The Richardson Highway runs north to south connecting the communities of Valdez
and Fairbanks, Alaska. Most of the BLM managed trails along this route are found
north of Glennallen. Be advised that many of these trails are 17 (b) easements
providing access to public lands or waterways, across private land. 17 (b) easements
are for access only. Camping or parking on 17 (b) easements is not allowed.
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Poplar Grove This 17 (b) easement is located at mile 137 on the west side of the Richardson Highway. This easement supplies foot access through private lands to the Gulkana River. There is a one acre site easement at the end of the trail at the river, which allows camping for up to 24 hours. The beginning of this easement is very steep and slippery during wet conditions. The parking area near the trailhead is on private land and users wishing to park here must pay a fee to Ahtna, Inc. There is a pay box located at the parking area.
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Mile 141: This 17 (b) easement can be found at mile 141 on the west side of the Richardson Highway. This easement across private lands provides foot access to the Gulkana River. The beginning of this easement is steep and can be slippery during wet conditions. Please respect private lands.
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June Lake: This short foot trail provides access to June and Nita Lakes. It is located at mile 166.5 on the west side of the highway. There is no developed parking area here, however, there is a side road across from the trailhead.
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Gillespie Lake: This short foot trail is located at mile 168.7 on the west side of the Richardson Highway. It provides foot access to Gillespie Lake. There is a large parking area here. There are no restrictions on the parking area.
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Middle Fork Trail: Located at mile 169.5 on the west side of the Richardson Highway, this is one of the most highly used trails in the district. The trail begins in a state highway gravel pit and continues westward approximately 8 miles towards the Gulkana National Wild River. Users must stay on the trail at all times. Recent trails projects have improved the conditions along this trail and it is your responsibility to keep it that way. Not only does this trail provide access to the Gulkana National Wild River, it also provides outstanding views of Paxson Lake and the surrounding hills. Primary use is motorized, however more people are beginning to hike along the trail as its condition has improved. Please respect all users of the trail. This trail is within the State of Alaska Sourdough Controlled Use Area so motorized hunting restrictions apply.
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Fish Creek: This trail is located at mile 190 on the east side of the Richardson Highway. It provides access to Fish Lake and the Gunn Creek areas. Fish creek is an anadromous (salmon bearing) stream, so cross only at existing crossings. This trail starts on State of Alaska land. Primary use is motorized and snowmachine, however, hiking is also possible on the trail.
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Coal Mine Road: This unimproved road starts at mile 254 on the east side of the Richardson Highway. This network of trails and roads provides access to stocked lakes and amazing views of the Alaska Range and Delta River. Unimproved campsites exist that are not maintained. Please take your garbage home with you.
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