White Mountains

White Mountains NRA https://www.blm.gov/visit/white-mountains https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Mountains_National_Recreation_Area White Mountains National Recreation Area is in the U.S. state of Alaska. The national recreation area is located to the north of Fairbanks between the Elliott Highway and the Steese Highway in the White Mountains. Beaver Creek flows through the area and is listed as a wild and scenic river.

Winter Trails Safety The White Mo1mtains National Recreation Area has over 200 miles of winter trails offering a variety of challenges a11d scene1y to cross-co1mtry skiers, skijorers, dog n1ushers, snowmachiners, and other experienced wi11ter travelers. Know Before You Go Prepare for tl1e unexpected. Even when planni11g for a day trip, always be prepared to spend the 11ight. Equip1nent problen1s, bad weather, or unexpected inishaps can leave you stranded far fron1 help. Trailhead parking areas are marked with large 11ighway signs. Trailhead displays provide info1n1ation on the general area, b1it are not a replacement for tl1is brochure or topographic 1naps. The trail ro11tes are intennittently n1arked with reflective trail 1narkers and have directional signs at trail junctions. I111nost treeless areas, trails are marked with tripods. Topographic maps for the White Mom1tai11s are available from the Map Office located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks can1p11s. File a Trip Plan with a Friend Always make sure someone knows: • when you plan to leave and rehlill • where you are goit1g •the color, type , ai1d license nun1ber ofyo1rr vehicle • what survival gear you are taki11g Trail Conditions The Bureau ofLa11d Ma11age1nent (BLM) atte1npts to keep the trails packed tlrro11ghout the winter, but trail conditions can change on a daily basis. Saine trails can be difficult to follo\v i11 ce11ain weather conditions. Yo11 should always carry topographic trail maps a11d a compass, a11d be prepared to break trail. A weekly trail conditions report is available from the BLM-Alaska Web site (address below) or by calling a recorded inessage at (907) 474-2372 . Emergency and Survival Gear Be s1rre to caiTy at least the following: • d1y n1atches and fire sta11er • metal cup for boiling water and extra food • sleeping bag, ground pad, and space blanket • spare socks, gloves, hat a11d face inask, snowshoes • n1aps, co1npass, and first-aid kit • axe or handsaw and sharp knife • eq11ipn1ent repair tools a11d spare parts Unpredictable Conditions Plan for cold weather, 11igh winds, deep snow, ai1d unexpected changes in weather. The te1nperatures in the White Mo1mtains inay be as 1n11ch as 25 degrees colder than it1 Fairbanks! Be alert for conuno11 b11t often hidden hazards such as thin ice, open leads, and overfto\v. Cover photo: Caribou Bluff Cabin, I Ox 12/t, sleeps 4 Bureau of Land Management Fairbanks District Office 1150 University Avenue Fairbanks, Alaska 99709-3844 Local: 907-474-2200 Toll Free: 1-800-437-7021 www.blm.gov/ak Winter Trail Use Cabins Backcountry Etiquette Winter trails in the W11ite Mo1mtai11s N atio11al Recreatio11 Area are sl1ared by inany types of ltsers such as dog m11shers, skiers, skijorers, and snown1achiners. Several cozy log cabi11s have been b11ilt at sce11ic locations along the White Mo1mtains \Vi11ter trail syste1n to erth.ance the safety and co1nfort ofyo1rr wi11ter adventure. The Alaska Spirit Motorized Use The area is ope11 to n1otorized vehicles, including snown1achines, with a Gross Vehicular Weight Rating (GVWR) under 1500 po1111ds fro111 October 16 to April 30, except as noted below. Cost and Registration Public recreation use cabins must be reserved i11 advance and paid for at the time yo111nake yo1rr reservations. Shelter cabi11s are first-con1e , first­ served. Reservations can be n1ade in person at the BLM Public Info11natio11 Center in Fairba11ks at 1150 University Avenue or by telephone at (907) 4 74-2251 or 474-2252, if you are using a credit card. • Windy Creek and Fossil Creek drainages close on April 15 because of critical wildlife areas. • The Ski Loop Trail ai1d Sununit Trail are closed to all 1notorized vehicles. • Research Nahrral Areas are closed to all motorized vehicles at all ti111es so tl1ey ca11 be preserved in a 11atural state for future research. Contact BLM for an OHVArea Designation Map for inore details. Non-motorized Trails The Ski Loop Trail begins and ends at the Wickershan1 Dome Trailhead at Mile 28 Elliott Higl1way. This moderately challe11ging, five-mile trail starts on Sun1mit Trail and cli1nbs above timberline for views of the Alaska Rai1ge and Mount McKit1ley. The trail descends through a forested area before co1Ulecti11g with Wickersham Creek Trail. Wickersham Dome, an alpine area suitable for off-trail skiing and ca1nping, can be reacl1ed via the Ski Loop and Summit trails . A small, 10-foot by 10-foot trail shelter is located about 81niles fro1n the traill1ead. This cabin is minimally fi.m1isl1ed and does not have a woodstove. Areas above ti1nberline are often very windy, so go prepared. Reservations 1nay be 1nade up to 30 days in advance. Stays are lin1ited to three consecutive nights per cabin. Weekends, holidays, and spring breaks are peak use times. Reservatio11s are from noon to noon. Rangers will issue citations to people usi11g cabit1s witho11t reservations and proof of payment, so don 't forget your cab;n per111il! Road-Acc

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