White Mountain Trail

The White Mountain Trail cuts through the heart of Alaska’s Brooks Range, accessing the remote White Mountain Research Station and weather observatory at 3,020 feet elevation. This historic route follows old mining roads and pack trails established in the early 1900s, winding through alpine tundra and creek valleys where caribou migrations still follow ancient paths. The trail crosses Beaver Creek multiple times and navigates through the notorious Wickersham Creek section, where loose shale and steep grades have claimed more than a few oil pans over the decades.

This is a moderate to difficult route requiring high-clearance 4WD with skid plates and recovery gear. The trail runs roughly 28 miles one-way from the Elliott Highway, with several creek crossings that can become impassable during spring breakup or heavy rains. Best tackled June through September when creek levels are manageable. No permits required, but fuel up in Fairbanks—there’s nothing out here. The payoff is genuine Alaska backcountry solitude and panoramic views of the Brooks Range that’ll remind you why you came north in the first place.