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.
Map of Summer Recreation in the White Mountains National Recreation Area and Steese National Conservation Area in Alaska. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Map of Winter Recreation in the White Mountains National Recreation Area and Steese National Conservation Area in Alaska. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Recreation Map of Nome Creek Valley in the White Mountains National Recreation Area and Steese National Conservation Area in Alaska. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Visitor Map of Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River in the BLM Fairbanks District Office area in Alaska. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Map of Winter Caribou Hunter Access in Fortymile / Steese Highway, Game Management Unit 25C (GMU) area in Alaska. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Map of the Steese and White Mountains Area: Fortymile Caribou Hunt Access for Summer Hunters (May 1 - Oct. 14) in the Game Management Unit 25C (GMU) area in Alaska. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Brochure about Recreation in Alaska. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
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