Hike This New Trail In Alaska For A Wilderness Adventure
There are hundreds of trails in the hills around Fairbanks, through the beautiful birch forests and along the winding rivers. The new trail that will be completed this year will be one of the best in the area. At 38 miles down the scenic Chena Hot Springs Road near Fairbanks, the Chena State Recreation Area is a wonderful place to spend the day or the weekend exploring the vibrant boreal forest, the rolling hills and the envigorating Chena River. Named the Mastadon Trail, this new path will lead to the Nugget Creek Cabin and be completed by this winter. The cabin is primarily used in the colder months for cross-country ski or snowshoe adventures on the frozen river. Keep your eyes out for the proposed completion date in September and try out this new trail in Alaska for a fresh wilderness adventure.
Mastadon Trail – completion projected September 2018
Chena River State Recreation Area Nugget Creek Cabin
Trialhead – Mile 38 Chena Hot Springs Road
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The Chena River State Recreation Area lies 26 miles east of Fairbanks, encompassing 254,000 acres of the hills of the upper Chena Valley.
The trail takes you along the South Fork of the Chena River. This smaller river is remote and vibrant with wildlife and the iconic Alaska paper birch trees line the banks.
You're sure to see moose in the area at dawn and dusk, as well as lots of squirrels, willow grouse, beaver, wild birds including warblers, chickadees, sparrows, and thrushes and salmon leaping from the water.
If hiking is too mundane for you, you can mountain bike, horseback ride, dogsled or riverboat to the cabin. Stay up to 5 days per month at this lovely locale.
The Nugget Creek Cabin is the goal of the trail, and a perfect place to rest after the 7 miles of the trek. It sleeps three on plywood bunks and is perfectly equipped to easily set up for a night's stay.
The cabin has plywood sleeping platforms for three, a kitchen counter, shelves, table and benches, wood stove, and an outdoor latrine. A bow saw, ax, and broom are also provided.
Fields of wildflowers decorate the hills of the area in the summer. Try the trail in September when the fall foliage is golden and vibrant, or later in the year when the winter has made the trail frosty and magical.
Take a hike down the Mastadon Trail, as soon as it is completed in September. You'll love the unique beauty of interior Alaska and the peaceful Chena River.
