About White Mountains National Recreation Area - Alaska Cabins
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 ma
How to Get There
Traveling north from Fairbanks, take the Steese Highway on through Fox. There is a trailhead at Milepost 42 and 57 of the Steese Highway to access some of the cabins. Traveling north on the Elliott Highway from Fox, there are two trailheads at Milepost 28 and 57 of the Elliott Highway to access the White Mountains from the west side. For further information contact BLM district office.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 11 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to White Mountains National Recreation Area - Alaska Cabins
Heading to White Mountains National Recreation Area - Alaska Cabins? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for White Mountains National Recreation Area - Alaska Cabins?
No central reservation system listed for White Mountains National Recreation Area - Alaska Cabins. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252494) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to White Mountains National Recreation Area - Alaska Cabins?
Traveling north from Fairbanks, take the Steese Highway on through Fox. There is a trailhead at Milepost 42 and 57 of the Steese Highway to access some of the cabins. Traveling north on the Elliott Highway from Fox, there are two trailheads at Milepost 28 and 57 of the Elliott Highway to access the White Mountains from the west side. For further information contact BLM district office.
How do I contact White Mountains National Recreation Area - Alaska Cabins?
You can reach the park at phone: (907)-474-2200.
References & Official Resources
