Wrangell - St. Elias National Park

MAPS: USGS Quadrangle Maps - Valdez (C-1), McCarthy (C-8) 1:63,360: Valdez, McCarthy 1:250,000

DISTANCE: Approximately 24 miles round-trip to Dixie Pass from Kotzina Rd.

TIME: 3-4 days for Dixie Pass

SUMMARY: Dixie Pass is an obvious and natural corridor for wildlife. Dixie Pass Trail is one of the only true backcountry hikes in the park that can be accessed by road without having to make costly fly-in arrangements. The hiker may find and lose the game trails many times before the trip is completed. Creeks must also be crossed several times. As long as the map route is followed the pass will be easy to find.

ACCESS: Access to the Dixie Pass trailhead is via the Nugget Creek/Kotsina Road. At the Nugget Creek trailhead follow the Kotsina Road straight ahead for 1.3 miles. The trailhead to the Dixie Pass is not clearly marked but there is a small clearing on the left side of the road with the trail beginning on the right side.

ROUTE: For the first 3 miles the trail follows a wooded bench area before dropping down to Strelna Creek. After reaching Strelna Creek, the hiker should stay on the west side of the creek for approximately 4 miles until reaching the confluence of Strelna Creek and the drainage leading to Dixie Pass. The eastern most drainage of the confluence leads to Dixie Pass. Here, near the confluence, is where the Strelna Creek is usually crossed. During high runoff the hiker may elect to continue on the west side of the Strelna Creek to a location where crossing is easier.

The next section of trail becomes dense with alder and willow necessitating frequent creek crossings. The drainage will also be crossed many times in order to avoid getting "cliffed out" along the opposite side. Continue along this drainage until the next major confluence, approximately 2 miles, taking care to follow the Dixie Pass drainage to the north.

The next stretch of trail crosses to the eastern side of Dixie Pass drainage for approximately one mile. At this point the drainage cuts through a narrow canyon that is walled in by cliffs on both sides. The creek can be waded here during periods of low runoff. Caution: During high water it is unsafe to travel by foot along this section. Hikers may find it safer to climb higher, along the eastern ridge, dropping back down toward the creek bed as it broadens out again. From this point it is approx. 2 more miles up to Dixie Pass along a game trail that switchbacks and traverses the westerly facing slope to the pass. Dixie Pass offers ridge line day hikes with scenic high country views. Return route is via the same trail used for access.

CAMPS: Good campsites are found along Strelna Creek and the Dixie Pass drainage on sand/gravel bars. The saddle of Dixie Pass has room for three or four tents. However, be advised that Dixie Pass is a throughway for bear and other wildlife, thus camping is not advised. Hikers may want to camp and day hike from the confluence one mile below walled-in canyon. Always secure possessions and food appropriately. Water is easily accessible for most of the trip except for the last mile or so up to the Pass. At Dixie Pass, water can be collected from snow field runoff (snowpack dependent).

POTENTIAL HAZARDS: Bears may be present anywhere along this route. Precautions should be taken to avoid encounters with bears. Packing out all excess food and garbage will prevent habituation of wildlife. Stream crossings may present difficulties and dangers due to water volume, clarity and velocity that varies drastically according to the season, time of day and upstream weather conditions. Water temperatures of most creeks are just above freezing, even in mid-summer. A firm understanding of glacial creeks and river crossing experience is essential. The hiker should be prepared for all types of weather conditions, including rain and snow in the higher elevations. Summertime brings snow to the saddle of Dixie Pass. Use extreme caution when crossing snow fields as they may conceal drainage systems underneath. This is a remote area, and rescue or medical evacuation possibilities are limited and may take several days.

TERRAIN/VEGETATION: The terrain and vegetation is exceptionally varied. Lowland Willow and Alder covers the creek beds. This gives way to level moss covered benches with cottonwood, paper Birch, Aspen and both black and white Spruce. Finally, steep hillsides or Arctic tundra including studded willow, lichens, moss and a variety of brightly colored wildflowers.