White Mountains National Recreation Area

TRAIL BEGINS: Milepost 42.5 Steese Highway
TRAIL ENDS: Trail Creek Trail 31mile
LENGTH: 17.5 trail miles
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
ELEVATION CHANGE: 1,025 feet
RECOMMENDED SEASON: In the winter there is usually enough snow to travel this trail from November through early April. The first eight miles of this trail are suitable for summer use.
USE: Light to moderate winter use by snowmobiles with light dog sledding and skier use. Some light summer use by ATVs.
U.S.G.S. 1:63,360 TOPO MAPS: Livengood A-1, B-1

TRAIL DESCRIPTION:
Beginning at the Steese Highway, milepost 42.5, the McKay Creek Trail climbs steeply for 5.5 miles to the ridgetop and boundary of the National Recreation Area. The trail follows the open ridgeline eastward for two miles before turning north. It descends for one mile through spruce forests and open meadows to its junction with the Lower Nome Creek Trail, which leads down to Nome Creek.

The McKay Creek Trail continues to descend for another 1.75 miles to Ophir Creek. After crossing Ophir Creek, the trail climbs steeply for 1.25 miles to another ridge. Follow the tripods and trail markers for another mile across the open area. The trail traverses a hillside for four miles before dropping down and crossing Beaver Creek. Continue through tall White Spruce for 0.75 mile and cross O'Brien Creek, then climb for 0.25 mile to connect with the Trail Creek Trail.

CABIN INFORMATION:
The Cache Mountain Cabin is located approximately six miles north of Beaver Creek on the northwest side of O'Brien Creek at the junction of the Cache Mountain Loop and Trail Creek trails. This 12' by 16' cabin has bunk beds and a loft that can sleep four to six people comfortably. This cabin has a wood stove for heat, a Coleman cook stove and lantern, table and benches, and an outhouse.