White Mountains Trail Conditions Update
Last updated Wednesday, November 18
General Remarks/Safety Alert
Last week’s new snow significantly improved travel conditions on the White Mountains trails, and BLM trail crews plan to begin grooming trails next week. Most trails are now receiving some use, although conditions remain fair to marginal. Approximately 12 inches of snow fell at Wickersham Creek last week, while Colorado Creek Trailhead received about 6 inches. Both Elliott Highway trailheads have been plowed; the Steese Highway trailheads are unplowed but passable at this time. Expect to do some trail breaking, and watch for exposed ruts, roots, tussocks, and generally rough conditions. Please use caution at all creek crossings -- many of the creeks have frozen thick enough for safe travel, but some crossings take longer to freeze.
As a reminder, always carry survival gear and be prepared for the unexpected. Bad weather or unexpected mishaps can mean spending a night on the trail.
Note: As of January 1, 2009, reservations for all White Mountains public recreation cabins and Fred Blixt Cabin on the Elliott Highway are now a flat rate of $25/night throughout the week.
Cabin Reservations and Information
For reservations and permits, call the BLM Public Lands Information Office at (907) 474-2251. Cabins must be paid for in advance and the permit carried with you to the cabin. Trail shelters are free of charge and used on a first come, first served basis. Cabins may not have firewood present for the woodstove, so plan to carry some with you or cut some along the way. As a courtesy, replace the firewood that you use. Dog owners please remember to clean up after your dogs.
Detailed trail and cabin descriptions are available at the Bureau of Land Management Fairbanks District Office located at 1150 University Ave. in Fairbanks. A map of areas open to motorized vehicle use is also available.
Elliott Highway
Wickersham Dome Trailhead (mile 28 Elliott Highway)
Summit Trail – This trail is open to non-motorized use only. A trail shelter, located at mile 8, is an enclosed cabin that is minimally furnished and does not have a wood stove.
Ski Loop Trail – This 5-mile loop is open to non-motorized use only. The loop begins at Summit Trail and climbs to an overlook at an elevation of 2,660′ with views of the Alaska Range on clear days. The remainder of the trail is a gradual descent to Wickersham Creek Trail.
Wickersham Creek Trail – BLM has not yet been on the trail this season but expect snow conditions to be adequate as far as Lee’s Cabin. Trail conditions beyond Lee’s Cabin should be expected to be fairly rough with possible tree or gully obstructions. Use caution on all creek crossings and extreme caution if attempting to cross Beaver Creek.
Trail Creek Trail – BLM has not yet been on this trail this season. Expect adequate snow traveling conditions to Moose Creek Cabin. Expect trail conditions to be fairly rough beyond Moose Creek Cabin to Beaver Creek. It is anticipated that this crossing may not yet be safe to cross based on past conditions. Beyond Beaver Creek the trail would be expected to be extremely rough with exposed tussocks. Generally the Trail Creek trail is a good option for early season travel with no creek crossings until Beaver Creek and a deeper early-season snowpack. Expect to possibly break trail or encounter fallen trees.
Moose Creek Trail – BLM has not yet been on this trail this season. Expect very rough traveling conditions and use extra caution when crossing Wickersham Creek.
Fossil Creek Trail – BLM has not yet been on this trail this season. Expect very rough traveling conditions past Borealis Cabin if Beaver Creek is crossable. Expect extremely difficult if not impossible trail conditions past Caribou Bluff Cabin. Downed trees and open water creek crossings are likely.
Fossil Gap Trail – BLM has not yet been on this trail this season. Expect very rough traveling conditions and a high likelihood that Beaver Creek is not yet safe to cross.
Cache Mountain Loop Trail – BLM has not yet been on this trail this season. Expect extremely difficult if not impossible trail conditions. Downed trees and open water crossings are likely.
Colorado Creek Trailhead (mile 57 Elliott Highway)
Colorado Creek Trail – BLM has not yet been on this trail this season. Expect rough traveling conditions and use caution when crossing Duncan Creek.
Big Bend Trail has not been broken by BLM trail crews this season.
Windy Creek Trail – BLM has not yet been on this trail this season. Expect very rough traveling conditions.
Fred Blixt Cabin (mile 62.5 Elliott Hwy.) – Cabin users should bring a supply of water, a cook stove and lantern, and firewood for warming.
Steese Highway
McKay Creek Wayside and Trail (mile 42 Steese Hwy.) – There are private driveways adjacent to the parking area. Take care that you do not block them.
McKay Creek Trail –BLM has not yet been on this trail this season. Expect rough traveling conditions and use extra caution when crossing Beaver Creek.
U.S. Creek Wayside (mile 57 Steese Hwy.) –U.S. Creek Road is not maintained during the winter and is not driveable but provides a good route for snowmachining and dog mushing.
Lower Nome Creek Trail – BLM has not yet been on this trail this season. Expect rough traveling conditions and use caution when crossing Nome Creek.
Bear Creek Trail – BLM has not yet been on this trail this season. Expect very rough traveling conditions and use extra caution when crossing Champion and Bear Creeks.
A recorded version of this Trail Conditions Report can be heard at (907) 474-2372.
