About Table Top Mountain Loop Trail
Easily one of the most scenic drives in the Interior, the trip out to Nome Creek Valley and the Table Top Mountain Trail from Fairbanks winds deep into the center of White Mountains National Recreation Area, rising up hillsides and dipping down into valleys for a rolling picture show of spruce forest and snaking riverbeds.The hike to Table Top Mountain is just as spectacular, providing panoramic views of the White Mountains from the center of the range, and is a short “must do” jaunt if you’re spending any time in the area. The trail requires a steady climb of about a thousand feet. At the top, hikers can explore two summits for wide, expansive views of the White Mountains and the Alaska Range on a clear day. Restroom facilities are available at mile 57.4 on the Steese Highway (at the turnoff for U.S. Creek Road), where there is are interpretive signs and a gravel road to Davidson Ditch, a predecessor of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System that once transported water to gold dredges for use in mining. It was Alaska’s first pipeline project.The Table Top Mountain Trail climbs above tree line and passes through a regenerating spruce forest from prior forest fires. The trail tops a large mesa-shaped mountain with a view of the White Mountains before descending back through spruce and birch to the Nome Creek Road.Nearby BLM CampgroundsCripple Creek CampgroundOphir Creek CampgroundMount Prindle Campground
How to Get There
Travel north of Fairbanks, Alaska on the Steese Highway. Turn left onto the U.S. Creek Road at the Steese Highway mile post 57. Travel the U.S. Creek Road to the Nome Creek Road and proceed left at the road junction after the Nome Creek Bridge. Travel approximately 8 miles to the Table Top Mountain Trail.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Table Top Mountain Loop Trail
Heading to Table Top Mountain Loop Trail? 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 Table Top Mountain Loop Trail?
No central reservation system listed for Table Top Mountain Loop Trail. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/255162) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Table Top Mountain Loop Trail?
Travel north of Fairbanks, Alaska on the Steese Highway. Turn left onto the U.S. Creek Road at the Steese Highway mile post 57. Travel the U.S. Creek Road to the Nome Creek Road and proceed left at the road junction after the Nome Creek Bridge. Travel approximately 8 miles to the Table Top Mountain Trail.
How do I contact Table Top Mountain Loop Trail?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-474-2200 or email: EasternInterior@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
