Wrangell-St. Elias

Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Guide National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior + K’ełt’aeni The official trip-planning guide for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Copper River near Copper Center, AK / NPS 2023 The National Park Service App is the official app for all 424 National Park Service units. The App includes things to do, where to stay, interactive maps, points of interest, accessibility, self-guided tours, shareable digital postcards, operating hours, passport stamp locations, and save the park info for offline use when in a remote area with no internet service. Use the QR codes to download the official NPS mobile app before your next visit or take a virtual tour of your favorite park. Apple Android The National Park Service was established on August 25, 1916 “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife. . . and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” Authorized by Congress in 1980, Wrangell-St. Elias preserves some of the largest rivers, glaciers, mountains, and wilderness in America. The name of the park newspaper, K’ełt’aeni (kel-TAH-nee), is an Ahtna word for the Wrangell volcano that means “The one that controls the weather.” Mailing Address PO Box 439 Mile 106.8 Richardson Hwy, Copper Center, AK 99573 Visitor Centers & Ranger Stations: Copper Center, Kennecott, Slana, and Chitina Superintendent Ben Bobowski E-mail wrst_info@nps.gov Park Phone 907-822-5234 Park Website www.nps.gov/wrst Like us on Facebook facebook.com/WrangellSt EliasNPP Tweet us on Twitter twitter.com/WrangellStENPS Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/wrangellstenps Find park images on Flickr flickr.com/photos/wrst View videos on YouTube youtube.com/user/WrangellNPS Youth and people of all ages can become a Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve Junior Ranger. Go online for the Junior Ranger Activity Book. Complete the required sections, state the official pledge and mail the book in to earn your own badge and certificate. Visit the park website at nps.gov/wrst/learn/kidsyouth Information and Services Accessibility Gas Stations Social Media The Visitor Centers at Copper Center, Kennecott and Slana are wheelchair accessible. Gasoline is available in Glennallen, Tazlina, Copper Center, Kenny Lake and Chitina. There is no gas available in Slana or McCarthy. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Flickr! Go to www.nps.gov/wrst to view park information. Administration Offices Suspicious Behavior If you have a business-related question or you need to reach a specific employee, please call the park administration offices at 907-822-5234. Grocery Stores There is a grocery store in Glennallen, and convenience stores in Copper Center, Kenny Lake and McCarthy. Please contact a park ranger if you see suspicious or questionable behavior. Do not approach suspicious individuals. Call 911 if threatened or in an emergency. ATMs & Banks Junior Ranger Wi-Fi/Internet ATMs and banking facilities can be found in Glennallen, Kenny Lake, Chitina and McCarthy. Kids of all ages can have fun earning a badge and certificate. A free booklet is available online and at visitor centers. Free wireless internet is available at the visitor centers in Copper Center, Chitina and Slana. Many lodges and private campgrounds provide wireless access. Backcountry Permits Lodging Permits are not required for the backcountry. However, we highly recommend that you complete a backcountry itinerary form available at the visitor centers and ranger stations or by email at wrst_backcountry@nps.gov There is private lodging within and around the park. For a list of lodging options, go to the Glennallen Chamber Visitor Center at the intersection of Hwys 1 and 4 in Glennallen. Pets Collecting Some items may be collected including berries, mushrooms, plants, driftwood, seashells, and small rocks. Recreational gold panning is allowed. Items may only be collected for personal use and may not be sold. Items that may NOT be collected are silver, platinum, gemstones, fossils, antlers, horns, cave formations, archeological items, and threatened/ endangered species. Rules may vary for subsistence users. Pets are permitted on trails and in the backcountry. Dogs must be leashed and under control by their owner at all times. Please clean up after your dog. Phones Cell phone coverage is extremely limited. There are phones available for local calls at the Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center and Slana Ranger Station, and a pay phone in McCarthy. Entrance Fees Post Office There are no entrance fees for the park. We do not sell or issue any interagency passes. There is a post office in Glennallen, Copper Center, Slana, and Chitina. Stamps are not sold in park visitor centers. Firearms and Hunting Potable Water Firearms are allowed in the park but not allowed inside any federal buildings. Sport hunting is allowed on preserve lands and requires a state hunting license. Federal Subsistence hunting is allowed by eligible local, rural residents on bothpark and preserve lands. There is drinking water available at the Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center and Slana Ranger Station. There is no public, treated drinking water available in Chitina, McCarthy, or Kennecott. There is bottled water for sale in local stores. World Heritage Site Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in the U.S. and Kluane National Park and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park in Canada are recognized by the United Nations as an internationally protected ecosystem. Together, these four units conserve 24.3 million acres, one of the largest protected areas in the world. Yakutat coastal area Accessible by plane or boat via commercial services. Park Brochure Available in English, German, French, Spanish, Korean and Chinese to download from the park website at nps.gov/ wrst, via mail by sending your request to Wrangell-St Elias National Park & Preserve, PO Box 439, Copper Center, AK 99573, or email at wrst_info@nps.gov Recycling Fires Small camp fires are permitted, except during state restrictions. If you choose to have a fire, destroy the fire ring, scatter the ashes, and insure the next camper will not see your impact. Only collect dead and downed wood. Fishing Recycling containers are provided at some park locations and there is a recycling center in Glennallen, mile 188 Glenn Hwy. Showers and Laundry There are no public showers or laundry facilities within the park. Showers and laundry may be available for a fee from private businesses. Sport fishing is allowed with a state fishing license. Wildlife Encounters • If a bear or moose is unaware of you, detour away quietly. • If a bear or moose sees you, stop where you are. Raise your arms to appear larger and retreat slowly, keeping it in sight and not turning your back on it. • If a bear or moose follows or charges you, stand your ground and defend yourself. DO NOT RUN. They are fast and can out run a human. • Please report all dangerous wildlife encounters to a park ranger. Carry Bear Spray We strongly recommend that you carry bear spray. Bear spray containing capsaicin, a red pepper extract, is an effective, non-lethal deterrent against attacks by aggressive wildlife. Sprays have a maximum range of about 18 - 24 ft. (6 - 8 meters). Caution: If discharged upwind or in a vehicle, they can disable the person using them. While not in use, store it in an air-tight bag or container. Food Storage When camping in the park, appropriate food storage is required. If car camping, keep all food inside your car. If camping in the backcountry, please bring your own NPS-approved bearresistant food container (BRFC), which can be rented or purchased at outfitter or gear stores. A limited number of BRFCs may be available to borrow for free at park visitor centers. 2 K’ełt’aeni Park Brochure & Map (unigrid) Visitor Centers, Ranger Stations and other areas WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE has various visitor contact points and areas. Some of these facilities are staffed by interpretive park rangers who can assist you with your visit. Their first-hand knowledge of the park can be a great asset to you as you plan activities and learn about the unique features of the area. You can also view exhibits, maps, walk nature trails and shop at the Alaska Geographic bookstore. Enjoy the park films, Crown of the Continent and Kennecott Mill, as well as educational videos on the park website about bear encounters and food storage, backcountry and glacier travel, wilderness safety and river crossings at www.nps.gov/wrst/learn/photosmultimedia/videos.htm. Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center Slana Ranger Station Kennecott Visitor Center Location Copper Center, Mile 106.8 Richardson Hwy (10 miles south of Glennallen, AK) 907-822-7250 Location Slana, Mile 0.2 Nabesna Road 907-822-7401 Location Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark (5 miles north of McCarthy). 907-205-7106 Visitor Services May 12 - Sept 17 Summer: Daily 9am - 5pm Winter: Closed Oct thru April Administrative Office: Information available year-round at 907-822-5234, M-F 8 am4:30 pm. Closed on federal holidays. Visitor Services May 26 - Sept 23 Summer: Daily 9am - 5pm Winter: Closed Oct thru April Highlights Park information, road and trail conditions, trip planning, bookstore, backcountry information, subsistence permits, ORV permits, public phone, restrooms. Highlights Exhibits, nature trails, park film, ranger programs, trip planning, bookstore, picnic tables, backcountry information, subsistence permits, public phone, restrooms. Visitor Services May 26 - Sept 8 Summer: Daily 9 - 11:30am, 1:30 - 4:30pm Winter: Closed Oct thru April Highlights Located in the historic Blackburn School, exhibits, park films Crown of the Continent and Kennecott Mill, information, trip planning, bookstore, backcountry information, ranger programs, hiking trails, self-guided town tour, restrooms. Chitina Ranger Station McCarthy Road Info Station Location Chitina, Mile 33 Edgerton Highway 907-823-2242 Location Mile 59 McCarthy Road (1/2 mile west of the Kennicott River Bridge) This information station is not staffed. Visitor Services May 26 - Sept 4 Summer: Daily 9am - 5pm Winter: Closed Oct thru April Visitor Services Year-round Posted information available. Access limited in winter. Highlights Historic log cabin and town, park information, McCarthy Road conditions, trip planning, bookstore, picnic table, backcountry information, subsistence permits, interpretive information and restrooms located nearby at the State Wayside parking area next to Town Lake. Highlights Maps and information on the local area, restrooms open in summer, not regularly staffed, free day-parking, West Glacier trailhead. Yakutat Bay and coastal area Yakutat and Mt. St. Elias are located along the coastal part of the park in a bay between Icy Bay and Glacier Bay. It is not connected to the road system, so you must travel there by boat or plane. Call park headquarters at 907-822-7250 for more information. Highlights Exploring the town of Yakutat and several beaches, hiking, sea kayaking, camping. K’ełt’aeni 3 America’s Largest Designated Wilderness Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is a wilderness park. At 9.4 million acres of designated wilderness, Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest wilderness unit in the United States and comprises over 10% of the entire National Wilderness Preservation System. What does all this wilderness mean? It means that Wrangell-St. Elias has the ability to protect entire ecosystems, habitats ranging from the high alpine to the depths of the sea, hosting an incredible variety of flora and fauna. It means unparalleledopportunities for solitude and adventure. Thousands of nameless mountains, glaciers, ridges and valleys indicate just how remote the Wrangell-St. Elias wilderness is. Travel here is not easy. Often the only access is by air, and even then, it’s still a long walk to where you want to go. There are very few maintained trails. Route-finding and advanced backcountry skills are essential. Routes and logistics must be pre-planned. River crossings, glacier travel, thick brush, extreme weather (cold and hot), rock fall, mudslides, avalanches, wildlife and bugs are important hazards to be aware of, but the rewards are worth the effort. For some folks, all this wilderness might seem intimidating, but Wrangell-St. Elias has its human side too. Although wilderness defines Wrangell-St. Elias’ character, it’s a land that encompasses living communities and thousands of years of Alaska Native traditions. To this day, a subsistence way of life continues to thrive and evolve here. Traditional ways of living combined with modern forms of technology continue in order to meet the needs of people who depend upon the park’s wild resources for sustenance, cultural identity, and spiritual well-being. No matter what your dream of wilderness entails, you will find it here in Wrangell-St. Elias. Weather & Climate HIGH PEAKS OF THE COASTAL CHUGACH RANGE INTERCEPT OCEAN STORMS which provide a barrier to warmer marine air masses. As a result, with the exception of the coastal strip near Yakutat (150 inches of rain/year), the park has an interior dry continental climate characterized by long, frigid winters followed by short, warm summers. Locations SUMMER WINTER Copper Center (Headquarters) Avg High: 71° F Avg Low: 44° F Record High: 96° F Avg High: 4° F Avg Low: -14° F Record Low: -61° F Chitina/McCarthy/ Kennecott Avg High: 71° F Avg Low: 42° F Record High: 89° F Avg High: 8° F Avg Low: -9° F Record Low: -55° F Slana/Nabesna Avg High: 69° F Avg Low: 45° F Record High: 93° F Avg High: 7° F Avg Low: -11° F Record Low: -57° F Yakutat Bay Avg High: 60° F Avg Low: 49° F Record High: 88° F Avg High: 34° F Avg Low: 22° F Record Low: -24° F Wrangell Mountains in Fall Staying Safe in Bear Country BOTH BLACK BEARS (URSUS AMERICANUS) AND GRIZZLY/BROWN BEARS (URSUS ARCTOS) ARE FOUND THROUGHOUT THE PARK. A few precautions can help keep you safe while camping and hiking, and protect the bears. Once a bear learns to identify hikers, campsites, or cabins as a source for food, there is rarely a happy ending for the bear. Encountering a Bear • If the bear is unaware of you, detour away quietly. • If the bear sees you, stop where you are. Wave your arms and talk to the bear in a calm voice. Retreat slowly, keeping the bear in sight. • If the bear follows you, stand your ground. DO NOT RUN. • If contact by a grizzly bear is imminent, play dead. Lie flat on the ground, face down and legs apart. Protect your neck. Leave your pack on to protect your back and strive to remain face down. If the attack is prolonged, fight back vigorously. • If it’s a black bear, do not play dead, fight back vigorously. • Please report all bear encounters to a park ranger. Avoid All Encounters Watch for signs of bears such as tracks and scat. Be alert to potential food sources such as carrion, salmon spawning streams, and berry patches. Make noise, particularly where visibility is limited. Your voice is best—bear bells are not very effective. Travel in groups. Groups are noisier and easier for bears to detect. Food Storage When camping in the park, appropriate food storage is required. If car camping, keep 4 K’ełt’aeni all food inside your car. If backcountry camping, a limited number of BRFCs may be available to borrow for free at park visitor centers. Carry Bear Spray We strongly recommend that you carry bear spray. Bear spray containing capsaicin, a red pepper extract, is an effective, non-lethal deterrent against attacks by aggressive wildlife. Sprays have a maximum range of about 18 - 24 ft. (6 - 8 meters). Caution: If discharged upwind or in a vehicle, they can disable the person using them. Firearms Firearms are allowed in Wrangell-St. Elias, but should never be used as an alternative to a common-sense approach to bear encounters. You are allowed to carry a concealed weapon in the park. However, you cannot carry a firearm into a federal building. A rifle of at least .30 caliber or a 12-gauge shotgun with slugs is recommended as defense against a bear. Alaska law makes provisions for shooting a bear in self defense if there is no alternative and the attack was unprovoked. If you are inexperienced, you are more likely to be injured by a gun than a bear, and any misplaced shot may enrage the bear further, prolonging an attack. We generally recommend that hikers carry bear spray rather than a firearm. The North District/Nabesna Area THERE IS MUCH TO SEE IN THE NABESNA AREA, LOCATED IN THE NORTHERN END of the park. Here you will find the site of Alaska’s last great gold rush, wildlife, stunning scenic views, historic homesteads, and connections to World War II. Come experience the outdoor recreation opportunities set within geologic formations and stunning views of the Wrangell Mountains. Skookum Volcano The 42-mile Nabesna Road is set within spectacular scenery and offers multiple recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, backpacking, flightseeing, and wildlife-viewing. Amenities and window services are available at the Slana Ranger Station during the summer. We hope you enjoy your visit! Camping along the Nabesna Road Some of the best camping areas in the northern part of the park are along the Nabesna Road. Here you will find pull-outs along the roadside that are perfect for a small RV, camper trailer, or tent camping. Please note that many of these sites are close to the road and can be a little dusty when traffic passes. The Nabesna area also hosts the only National Park Service owned and operated campground in the park. The Nabesna Road boasts spectacular scenery, majestic views of the Wrangell Mountains, wildlife viewing, and hiking opportunities. Rufus Creek, mile 6.1 This site has a picnic table and is located next to a creek. There are no vault toilets. Kettle Lake, mile 16.6 This site has a picnic table and a view of the Wrangell Mountains. There are no vault toilets. Follow game trails across the tundra to a small lake. Dead Dog Hill, mile 17.8 This site has a picnic table and a vault toilet. There are views of the Mentasta Mountains and wetlands for viewing migrating and nesting waterfowl. Rock Lake, mile 21.8 This site has a picnic table and a vault toilet. It looks out on a mountain lake and the Wrangell Mountains. Kendesnii Campground, mile 27.8 This camping area, which was constructed in 2012, has 10 designated campsites, each with a picnic table and a fire ring. There are vault toilets available. Each site can accommodate a small to medium RV or other vehicles. It is free and open year-round, but access is limited in winter. No reservations are required. The area is surrounded by trees and shrubs, and far enough from the road to avoid dust. There are picnic sites near the shoreline of the lakes and a short interpretive nature trail. Enjoy canoeing, viewing waterfowl, and fishing for grayling. An Alaska state fishing license is required for all anglers age 16 or older. Jack Creek, mile 35.3 This area has picnic tables and a vault toilet. There is room for up to three vehicles. The road beyond mile 29 receives less traffic so this is often a place to camp in solitude. There are game trails to follow and you may be able to view Dall’s Sheep. Popular Day Hikes in the Nabesna Area TRAIL NAME TRAIL LENGTH DIFFICULTY TRAIL DESCRIPTION TRAILHEAD LOCATION Caribou Creek Trail 3 miles/4.8 km one way Easy/Moderate The trail gains about 800 feet (0.2 km) with some stream crossings along the way. Trail may be muddy. Trailhead is located at mile 19.2 on the Nabesna Road. Parking is located about 1/4 mile from the trailhead at mile 18.9. Trail Creek Trail 6 miles/9.6 km one way Easy/Moderate The trail gains some elevation as it goes through woods and then enters a creek drainage. After 6 miles, trail becomes a route to a pass. Moderately difficult due to walking in rocky creek bed and climbing tundra hills. Total elevation gain to the pass: 3,000 feet (1 km). Trailhead is located at mile 29.8 on the Nabesna Road, where Trail Creek crosses the road. Parking is along the road. Do not park within the creek drainage. Lost Creek and Soda 7 miles/11.2 km Lake Trails one way Easy/Moderate The trail gains some elevation as it goes through woods and then enters a creek drainage. After 7 miles, trail becomes a route to a pass. Moderately difficult due to walking in rocky creek bed and climbing tundra hills. Total elevation gain to the pass: 3,000 feet (1 km). Trailhead is located at mile 31.2 on the Nabesna Road, just after Lost Creek crosses the road. Parking is located at the trailhead. Skookum Volcano Trail Moderate/ Difficult The trail gains about 1,800 feet (0.6 km) with some Trailhead is located at mile 36.2 on the Nabesna difficult footing along the way. The trail climbs through Road. Parking is located at the trailhead. geologic formations with stunning views. Look for Dall’s Sheep. 2.5 miles/4 km one way All trails in the Nabesna area eventually turn into routes. You are welcome to explore these routes, but please be prepared for remote hiking where help may not be readily available. More detailed descriptions of each trail are available on the park website or at park visitor centers. Hikers should be well-prepared and carry food, water, map, extra clothing, rain gear, and sun protection. Many trails require route-finding and hiking may become strenuous. Bears may be present. You must properly contain your food. Do not leave food or backpacks unattended at any time. Carrying bear spray is recommended. However, please learn how to properly use bear spray if you choose to carry it. The removal of artifacts from historic sites and the destruction of historic buildings are prohibited. Please respect Private Property; watch for signs to avoid trespassing. K’ełt’aeni 5 Nabesna Road Guide THE NABESNA ROAD OFFERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE INTERIOR ALASKA AND THE NORTHERN AREAS of the park. The road begins at mile 60 of the Glenn Highway (Tok Cutoff), and soon becomes gravel as it winds 42 miles into the park. The drive is an adventure with views of the Wrangell, Mentasta, and Nutzotin Mountains. Along the way you’ll find campsites, scenic vistas, hiking routes, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. But you won’t find many people here. So if you like taking a road less traveled, the Nabesna Road may be right for you. The Nabesna Road Audio Tour is a narrated tour that is available to download from the QR code or from the park website to play on your phone while driving: Before beginning your trip, stop at the Slana Ranger Station to check on current road conditions. High-clearance and four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, especially beyond mile 29, where you encounter the first of three creek crossings. Following a heavy rain, these intermittent stream crossings can become impassable due to high water and deep channels. Please be aware that private property adjoins many parts of the road. Ask a ranger for information on area services. nps.gov/wrst/learn/ photosmultimedia/audiotours.htm Nabesna Road Basics • Begins at mile 60 of the Glenn Highway (Tok Cutoff), in Slana, AK. • 42 miles, allow 1.5 hours EACH WAY. • Unpaved and maintained by the Alaska state DOT. Washouts are common. • This is a remote area with limited services. FUEL is available in Chistochina (28 miles south) or in Tok (64 miles north). NO FUEL is available in Slana. • Drive slowly, carefully, and courteously. • We recommend that you carry a full-sized spare and an adequate jack. • Private land adjoins many parts of the road. Please respect private property. • Cell phone coverage is very limited. This road was built to access the Nabesna Gold Mine, which operated from 1925 - 1945. Limited, small scale mineral extraction has occurred since then. The Nabesna Mine and its structures are privately owned and situated on private property. Please respect this private property. Park visitors should avoid the Nabesna Mine area altogether. The mine tailings extend onto adjacent park lands and these tailings contain high levels of metals and are acidic. Surface waters and the ground in the area contain contaminants of potential concern (COPCs) including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, nickel, and lead. Environmental exposure may be hazardous - Wash hands and pet’s paws for your safety. Off Road Vehicles (ORVs) are permitted on designated trails within Wrangell-St. Elias. Recreational ORV users must obtain a permit from the Slana Ranger Station. The following trails off the Nabesna Road are open to recreational ORVs: Trail Creek Trail, Lost Creek Trail, and Soda Lake Trail. All trails are open to subsistence ORVs (limited to eligible local rural residents). The Nabesna Road begins at mile 60 of the Tok Cutoff. Look for the mile-marker posts and follow along with this guide. Mileposts 0.2 Slana Ranger Station Information about the park, road conditions, local area, permits and the Alaska Geographic bookstore. Dial-a-Ranger (907) 822-7401. 1.0 1.7 Rafters often begin trips down the Copper River here. The confluence of the Copper River and the Slana River is less than a mile downstream. The Slana River begins in the Mentasta Mountains, seen to the north. Original Slana Roadhouse (private property) The building is visible on the south side of the road. This roadhouse was built in the 1930s, but there has been a structure here since 1912. It served travelers on the trail to Chisana, the site of Alaska’s final gold rush. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The roadhouse is privately owned and is not open to the public. 6 K’ełt’aeni Slana River Access 2.7 Change in Land Status - Entering Federal Land On the south side of the road, the boundary of the “National Preserve” begins. 4.0 Junction with “4-Mile” Road 27.8 Kendesnii Campground This road leads into the Slana Settlement, created in 1983 when the BLM opened over 10,000 acres to homesteading. It was one of the last opportunities for homesteading on federal land. Eight hundred claims were filed, but most were soon abandoned. Many tried to live in hastily-built cabins and tents, but Alaskan winters took their toll with temperatures down to -60˚F (-51 C). Jobs were scarce and the climate was not suited to farming. However, today a few families live in the settlement on private property. 5.6 Change in Land Status - Preserve to Park The north side of the road is “National Preserve” whereas the south side is “National Park.” Sport hunting is allowed in the preserve but not in the park. Subsistence hunting by eligible local rural residents is allowed in both the park and preserve. 6.1 Rufus Creek Wayside This is a primitive camping spot and rest area. There are no vault toilets here. Ten campsites, picnic tables, fire rings, and two vault toilets provide a nice spot for camping. Campground is first-come, first-served and is free. There are picnic sites near the shoreline of the lakes and an interpretive nature trail. Enjoy canoeing, viewing waterfowl, and fishing for grayling. 28.1 Change in Land Status - National Preserve Both sides of the road are now “National Preserve.” BEFORE YOU CONTINUE: Road conditions can deteriorate beyond this point. Trail Creek (Mile 29.8), Lost Creek (Mile 31.2), and Boyden Creek (Mile 34.3) may be flowing across the road. Generally, these creek beds are dry, but during spring run off or following prolonged rain, high-clearance and/or four-wheel drive is recommended. Carefully evaluate all crossings before driving across. 29.8 Trail Creek Trail 11.2 Suslota Lake Trail This trail is primarily a subsistence ORV trail and is generally not suitable for hiking. 12.2 Copper Lake Trail Only the first 2.5 miles of this 12-mile trail are generally suitable for hiking, then the trail crosses Tanada Creek and is primarily a subsistence ORV trail. Trailhead is located where Trail Creek crosses the road. Parking is along the road. Do not park within the creek drainage. The trail is approximately 6 miles long and allows quick access to the backcountry. The trail ends within the creek drainage, but you can continue hiking another 4 miles to reach the pass. 31.2 Lost Creek and Soda Lake Trails Trailhead is located just after Lost Creek crosses the road. Parking is located at the 15-18 Views of the Wrangell Mountains Wrangell Mountains at sunrise in winter trailhead. The trail is approximately 7 miles long, but you can continue hiking another 3 miles to the pass. Trail gives you scenery, alpine tundra, flowers, and the chance to see Dall’s Sheep. 35.3 Jack Creek Rest Area Several nice campsites with picnic tables and fishing along Jack Creek. There is a Over the next few miles, enjoy the splendid views of the Wrangell volcanoes. Mt. Sanford (16,237 ft./5 km) is the tallest mountain that can be seen from the Nabesna Road. To the left of Sanford is the rounded, icy dome of Mt. Wrangell (14,163 ft./4.3 km). It is the park’s only active volcano and occasionally steam can be seen rising from the summit. Wrangell’s broad sloping profile is an excellent example of a shield volcano. The jagged summits of Tanada Peak to the left of Mt. Wrangell and Capital Mountain to the right of Mt. Sanford are actually eroded remnants of once massive volcanoes. 16.6 Kettle Lake Wayside This is a primitive camping spot and rest area. There are no vault toilets here. 17.8 Dead Dog Hill Rest Area This is a great site to take a break for wildlife viewing or bird watching. There are views of wetlands, a small lake, and boreal forest. Moose are seen here and caribou migrate through this area in the spring and fall. There is a vault toilet at this primitive camping site and rest area. 18.9 Parking for the Caribou Creek Trail 19.2 Caribou Creek Trail Park at the gravel pit at mile 18.9. The easy/moderate hiking trail is approximately 3 miles long and offers views of the Wrangell Mountains, lakes and rivers. 21.8 Rock Lake Wayside This is a primitive camping spot and rest area. There is a vault toilet here. The easy hiking trail is approximately 1/4 mile long and departs from the north side of the road. 24.5 Tanada Lake Trail This trail is primarily a subsistence ORV trail and is generally not suitable for hiking. 24.7 Watershed Divide (3,320 ft or 1km) You have reached the highest point on the Nabesna Road, and crossed a major watershed divide. All waters flowing west from the divide are carried by the Copper River to the Gulf of Alaska. All waters flowing east enter the Nabesna River, and out of the park to the Tanana River, the Yukon River, and ultimately the Bering Sea. vault toilet at this rest area. Look for Dall’s sheep in this area. These bright white, wild sheep inhabit high altitude ridges, meadows, and extremely rugged terrain. Sheep use these areas for feeding, resting, and to escape predators. Although they usually stay at higher elevations, in this area they are known to descend to springs and mineral licks. Careful observers can usually spot small flocks on the mountainsides over the next few miles. 36.2 Skookum Volcano Trail The Skookum Volcano Trail/route is 2.5 miles one-way to a beautiful high pass. This trail leads through an extinct, deeply eroded volcanic system with fascinating geology. The elevation at the trailhead is 3,000’ and rises to an elevation of 4,800’ at the pass. The trail is moderately strenuous due to elevation gain and rough terrain. 40.2 Reeve’s Field The Reeve’s Field airstrip is no longer here, but this area holds important historical significance. During 1941, trucks hauled equipment from Valdez to a rustic strip al