Maps: Nabesna A-4, B-4 (1:63 360)
Access: Air Taxi
Route: Access to the Orange Hill area is by air. It is not possible to cross the Nabesna River on foot. Boat access would be difficult at best due to the swift current of the Nabesna River. Gravel airstrips are located at Bond Creek and Orange Hill. The Orange Hill strip, approximately 800', is rough with rocks and gopher holes. The northern end has a soft spot and the southern end is subject to windshears. A windsock is located midfield. The strip at Bond Creek is less than 1,000' and is rocky. From Bond Creek it is a short but steep hike to the east to point 6815. This high point affords a panoramic view of the entire area, including the Nabesna Mine, Nabesna River, Nabesna Glacier, and Bond Creek.
Outstanding geologic and historic features highlight this route, which is also a good moose and Dall Sheep habitat. It has superb views of the Nabesna Glacier and surrounding snow-capped Wrangell Mountains.
During early mining days tractors were driven from Orange Hill to Bond Creek. Remnants of the tractor trail still exist. From Bond Creek the trail winds its way over open tundra and through spruce forest to Orange Hill. Except for the first mile the tractor trail is easy to follow. The first mile south of Bond Creek is quite brushy. Several blown-down spruce trees lie across the path. The rest of the trail is dry and pleasant hiking.
From 1930 to 1970, the Orange Hill area has periodically been the site of gold mining activity. Many remnants of the gold mining days still remain. Most of the mining activity was near the 6,000-foot elevation level. To access this area, follow an old trail from the airstrip, past Orange Hill. From point 3510, hike up the steep hill to the northwest. The hiking is easy near the bottom of the trail, becoming more difficult as you gain elevation. Nearby Nikonda Creek canyon offers excellent exploring opportunities. The presence of minerals in the area is very evident. The entire valley is brilliant with color. Nikonda Creek is glacially fed, so water levels flux seasonally as well as daily. Hiking the north creekbed is suggested. Use caution when crossing the creek.
Obtaining drinking water can be a problem. Bond Creek can be very silty. Draw water from the creek and let it settle, or boil the water to clarify it. In the Orange Hill area, water is available from the small tarns on the glacial moraine. High mineral content in Nikonda Creek makes the water undrinkable.
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