MAPS: Nabesna C-4, C-5 (1:53,360)
DISTANCE/TIME: Approximately eight miles from road to Soda Creek; two miles Soda Creek to Soda Lake; three miles Soda Lake to Totschunda Creek. Approximately 26 miles round-trip. Allow three days for round-trip hike plus additional time for exploring the lake and surrounding areas.
ACCESS: Mile 31.2 Nabesna Road at the Lost Creek Crossing
ROUTE: Approximately 100 yards past Lost Creek, turn left into the parking area. A trailhead sign is visible from the road. Follow the ATV trail through the woods, along Lost Creek for approximately 1.5 miles. The trail to Big Grayling Lake veers right, meandering through spruce forest, open tundra and sedge tussocks. The area around the lake may be wet, depending on seasonal rains. There are two parcels of private land on Big Grayling Lake: 80 acres located on the northwest corner of the lake and 40 acres on the southeast corner. There are cabins and buildings that are privately owned. Please avoid this private property.
Past Big Grayling Lake the trail veers left, through spruce forest for about one mile. The trail follows Platinum Creek for about 2.5 miles, until the confluence of Soda Creek. Follow Soda Creek for an additional two miles. The depth of Soda and Platinum Creeks may fluctuate depending on the amount of rain during a given time frame, season, time of day and temperature variations. The end of the ATV trail is located on the right bank of Soda Creek. From this point the hiker may wander up Soda Creek, the left fork of which meanders into the hills, following the creek bed, then becomes pleasant high tundra walking. The right fork goes to Soda Lake. Follow the creek bed to its end, gain the ridge by hiking up steep, loose talus ending up to the right above Soda Lake. An easier alternative is to follow the horse trail. Look for the trail on the left bank, approximately 200 yards past the Mineral Springs. The horse trail continues past Soda Lake to Totschunda Creek.
POTENTIAL HAZARDS: Creeks, especially Soda Creek, may be high on hot sunny spring afternoons or after heavy rains. Bears are present in the area.
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