Fossil Creek Trail, in the White Mountains National Recreation Area, is an
18.8-mile trail maintained for winter snowmobiling, skiing, dog mushing,
snowshoeing, and fat-biking.

Fossil Creek Trail starts at the north end of Wickersham Creek Trail near the
Borealis-LeFevre Cabin on the north side of Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic
River. The trail heads north through a broad, open valley and spruce forests
and rolling hills before dropping into the Fossil Creek drainage. The Fossil
Creek Trail will pass the junction with the Fossil Gap Trail past jagged
limestone cliffs before reaching Windy Gap Cabin. The northern terminus of the
trail is a three-way intersection with Windy Creek Trail and Cache Mountain
Loop at the Windy Gap Cabin.

The trail closed to motorized use May 1 - October 14.

Fossil Creek Trail, in the <a href="/node/100497" rel="nofollow">White Mountains National Recreation Area</a>, is an 18.8-mile trail maintained for winter snowmobiling, skiing, dog mushing, snowshoeing, and fat-biking.Fossil Creek Trail starts at the north end of Wickersham Creek Trail near the <a href="/node/404144" rel="nofollow">Borealis-LeFevre Cabin</a> on the north side of <a href="/node/100694" rel="nofollow">Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River</a>. The trail heads north through a broad, open valley and spruce forests and rolling hills before dropping into the Fossil Creek drainage. The Fossil Creek Trail will pass the junction with the Fossil Gap Trail past jagged limestone cliffs before reaching <a href="/node/102089" rel="nofollow">Windy Gap Cabin</a>. The northern terminus of the trail is a three-way intersection with <a href="/node/101124" rel="nofollow">Windy Creek Trail</a> and <a href="/node/100427" rel="nofollow">Cache Mountain Loop</a> at the <a href="/node/102089" rel="nofollow">Windy Gap Cabin</a>.The trail closed to motorized use May 1 - October 14.

Bird's eye view of the park

Fossil Creek Trail

The Fossil Gap Trail, in the White Mountains National Recreation Area, is
maintained for winter recreation including snowmobiling, skiing, dog mushing,
snowshoeing, and fat-biking.

The trail crosses open meadows and then follows Fossil Creek drainage
downstream for approximately 1.5 miles before climbing off the creek and back
into the spruce. The trail parallels the Fossil Creek before crossing open
meadows to Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek has sections of overflow and open water
even during winter. The trail continues through spruce forests and across the
bridge at Montana Creek to the junction with Colorado Creek Trail.

The Fossil Gap Trail is non-motorized only during the summer, May 1 - October
14. Only the southern portion of the trail from Beaver Creek to Caribou Bluff
Cabin is suitable for hiking, which is a popular day hike while on a float
trip down Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.

The Fossil Gap Trail, in the <a href="https://edit.blm.gov/node/100497" rel="nofollow">White Mountains National Recreation Area</a>, is maintained for winter recreation including snowmobiling, skiing, dog mushing, snowshoeing, and fat-biking. The trail crosses open meadows and then follows Fossil Creek drainage downstream for approximately 1.5 miles before climbing off the creek and back into the spruce. The trail parallels the Fossil Creek before crossing open meadows to Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek has sections of overflow and open water even during winter. The trail continues through spruce forests and across the bridge at Montana Creek to the junction with Colorado Creek Trail. The Fossil Gap Trail is non-motorized only during the summer, May 1 - October 14. Only the southern portion of the trail from Beaver Creek to Caribou Bluff Cabin is suitable for hiking, which is a popular day hike while on a float trip down <a href="https://blm.gov/node/100694" rel="nofollow">Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River</a>.

Fossil Gap Trail

Moose Creek Trail is maintained in the winter for snowmobiling, skiing, dog
mushing, snowshoeing and fat-biking. From the Wickersham Creek Trail Shelter
at 11.2 mile on Wickersham Creek Trail, the trail goes through spruce forests
before crossing Wickersham Creek and continues along Moose Creek drainage.
This area can receive considerable drifting of snow making the trail difficult
to follow. The trail will climb to the Moose Creek Cabin site at mile 16.5 on
the Trail Creek Trail.

The Moose Creek Trail is closed to summer motorized use (May 1- October 14).

Moose Creek Trail is maintained in the winter for snowmobiling, skiing, dog mushing, snowshoeing and fat-biking. From the Wickersham Creek Trail Shelter at 11.2 mile on Wickersham Creek Trail, the trail goes through spruce forests before crossing Wickersham Creek and continues along Moose Creek drainage. This area can receive considerable drifting of snow making the trail difficult to follow. The trail will climb to the Moose Creek Cabin site at mile 16.5 on the Trail Creek Trail.The Moose Creek Trail is closed to summer motorized use (May 1- October 14).

Moose Creek Trail

Windy Creek Trail connects with Colorado Creek Trail at Wolf Run Cabin. The
trail parallels Windy Creek, following the drainage up the valley. The trail
then climbs, at times steeply, through Windy Gap and emerges on top of a
plateau. From the top of the ridge one can see the limestone Windy Arch. The
trail then descends steeply, crossing Fossil Creek, to the trail junction with
Fossil Creek and the Cache Mountain Loop trails. This trail is used in winter
as a snowmobile trail. The trail is closed to use of ATVs in the summer.

Cabins along this trail may be rented through Recreation.Gov.

Windy Creek Trail connects with Colorado Creek Trail at <a href="https://blm.gov/node/102078" rel="nofollow">Wolf Run Cabin</a>. The trail parallels Windy Creek, following the drainage up the valley. The trail then climbs, at times steeply, through Windy Gap and emerges on top of a plateau. From the top of the ridge one can see the limestone Windy Arch. The trail then descends steeply, crossing Fossil Creek, to the trail junction with Fossil Creek and the Cache Mountain Loop trails. This trail is used in winter as a snowmobile trail. The trail is closed to use of ATVs in the summer. Cabins along this trail may be rented through Recreation.Gov.

Windy Creek Trail

Located about an hour's drive from Fairbanks, Alaska, off the Steese and
Elliott Highways, the one-million-acre White Mountains National Recreation
Area offers stunning scenery, peaceful solitude, and outstanding opportunities
for recreation.

The White Mountains has three campgrounds, 13 public use cabins and two trail
shelters providing various opportunities to enjoy the area throughout the
year.

  * Trail Updates
  * Reserve a cabin

## Winter Recreation October 15 - April 30

Reaching the heart of the White Mountains becomes much easier in the winter,
when creeks, rivers, and bogs are frozen. In winter, visitors travel by ski,
snowshoe, fatbike dog team and snowmobile to enjoy the 13 public-use cabins
and 250 miles of groomed trails that make the White Mountains one of Interior
Alaska's premier winter destinations.

Most of White Mountains winter trails are open to both snowmobiles and
nonmotorized users, except for the non-motorized Ski Loop Trail and Summit
Trail.

  * Winter Trail Map & Guide
  * Winter Recreation Map

## Summer Recreation May 1 – October 14

During the short summers, visitors hike, float, hunt, fish, pan for gold and
camp under Alaska's 'midnight sun.'

Nome Creek valley is one of the prime access points for summer recreation with
access to two campgrounds, trails, a gold-panning area and a departure point
for float trips on Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River. It can be reached via
the US Creek Road, Steese Highway Milepost 57. These gravel roads can be bumpy
but are suitable for use by highway vehicles.

To protect sensitive resources, vehicles must remain on BLM routes designated
for their use unless traveling in an area designated open to cross-country
motorized travel. The entire area is open to all forms of non-motorized use,
so feel free to explore off trail.

The most popular places to ride OHV’s is in the Nome Creek tailings and the
Quartz Creek Trail.

Most of the cabins become difficult to reach in the summer, but a few are
regularly used such as Fred Blixt Cabin and Lee’s Cabin.

  * Summer OHV fact sheet
  * Summer Recreation Map
  * Nome Creek Valley Map

## Camping

Cabin reservations can be made 45 days in advance through recreation.gov. The
two trail shelters are available first come-first served. Three campgrounds
are open from late-May until the snow flies in October: Cripple Creek
Campground, Mount Prindle Campground, and Ophir Creek Campground. There’s no
permit needed to camp outside the developed areas, just keep in mind that
dispersed camping is limited to 10 days and is prohibited in the area’s three
Research Natural Areas to protect resources.

Located about an hour's drive from Fairbanks, Alaska, off the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/documents/alaska/public-room/brochure/steese-and-elliott-highway-brochure" rel="nofollow">Steese and Elliott Highways</a>, the one-million-acre White Mountains National Recreation Area offers stunning scenery, peaceful solitude, and outstanding opportunities for recreation.The White Mountains has three campgrounds, 13 public use cabins and two trail shelters providing various opportunities to enjoy the area throughout the year.<ul><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/white-mountains/trail-update" rel="nofollow">Trail Updates</a></li><li><a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252494" rel="nofollow">Reserve a cabin</a></li></ul><h2>Winter Recreation October 15 - April 30</h2>Reaching the heart of the White Mountains becomes much easier in the winter, when creeks, rivers, and bogs are frozen. In winter, visitors travel by ski, snowshoe, fatbike dog team and snowmobile to enjoy the <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/25249" rel="nofollow">13 public-use cabins</a> and 250 miles of groomed trails that make the White Mountains one of Interior Alaska's premier winter destinations.Most of White Mountains winter trails are open to both snowmobiles and nonmotorized users, except for the non-motorized Ski Loop Trail and Summit Trail.<ul><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/documents/alaska/public-room/brochure/white-mountains-NRA-winter-trails-cabins-brochure" rel="nofollow">Winter Trail Map & Guide</a></li><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/alaska/public-room/map/winter-recreation-white-mountains-national-recreation-area-and-steese" rel="nofollow">Winter Recreation Map</a></li></ul><h2>Summer Recreation May 1 – October 14</h2>During the short summers, visitors hike, float, hunt, fish, pan for gold and camp under Alaska's 'midnight sun.'Nome Creek valley is one of the prime access points for summer recreation with access to two campgrounds, trails, a gold-panning area and a departure point for float trips on <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/alaska/beaver-creek-wsr" rel="nofollow">Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River</a>. It can be reached via the US Creek Road, Steese Highway Milepost 57. These gravel roads can be bumpy but are suitable for use by highway vehicles.To protect sensitive resources, vehicles must remain on BLM routes designated for their use unless traveling in an area designated open to cross-country motorized travel. The entire area is open to all forms of non-motorized use, so feel free to explore off trail.The most popular places to ride OHV’s is in the Nome Creek tailings and the Quartz Creek Trail.Most of the cabins become difficult to reach in the summer, but a few are regularly used such as <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/fred-blixt-cabin" rel="nofollow">Fred Blixt Cabin</a> and <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/lees-cabin" rel="nofollow">Lee’s Cabin</a>.<ul><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/alaska/public-room/fact-sheet/summer-ohv-fact-sheet-white-mountains-and-steese-travel-areas" rel="nofollow">Summer OHV fact sheet</a></li><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/documents/alaska/public-room/map/Summer-Recreation-in-the-White-Mountains-NRA-and-Steese-NCA-georeferenced-pdf-map" rel="nofollow">Summer Recreation Map</a></li><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/alaska/public-room/map/nome-creek-valley-georeferenced-pdf-map" rel="nofollow">Nome Creek Valley Map</a></li></ul><h2>Camping</h2>Cabin reservations can be made 45 days in advance through <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252494" rel="nofollow">recreation.gov</a>. The two trail shelters are available first come-first served. Three campgrounds are open from late-May until the snow flies in October: <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10325233" rel="nofollow">Cripple Creek Campground</a>, <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10325252" rel="nofollow">Mount Prindle Campground</a>, and <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10325266" rel="nofollow">Ophir Creek Campground</a>. There’s no permit needed to camp outside the developed areas, just keep in mind that dispersed camping is limited to 10 days and is prohibited in the area’s three Research Natural Areas to protect resources.

Located at milepost 60 of the Steese Highway, Cripple Creek Campground has 12
first come first served universal design campsites, as well as 6 walk-in
campsites. The campground also has a riverside day use area with fishing
access along the Chatanika River. Winding through tall white spruce trees
along the river between the day use area and the campground is a short
interpretive trail for visitors.

A class I-II float trip to the Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site at
milepost 39 is approximately 25 miles (40 km) long. Occasional low water may
require some boat dragging.

The campground is maintained during the summer season, end of May through mid-
September. The campground has a hand pump well for potable water, trash cans,
and outhouse style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables,
and fire rings.

Located at milepost 60 of the Steese Highway, Cripple Creek Campground has 12 first come first served universal design campsites, as well as 6 walk-in campsites. The campground also has a riverside day use area with fishing access along the Chatanika River. Winding through tall white spruce trees along the river between the day use area and the campground is a short interpretive trail for visitors. 

A class I-II float trip to the Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site at milepost 39 is approximately 25 miles (40 km) long. Occasional low water may require some boat dragging. 

The campground is maintained during the summer season, end of May through mid-September. The campground has a hand pump well for potable water, trash cans, and outhouse style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings.

$12 per night for vehicle sites

$6 per night for walk-in sites

Bird's eye view of the campground

Cripple Creek Campground

## Overview

**Cripple Creek Campground-** Located at milepost 60 o f the Steese Highway,
Cripple Creek Campground has 12 first come first served universal design
campsites, as well as 6 walk-in campsites. The campground also has a riverside
day use area with fishing access along the Chatanika River. Winding through
tall white spruce trees along the river between the day use area and the
campground is a short interpretive trail for visitors.

A class I-II float trip to the Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site at
milepost 39 is approximately 25 miles (40 km) long. Occasional low water and
log jams may require some boat dragging or portaging.

The campground is maintained during the summer season, June through mid-
September. The campground has a hand pump well for non-potable water, trash
cans, and outhouse style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic
tables, and fire rings.

**Fees-** $12 per night per site (sites 1-12) on a first come basis.

$6 per night per walk in site (Walk-in-sites T1-T-6) on a first come basis.

**Directions-** Blacktop highway accessible. Campground is at mile 60 on the
Steese Highway, northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska.

## Recreation

Hiking the short interprative trail along the Chatanika River, fishing,
floating, day trip into the Nome Creek Valley.

## Nearby Attractions

Nome Creek Valley, Quartz Creek Trail, Table Top Trail, Pinnell Mt. Trail,
Chatanika River, Nome Creek, Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River Put-in.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/cripple-creek-campground" rel="nofollow">Cripple Creek Campground-</a> Located at milepost 60 o f the Steese Highway, Cripple Creek Campground has 12 first come first served universal design campsites, as well as 6 walk-in campsites. The campground also has a riverside day use area with fishing access along the Chatanika River. Winding through tall white spruce trees along the river between the day use area and the campground is a short interpretive trail for visitors. A class I-II float trip to the Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site at milepost 39 is approximately 25 miles (40 km) long. Occasional low water and log jams may require some boat dragging or portaging.The campground is maintained during the summer season, June through mid-September. The campground has a hand pump well for non-potable water, trash cans, and outhouse style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings.Fees- $12 per night per site (sites 1-12) on a first come basis.          $6 per night per walk in site (Walk-in-sites T1-T-6) on a first come basis.Directions- Blacktop highway accessible. Campground is at mile 60 on the Steese Highway, northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Hiking the short interprative trail along the Chatanika River, fishing, floating, day trip into the Nome Creek Valley.

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Nome Creek Valley, Quartz Creek Trail, Table Top Trail, Pinnell Mt. Trail, Chatanika River, Nome Creek, Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River Put-in.

Campsite in Cripple Creek Campground

Campground Information and Interpretation

Interpretation Sign

Water Pump

Fee Structure

HWY Sign

River walking trail

Vault Toilet

Campsite

The Mount Prindle Campground is one of two campgrounds located at either end
of the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern edge of the White Mountains National
Recreation Area. The campground’s 13 sites, are situated among tall willow
shrubs, below expansive alpine tundra meadows and Mount Prindle (5,286 feet),
making it the ideal spot to begin a trip into the high country. From here you
can enjoy gold panning in Nome Creek or explore the nearby Quartz Creek Trail.

Campgrounds are maintained during the summer season (June thru mid-September)
and have hand pump wells, trash cans, and outhouse-style toilets. Each
campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is not
provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks.

The Mount Prindle Campground is one of two campgrounds located at either end of the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern edge of the <a href="/node/100497" rel="nofollow">White Mountains National Recreation Area</a>. The campground’s 13 sites, are situated among tall willow shrubs, below expansive alpine tundra meadows and Mount Prindle (5,286 feet), making it the ideal spot to begin a trip into the high country. From here you can enjoy gold panning in Nome Creek or explore the nearby <a href="/node/100886" rel="nofollow">Quartz Creek Trail</a>.Campgrounds are maintained during the summer season (June thru mid-September) and have hand pump wells, trash cans, and outhouse-style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is not provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks.

$12 per night per site on a first-come basis for individual sites

Mount Prindle Campground

## Overview

**Mount Prindle Campground-** The Mount Prindle Campground is one of two
campgrounds located at either end of the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern
edge of the White Mountains NRA. The campground’s 13 sites are situated among
tall willow shrubs, below expansive alpine tundra meadows and Mount Prindle
(5,286 feet), making it the ideal spot to begin a trip into the high country.
From here you can enjoy gold panning in Nome Creek or explore the nearby
Quartz Creek Trail.

Campgrounds are maintained during the summer season (June thru mid-September)
and have hand pump non-potable water, trash cans, and outhouse-style toilets.
Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is
not provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks.

**Fees-** $12 per night per site (sites 1-13) on a first come basis.

**Directions-** To reach Nome Creek from Fairbanks, take the Steese Highway to
mile 57 and follow the U.S. Creek Road for seven miles to the Nome Creek Road.
Taking a right at the junction, it is 4 miles to the upper end of Nome Creek
Valley, the Quartz Creek Trailhead, and the Mount Prindle Campground.

## Recreation

The campground’s 13 sites are situated among tall willow shrubs, below
expansive alpine tundra meadows and Mount Prindle (5,286 feet), making it the
ideal spot to begin a trip into the high country. From here you can enjoy gold
panning in Nome Creek or explore the nearby Quartz Creek Trail.

## Nearby Attractions

Quartz Creek Trail, Table Top Trail, Nome Creek for fishing, floating, and or
goldpanning, put-in for Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/mount-prindle-campground" rel="nofollow">Mount Prindle Campground-</a> The Mount Prindle Campground is one of two campgrounds located at either end of the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern edge of the White Mountains NRA. The campground’s 13 sites are situated among tall willow shrubs, below expansive alpine tundra meadows and Mount Prindle (5,286 feet), making it the ideal spot to begin a trip into the high country. From here you can enjoy gold panning in Nome Creek or explore the nearby Quartz Creek Trail.Campgrounds are maintained during the summer season (June thru mid-September) and have hand pump non-potable water, trash cans, and outhouse-style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is not provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks.Fees- $12 per night per site (sites 1-13) on a first come basis.Directions-To reach Nome Creek from Fairbanks, take the Steese Highway to mile 57 and follow the U.S. Creek Road for seven miles to the Nome Creek Road. Taking a right at the junction, it is 4 miles to the upper end of Nome Creek Valley, the Quartz Creek Trailhead, and the Mount Prindle Campground.<h2>Recreation</h2>
The campground’s 13 sites are situated among tall willow shrubs, below expansive alpine tundra meadows and Mount Prindle (5,286 feet), making it the ideal spot to begin a trip into the high country. From here you can enjoy gold panning in Nome Creek or explore the nearby Quartz Creek Trail.

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Quartz Creek Trail, Table Top Trail, Nome Creek for fishing, floating, and or goldpanning, put-in for Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.

**Fees-** $12 per night per site (sites 1-13) on a first come basis.

Mt. Prindle Campground over view

Mt. Prindle Campground Layout and fee area

Fee Sign

Mt. Prindle Campground Sign

Mt. Prindle Fee sign

Mt. Prindle Campground Fee sign

The Ophir Creek Campground is one of two campgrounds located at either end of
the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern edge of the White Mountains National
Recreation Area. Nestled in tall white spruce trees on the bank of Nome Creek,
the campground includes 20 campsites, including one group site.

From here you can enjoy fishing in Nome Creek or take a short day-hike over to
Beaver Creek. Also nearby is the 3-mile loop trail to Table Top Mountain, with
awesome views of the higher peaks in the White Mountains. Ophir Creek
Campground also provides river access to Nome Creek for paddlers headed to
Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.

The campground is maintained during the summer season (Memorial Day thru mid-
September) and have hand pump wells, trash cans, and outhouse-style toilets.
Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is
not provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks.

**NOTICE: Nome Creek Road repair with midweek closures May – October 2025**

Monday – Friday the Nome Creek Road to Ophir Creek Campground will be closed
to the public for road improvements and culvert replacement.

When planning your visit go to the trail updates webpage for access
information, current events and notices about temporary closures or
restrictions.

The Ophir Creek Campground is one of two campgrounds located at either end of the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern edge of the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Nestled in tall white spruce trees on the bank of Nome Creek, the campground includes 20 campsites, including one group site.From here you can enjoy fishing in Nome Creek or take a short day-hike over to Beaver Creek. Also nearby is the 3-mile loop trail to Table Top Mountain, with awesome views of the higher peaks in the White Mountains. Ophir Creek Campground also provides river access to Nome Creek for paddlers headed to Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.The campground is maintained during the summer season (Memorial Day thru mid-September) and have hand pump wells, trash cans, and outhouse-style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is not provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks. NOTICE: Nome Creek Road repair with midweek closures May – October 2025Monday – Friday the Nome Creek Road to Ophir Creek Campground will be closed to the public for road improvements and culvert replacement.When planning your visit go to the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/white-mountains/trail-update" rel="nofollow">trail updates webpage</a> for access information, current events and notices about temporary closures or restrictions.

$12 per night for individual sites

$24 per night for the group site

All sites are available on a first come, first served basis

Ophir Creek Campground

## Overview

Ophir Creek Campground- The Ophir Creek Campground is one of two campgrounds
located at either end of the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern edge of the
White Mountains National Recreation Area. Nestled in tall white spruce trees
on the bank of Nome Creek, the campground includes 20 campsites, including one
group site.

From here you can enjoy fishing in Nome Creek or take a short day-hike over to
Beaver Creek. Also nearby is the 3-mile loop trail to Table Top Mountain, with
awesome views of the higher peaks in the White Mountains. Ophir Creek
Campground also provides river access to Nome Creek for paddlers headed to
Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.

The campground is maintained during the summer season (June through mid-
September) and have hand pump non-potable wells, trash cans, and outhouse-
style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire
rings. Firewood is not provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks.

Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)

Yes. An accessible toilet and hand water pump are available.

**Fees-** $12 per night per site (sites 1-19) on a first come basis.

$24 for group site 20 per night on a first come basis.

**Directions-** To reach Nome Creek from Fairbanks, take the Steese Highway to
mile 57 and follow the U.S. Creek Road for seven miles to the Nome Creek Road.
Taking a left at the junction, it is 12 miles to the Ophir Creek Campground
and the put-in for floating Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.

## Recreation

Fishing, gold panning, hiking, floating, wildlife watching.

## Nearby Attractions

Put-in for Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River, Table Top Trail (3 mile loop
non-motorized trail).

<h2>Overview</h2>
<a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/ophir-creek-campground-0" rel="nofollow">Ophir Creek Campground-</a> The Ophir Creek Campground is one of two campgrounds located at either end of the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern edge of the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Nestled in tall white spruce trees on the bank of Nome Creek, the campground includes 20 campsites, including one group site.From here you can enjoy fishing in Nome Creek or take a short day-hike over to Beaver Creek. Also nearby is the 3-mile loop trail to Table Top Mountain, with awesome views of the higher peaks in the White Mountains. Ophir Creek Campground also provides river access to Nome Creek for paddlers headed to Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.The campground is maintained during the summer season (June through mid-September) and have hand pump non-potable wells, trash cans, and outhouse-style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is not provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks.Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)Yes. An accessible toilet and hand water pump are available.Fees- $12 per night per site (sites 1-19) on a first come basis.            $24 for group site 20 per night on a first come basis.Directions-To reach Nome Creek from Fairbanks, take the Steese Highway to mile 57 and follow the U.S. Creek Road for seven miles to the Nome Creek Road. Taking a left at the junction, it is 12 miles to the Ophir Creek Campground and the put-in for floating Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Fishing, gold panning, hiking, floating, wildlife watching.

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Put-in for Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River, Table Top Trail (3 mile loop non-motorized trail).

**Fees-** $12 per night per site (sites 1-19) on a first come basis.

$24 for group site 20 per night on a first come basis. (No discounts)

Ophir Creek Campground Typical Campsite

Ophir Creek Campground Group SIte

Ophir Creek Campground Fee site

Hand Pump Well

Typical Campsite in Ophir Creek Campground

Ophir Camp ground entry sign

## Overview

Located just an hour's drive from Fairbanks, Alaska, the one-million-acre
White Mountains National Recreation Area offers stunning scenery, peaceful
solitude and outstanding opportunities for year-round recreation including
hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, wildlife and scenic viewing. There
are 13 beautiful log cabins throughout the White Mountains offering many
opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to carry your cabin permit at all
times while in the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Also located in
the White Mountains National Recreation Area are two trail shelters that are
available on a first-come, first-served basis only.

## Recreation

Winter visitors travel by ski, snowshoe, dog team, fat bike and snowmobile to
enjoy the 12 public-use cabins and 250 miles of maintained trails that make
the White Mountains one of Interior Alaska's premier winter destinations. The
cabins must be reserved up to 30 days in advance. There are two trail shelters
that are on a first come-first served basis, are free of charge and not
reservable. In Summer, visitors to the White Mountains pan for gold, fish,
hike and camp under Alaska's midnight sun. The Nome Creek Road provides access
to two campgrounds, trails, a gold-panning area and a departure point for
float trips on Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.  
Learn more about current trail conditions or call the Fairbanks District
Office at (907) 474-2200.  
For a winter trails condition report, go to the Trail Update

## Facilities

The White Mountains National Recreation Area offers 250 miles of maintained
winter trails and 13 public recreation cabins and two trail shelters
surrounded by jagged limestone mountains and cliffs, high mountain passes, and
broad, rounded valleys. Whether you choose to explore by ski, snowshoe,
snowmobile, or dog team, you'll find crisp, clean air, dazzling views, and if
you're lucky, shimmering northern lights against a star-studded sky.

  
Many of the trails used for winter travel may be difficult to travel during
the summer due to wet, muddy conditions or difficult water crossings. To
protect sensitive resources, vehicles must remain on BLM routes designated for
their use unless traveling in an area designated open to cross-country
motorized travel. The entire area is open to all forms of non-motorized use,
so feel free to explore off-trail.

The most popular places to ride OHVs are in the Nome Creek tailings and the
Quartz Creek Trail.

Most of the cabins become difficult to reach in the summer, but a few are
regularly used such as Fred Blixt Cabin and Lee’s Cabin .

Three campgrounds are open from late-May until the snow flies in October  
  
  
Note : Not all trails are accessible to ATV's in the summer. Please contact
the BLM Fairbanks District Office for further information at (907)474-2200  
Note: Not all trails are suitable for hiking in the summer. They may be wet
and boggy. Check with the Fairbanks District Office for more information.

Note: All lands to the north of the Nome Creek Rd. from the Bear Creek Trail,
west to Ophir Creek Campground and the Beaver Creek Put-In are closed to the
use of motorized vehicles in the summer from May 1 - October 14 or until there
is adequate snow cover for use by snowmobiles.

Nome Creek Valley Map  
Winter Trails Map

Summer OHV fact sheet

Summer Recreation Map (Georeferenced PDF)

## Nearby Attractions

The cabins are surrounded by vast amounts of land you can venture on to and
view the scenery around the area.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Located just an hour's drive from Fairbanks, Alaska, the one-million-acre White Mountains National Recreation Area offers stunning scenery, peaceful solitude and outstanding opportunities for year-round recreation including hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, wildlife and scenic viewing. There are 13 beautiful log cabins throughout the White Mountains offering many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to carry your cabin permit at all times while in the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Also located in the White Mountains National Recreation Area are two trail shelters that are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
<h2>Recreation</h2>
Winter visitors travel by ski, snowshoe, dog team, fat bike and snowmobile to enjoy the 12 public-use cabins and 250 miles of maintained trails that make the White Mountains one of Interior Alaska's premier winter destinations. The cabins must be reserved up to 30 days in advance. There are two trail shelters that are on a first come-first served basis, are free of charge and not reservable. In Summer, visitors to the White Mountains pan for gold, fish, hike and camp under Alaska's midnight sun. The Nome Creek Road provides access to two campgrounds, trails, a gold-panning area and a departure point for float trips on Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River. Learn more about current trail conditions or call the Fairbanks District Office at (907) 474-2200. For a winter trails condition report, go to the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/white-mountains/trail-update" rel="nofollow">Trail Update</a> 
<h2>Facilities</h2>
 
The White Mountains National Recreation Area offers 250 miles of maintained winter trails and 13 public recreation cabins and two trail shelters surrounded by jagged limestone mountains and cliffs, high mountain passes, and broad, rounded valleys. Whether you choose to explore by ski, snowshoe, snowmobile, or dog team, you'll find crisp, clean air, dazzling views, and if you're lucky, shimmering northern lights against a star-studded sky. 
 Many of the trails used for winter travel may be difficult to travel during the summer due to wet, muddy conditions or difficult water crossings. To protect sensitive resources, vehicles must remain on BLM routes designated for their use unless traveling in an area designated open to cross-country motorized travel. The entire area is open to all forms of non-motorized use, so feel free to explore off-trail.  
The most popular places to ride OHVs are in the Nome Creek tailings and the Quartz Creek Trail.  
Most of the cabins become difficult to reach in the summer, but a few are regularly used such as <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/fred-blixt-cabin" rel="nofollow">Fred Blixt Cabin</a> and <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/lees-cabin" rel="nofollow">Lee’s Cabin</a> . 
Three campgrounds are open from late-May until the snow flies in October Note : Not all trails are accessible to ATV's in the summer. Please contact the BLM Fairbanks District Office for further information at (907)474-2200 Note: Not all trails are suitable for hiking in the summer. They may be wet and boggy. Check with the Fairbanks District Office for more information.
Note: All lands to the north of the Nome Creek Rd. from the Bear Creek Trail, west to Ophir Creek Campground and the Beaver Creek Put-In are closed to the use of motorized vehicles in the summer from May 1 - October 14 or until there is adequate snow cover for use by snowmobiles. 
<a href="https://www.blm.gov/alaska/public-room/map/nome-creek-valley-georeferenced-pdf-map" rel="nofollow">Nome Creek Valley Map</a> <a href="https://www.blm.gov/alaska/public-room/map/winter-recreation-white-mountains-national-recreation-area-and-steese" rel="nofollow">Winter Trails Map</a>  
<a href="https://www.blm.gov/alaska/public-room/fact-sheet/summer-ohv-fact-sheet-white-mountains-and-steese-travel-areas" rel="nofollow">Summer OHV fact sheet</a> 
<a href="https://www.blm.gov/documents/alaska/public-room/map/Summer-Recreation-in-the-White-Mountains-NRA-and-Steese-NCA-georeferenced-pdf-map" rel="nofollow">Summer Recreation Map (Georeferenced PDF)</a> 

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The cabins are surrounded by vast amounts of land you can venture on to and view the scenery around the area.

Caribou Bluff Cabin sits on a ridge above Fossil Creek in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

A log cabin sits on a ridge surrounded by mountains

A lone skier makes his way up the Windy Creek Trail near Wolf Run Cabin.

A skier pulling a sled follows a trail through snowy mountains.

A snowmachine rider stops to enjoy the scenery along the Fossil Creek Trail in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

A man stands next to two snowmobiles in front of a rocky ridge.

Bicyclists and skiers find cozy lodging at Cache Mountain Cabin.

A man works on his skis next to parked bicycles at a log cabin.

A rocky limestone spire dominates the rugged landscape near Windy Gap in the White Mountains.

A snow-covered rock outcrop stands above a valley.

The Colorado Creek Trail brings visitors into the heart of the White Mountains.

A snowmobile riders crosses a big meadow with mountains in the distance.

White Mountains trails are multi-use, and visitors have a long history of sharing the trails with other users.

A musher and her dog team pass snowmobilers on a trail.

The Windy Creek Trail passes the scenic Limestone Jags in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

Rocky outcrops protrude from snow-covered mountains

White Mountains visitors prepare to depart Wickersham Dome Trailhead.

Two snowmobilers wait next to an information kiosk.

A snowshoer enjoys an evening view of the Fossil Creek drainage near Windy Gap in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

A man enjoys a view of a distant mountain.

A bicyclist pedals along frozen Fossil Creek near Windy Gap Cabin.

A man rides a bicycle on a frozen creek in the mountains.

Several White Mountains winter trails cross frozen Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.

A frozen river and mountains under a blue sky

Caribou Bluff Cabin in the White Mountains National Recreation Area

A log cabin surrounded by snow

The Bureau of Land Management grooms White Mountains trails throughout the winter, but visitors should still be prepared for the unexpected, including fresh snow, drifts, and cold temperatures.

A snowmobiler rides past a log cabin

Northern lights as seen from Wolf Run Cabin in the White Mountains National Recreation Area

Northern lights over a mountain ridge

A snowshoer departs from Caribou Bluff Cabin in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

A man snowshoes from a log cabin

Wickersham Dome Trailhead on the Elliott Highway is the busiest access point for trips into the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

A family prepares camping gear and bicycles next to a car.

A spring keeps this section of Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River from freezing despite frigid winter temperatures in the White Mountains.

An open pool in a frozen river in snow-covered mountains

White Mountains National Recreation Area - Alaska Cabins

White Mountains National Recreation Area

Those folks seeking true adventure can find it floating Beaver Creek Wild and
Scenic River.

Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River is a Class I, clear water river, with only
a few short sections of class II water that flows past jagged limestone peaks
in the White Mountains National Recreation Area and through the Yukon Flats
National Wildlife Refuge before joining the Yukon River. Totaling more than
360 river miles, it may be the longest road-to-road float in North America.

Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River runs through a remote area of interior
Alaska. Most floaters begin in the Nome Creek valley, near the Ophir Creek
Campground. If launching here, take note: boat motors are limited to 15
horsepower or less. Once you put in at Nome Creek, there are no roads or
services until you reach the bridge on the Dalton Highway. It usually takes
six days to reach the mouth of Victoria Creek at river mile 111. Many floaters
pre-arrange for a Fairbanks air-taxi service to pick them up from a gravel bar
a few miles past Victoria Creek. There are other locations along the river to
picked up but will require air taxi service scheduled in advance of your trip.
If you continue down Beaver Creek and the Yukon River to the Dalton Highway
bridge, you should plan for up to two additional weeks of travel.

Many gravel bars along the river provide great camping. Also, the Borealis-
LeFevre Cabin at river mile 32 is also available by reservation (check the
link below for more information about cabin rentals). Use dead and down wood
for campfires and pack out any trash. The BLM supports Leave No Trace camping
techniques., so please remove any trace of your camp, such as fire rings, and
scatter any firewood piles.

## New hazardous channel on Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.

To view visit the Beaver Creek hazardous channel webpage and map.

## Monitoring River Levels

A stream gauge on Nome Creek near by Ophir Creek Campground provides useful
information for monitoring floating conditions. Using GOES satellite
telemetry, water stage, water temperature, air temperature, and cumulative
precipitation are recorded at 15-minute intervals.

Current observations are available on the National Weather Service’s
Hydrometeorological Automated Data System (HADS) website
https://hads.ncep.noaa.gov/charts/AK.shtml.

To view the data, find station NOCA2 - Nome Creek above Beaver Creek in the
list.

To view the tables and graphs of observations, select a time interval, and
press “Decoded Data.”

For those interested in floating Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River, look at
the **River Height (HG)** data for current river stage conditions. Select
graph at the top of the column to view the data as a line chart.

  * River height of less than 2 feet is very **low** flow, meaning difficult floating, especially for rafts.
  * River height of 2.5 feet is **moderate** flow -- good float conditions.
  * River height of 2.75 to 3 feet or above is considered **high** water; be prepared for fast current, floating logs, flooded campsites, and potentially dangerous conditions.

## Winter Activities

Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River also offers many winter activities for
those wanting a primitive backcountry experience. Snowmobiling, dog mushing,
trapping, and cross-country skiing are popular winter activities along the
frozen river, which can be reached via the White Mountain National Recreation
Area’s 240-mile network of groomed winter trails and public use cabins.

Those folks seeking true adventure can find it floating Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River is a Class I, clear water river, with only a few short sections of class II water that flows past jagged limestone peaks in the White Mountains National Recreation Area and through the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge before joining the Yukon River. Totaling more than 360 river miles, it may be the longest road-to-road float in North America.Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River runs through a remote area of interior Alaska. Most floaters begin in the Nome Creek valley, near the Ophir Creek Campground. If launching here, take note: boat motors are limited to 15 horsepower or less. Once you put in at Nome Creek, there are no roads or services until you reach the bridge on the Dalton Highway. It usually takes six days to reach the mouth of Victoria Creek at river mile 111. Many floaters pre-arrange for a Fairbanks air-taxi service to pick them up from a gravel bar a few miles past Victoria Creek. There are other locations along the river to picked up but will require air taxi service scheduled in advance of your trip. If you continue down Beaver Creek and the Yukon River to the Dalton Highway bridge, you should plan for up to two additional weeks of travel.Many gravel bars along the river provide great camping. Also, the Borealis-LeFevre Cabin at river mile 32 is also available by reservation (check the link below for more information about cabin rentals). Use dead and down wood for campfires and pack out any trash. The BLM supports Leave No Trace camping techniques., so please remove any trace of your camp, such as fire rings, and scatter any firewood piles.<h2>New hazardous channel on Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.</h2>To view visit the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/alaska/public-room/map/upper-beaver-creek-wild-and-scenic-river-hazardous-new-channel" rel="nofollow">Beaver Creek hazardous channel webpage and map</a>. <h2>Monitoring River Levels</h2>A stream gauge on Nome Creek near by Ophir Creek Campground provides useful information for monitoring floating conditions. Using GOES satellite telemetry, water stage, water temperature, air temperature, and cumulative precipitation are recorded at 15-minute intervals.Current observations are available on the National Weather Service’s Hydrometeorological Automated Data System (HADS) website <a href="https://hads.ncep.noaa.gov/charts/AK.shtml" rel="nofollow">https://hads.ncep.noaa.gov/charts/AK.shtml</a>. To view the data, find station <a href="https://hads.ncep.noaa.gov//cgi-bin/hads/interactiveDisplays/displayMetaData.pl?table=dcp&nesdis_id=325FF74E" rel="nofollow">NOCA2 - Nome Creek above Beaver Creek</a> in the list.To view the tables and graphs of observations, select a time interval, and press “Decoded Data.”For those interested in floating Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River, look at the River Height (HG) data for current river stage conditions. Select graph at the top of the column to view the data as a line chart.<ul><li>River height of less than 2 feet is very low flow, meaning difficult floating, especially for rafts.</li><li>River height of 2.5 feet is moderate flow -- good float conditions.</li><li>River height of 2.75 to 3 feet or above is considered high water; be prepared for fast current, floating logs, flooded campsites, and potentially dangerous conditions.</li></ul><h2>Winter Activities</h2>Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River also offers many winter activities for those wanting a primitive backcountry experience. Snowmobiling, dog mushing, trapping, and cross-country skiing are popular winter activities along the frozen river, which can be reached via the White Mountain National Recreation Area’s 240-mile network of groomed winter trails and public use cabins.

No fee for personal recreational use. Commercial boating guides are required
to obtain a Special Recreation Permit from the BLM.

Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River

The Cache Mountain Loop Trail connects with the Fossil Creek Trail at the
Windy Gap Cabin. The trail continues up the Fossil Creek drainage through
spruce trees and open hillsides with good views. The route is mostly off the
creek, however there are some creek crossings and overflow/aufeis is common.
The trail ascends steeply to the Cache Mountain Divide. Tripod trail markers
are present here. From the divide, the trail traverses open meadows and creek
drainages to connect with the Trail Creek Trail at the Cache Mountain Cabin.

The Cache Mountain Loop Trail connects with the Fossil Creek Trail at the Windy Gap Cabin. The trail continues up the Fossil Creek drainage through spruce trees and open hillsides with good views. The route is mostly off the creek, however there are some creek crossings and overflow/aufeis is common. The trail ascends steeply to the Cache Mountain Divide. Tripod trail markers are present here. From the divide, the trail traverses open meadows and creek drainages to connect with the Trail Creek Trail at the Cache Mountain Cabin.

Fossil Creek Trail

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Fossil Gap Trail

Moose Creek Trail

Windy Creek Trail

White Mountains National Recreation Area

Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River

Cache Mountain Loop Trail