Located just an hour’s drive from Fairbanks, the BLM-managed White Mountains National Recreation Area is one million acres of outdoor adventure in Alaska's Interior. In the winter, it’s a destination for skiing, snowshoeing, fat bike, dog team and snowmobiling. But don’t discount the summer months where fly-fishing and floating Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River, running, hiking, and bird-watching activities bloom like fireweed. These mountains of boreal forest and tundra hold ecological and economic significance for the region, and are the cornerstone of Alaskan traditions.
Boost Local Economies
Supporting year-round access to the many trails, activities, and public use cabins here could help more people enjoy the area, support local businesses, and generate revenue for the community.
Restore Natural Areas
Combining traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices is proving early success in the headwaters above Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River where local fish populations are growing, erosion-control is improving, and the river’s natural functions are being revived.
Connect to the Land & Its Culture
Foraging, hunting, trapping and fishing provide a bounty that Alaskans’ harvest from this area. Visitors in the summer can pick blueberries, cranberries or salmonberries, and forage for morels and boletes mushrooms. In the fall and winter months, hunt moose, caribou and grouse – or, learn time-tested trapping techniques for lynx, beaver or wolverine.
Help keep places like the White Mountains National Recreation Area and all public lands and waters healthy and vibrant now, and for the future!
“You won’t find another National Recreation Area within the BLM system; so, this place is truly one-of-a-kind. Managing one million acres of extremely remote public lands is often challenging, and conditions can be brutal, but the reward is knowing that we’re creating opportunities and access for the public to enjoy this incredible area. We want the local community and visitors to experience the remoteness and diversity of activities found here, and to do that we rely on strong partnerships.”
All year around White Mountains National Recreation Area hums with life. Caring for a million acres of rugged terrain isn’t an easy task and the BLM Alaska Teams work in partnership with local guides, schools, Tribal communities and organizations like Leave No Trace to ensure safe, meaningful experiences here.
13 public use cabins await visitors for adventure in summer and winter
Take in the shimmering northern lights against a star-studded sky
Fly-fish for Arctic grayling or Northern pike on the Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River
Bike, hike or OHV on Quartz Creek Trail
Moose, black and brown bears, bald eagles, grouse, sandhill cranes, and marmots
More than 240 miles of maintained winter trail
The Artist-in-Residency program depicts the beauty of this place in new mediums
