White Mountains National Recreation Area Overview

The White Mountains National Recreation Area (WMNRA) encompasses one million acres about 30 miles north of Fairbanks, between the Elliott and Steese Highways. It was established in 1980 with the passing of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). The WMNRA is managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to provide for multiple-use of Public Lands. It is the largest National Recreation Area in the United States, the only one in the nation managed by BLM, and the only National Recreation Area in Alaska.

The White Mountains Gateway provides road access to the southern edge of the White Mountains National Recreation Area via Nome Creek Road. Campgrounds are available at the upper and lower ends of Nome Creek Road. Recreation opportunities along the road include gold panning, fishing, hiking and camping. River access for floating to the Beaver Creek National Wild River will be at the lower end of the road.