (0.8 km). The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail is closed to summer use of motorized vehicles, and pets must be under control at all times. All visitors should have detailed USGS maps covering the trail: Circle B-3, B-4, C-3, and C-4. For more information, contact: Bureau of Land Management Eastern Interior Field Office 1150 University Avenue Fairbanks, Alaska 99709-3844 907-474-2200 or 1-800-437-7021 www.blm.gov/ak All of Alaska is bear country. Remember to watch for bears and other wildlife. Cooking should take place outside the shelter cabins so that animals are not attracted to them. Cook food away from sleeping areas and downwind from tents. Always keep a clean camp. Human waste should be buried at least 200 feet (60 m) from water sources, and all garbage, including toilet paper, should be hauled out. Please do not leave food in the cabins for the next people to pack out. Remember – “If you pack it in, pack it out.” Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail BLM Pinnell Mount ain Water is available at both shelter cabins from a catchment system constructed to collect melting snow and rain. All water should be treated before cooking or drinking. Other water sources can be found in small ponds scattered along the trail, and in the early summer, snow may be melted. Carry plenty of water, even if you are only doing a day hike. Arctic Sandwort. (Minuartia arctica) Pink Family. Forms large mats of white, five-petaled flowers. National Recreation Trail Arctic Forget-Me-Not. (Eritrichium aretioides) Borage Family. Bright blue flowers on short, dense clusters of branching stems. Ptarmigan Creek Shelter Cabin. Vegetation Spectacular wildflowers and shrubs are a highlight of hikes along the Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail. Depending on when you visit, many different kinds may be in bloom. Here are just a few of the types of vegetation you will find along the trail. Bistort. (Polygonum bistorta) Buckwheat Family. A spike of bright pink flowers on single stalks with long, pointed leaves. Crowberry. (Empetrum nigrum) Crowberry Family. A mat-forming, evergreen shrub with small, narrow leaves and maroon flowers, producing an edible berry. Frigid Shooting Star. (Dodecatheon frigidum) Primrose Family. Look for drooping, magenta flowers on short, single-stalked plants with large basal leaves. Alaska Arctic Bell Heather. (Cassiope tetragona) Heath Family. A dark green, dwarf shrub with scale-like leaves and white, bell-shaped flowers. Mountain Cranberry. (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) Heath Family. An evergreen mat-forming shrub with glossy, ovoid leaves and pinkish, bell-like flowers that produce an edible berry. Other rock types are visible in different areas along the trail. The area surrounding the North Fork Shelter Cabin is composed of granite. On the eastern side

T R E A D Tread Lightly Welcome ravel and recreate with minimum impact. Welcome to the public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Alaska. The BLM manages more than 70 million acres of public land in Alaska. These lands are yours to enjoy and use for a variety of recreational opportunities. Your visit to BLM-managed public lands in Alaska will offer you a once in a lifetime experience. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, exploring the treeless tundra, or fishing in a freshwater stream, you’ll experience the open landscapes of BLM-managed public lands. Unless otherwise posted, all public lands are available for recreation use. However, please remember that BLM manages public lands for other uses, such as energy and mineral development, wildlife habitat, and conserving natural, cultural, and historic resources. This publication will give you a general idea of where recreation opportunities exist on public lands in Alaska. Please note the location of the BLM offices throughout the state. BLM staff are happy to assist you while you are enjoying Alaska’s public lands. espect the environment and the rights of others. ducate yourself, plan and prepare before you go. llow for future use of the outdoors by leaving it better than you found it. iscover the rewards of responsible recreation. https://treadlightly.org/ Leave No Trace We encourage visitors to adhere to the seven Leave No Trace principles on all BLM-managed public lands. • Plan Ahead and Prepare • Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces • Dispose of Waste Properly • Leave What You Find • Minimize Campfire Impacts • Respect Wildlife • Be Considerate of Other Visitors Trail Etiquette Map Campground Name # of Sites # Season of Use Vault Toilet Water Fee 13 Arctic Circle 22 June - Sept. Y N Y* 32 Brushkana Creek 21 June - Sept. Y Y Y 25 Cripple Creek 21 June - Sept. Y Y Y 47 Eagle 16 June - Sept. Y N Y 16 Five Mile 8 June - Sept. Y Y Y** 4 Galbraith Lake 18 June - Sept. Y N Y** 8 Marion Creek 27 June - Sept. Y Y Y 24 Mount Prindle 13 June - Sept. Y Y Y 22 Ophir Creek 19 June - Sept. Y Y Y 38 Paxson 50 June - Sept. Y Y Y 52 Salmon Lake 6 June - Sept. Y N N 39 Sourdough Creek 42 June - Sept. Y Y Y 36 Tangle Lakes 27 June - Sept. Y Y Y 45 Walker Fork 20 June - Sept. Y Y Y 42 West Fork 25 June - Sept. Y N Y Y = service available N = service not available * Beginning summer 2022 Windy Arch, near Windy Gap in the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Safety Public Access BLM Alaska’s lands are vast and rugged. Remember to plan your trip accordingly by ensuring you have first aid supplies, emergency vehicle supplies, and adequate provisions before heading out. When planning a backcountry trip, always file a trip plan with a friend or family member and let them know when you plan to return. BLM Alaska managed public lands are intermingled with private, state, Tribal, and a variety of other jurisdictions. A visitor may legally access public lands via: • A public trail, road, or highway; • A navigable water; • From adjacent public or state lands that are from landowner; or via a valid 17b public easement. Information on 17b easements and maps can be found at https://www.blm.gov/ alaska/17b-easements; Trail Etiquette invasive species. • Slow down for curves and hills, when visibility is limited and when other users are present. • Keep noise and dust down. • Keep pets under control. Some trails require dogs to be leashed. Whether travelling far off the beaten path or along the road, thorough preparation is imperative for a successful trip. Alaska is bear country. Store your food and other scent attractants in an enclosed vehicle or bearproof food storage container, and never store your food in an occupied tent. When travelling in bear country, remember to make noise, travel in groups, carry bear spray, and keep your dog on a leash. • Be familiar with local rules. • Leave gates in the condition you found them. Rights of Way BLM visitors are responsible for knowing their location and applicable regulations. Appropriate public land users remain on legal routes, obey all signs, respect private property, and avoid resource damage. The best way to ensure a successful outing is to check with the nearest BLM office for up-to-date access information in your area. Your local BLM office can also supply you with recreation permits and information on specific recreation opportunities, such as camping, fishing, wildlife watching, hiking, off-highway vehicle travel and snowmobiling. For more information, go to www.blm.gov/media/public-room/alaska. Also, be sure to check the State Department of Transportation (DOT) Highway Safety page https://dot.alaska.gov/highwaysafety before travelling. • Yield the right of way to those passing you from behind or traveling uphill. • Motorized vehicles yield to mountain bikes, runners, hikers