Whistler Creek

Summer Day Hikes

Distance: 2.3 miles round trip to the alpine

Elevation gain: 900 feet

Trail Type: Hiking

Considerations: Recreational users on army land require a use permit and must check in online prior to their trip

Well this is a thing unheard of!  A brand new trail cut through the alder jungle in the remote Eastern Alaska Range.  This foot trail (NOT for ATVs) climbs up into alpine tundra with beautiful views and accesses higher trailless country, similar to the Suzy Q trail, previously described.

Though on military land again, this isn’t technically part of Black Rapids Training Area, so you can check in using the army’s online USARTRAK registration system, without having to stop in at the office at Black Rapids.

From Delta, drive just over 43 miles south along the Richardson Highway.  The trailhead is located roughly halfway between Boulder and Whistler Creeks, which are both signed.  It’s easy to miss the trail leading into the wall of brush on the left.  There has been a small parking area cleared, just off the highway, which will be hardened with gravel at some point, but for the time being, it’s probably best to just pull off the highway.  From the back of the parking area, the narrow footpath leads up through thick alder brush that would be all but impenetrable otherwise.  Several times, the trail passes through open meadows before plunging back into the brush.  In some of the open areas, the tread isn’t very visible, but the way should be marked with flagging.  Eventually the tread and flagging end in open alpine country, with nice views of the Delta River Valley and surrounding mountains.  To reach higher country, it appears a short streach of bushwhacking is necessary, but things look clear and open for exploring above that.