Palmer Creek Road Dispersed

The feel

Palmer Creek Road is a 12 mile gravel road climbing from the Hope area to a high valley with past and present mining activity. Camping is in primitive dispersed pullouts along the way.

The road climbs from a Lutz and white spruce forest into alpine tundra and brush. It begins emerging from the forest about 1.5 miles up and opens to tundra after another 1.5 miles. From the pullouts you look across tundra meadows that climb 2,000 feet to the ridge, with American pipits and rock ptarmigan in the grass. Black bears and wolves roam the area but are rarely seen.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Dispersed pullouts along a rough gravel mining road, with no marked sites.

Parking and rig size

Not recommended for large RVs or trailers. Beyond the Coeur d'Alene campground at milepost 6, you need a high clearance vehicle and possibly four-wheel-drive.

Fees and reservations

Free and first-come.

Hazards

Snow may be on the road from mid-September to mid-May and the road is not maintained in winter.

Bathrooms and water

No facilities and no drinking water. Bring your own water and pack out everything you bring in. Coeur d'Alene Campground at milepost 6 has restrooms but no water.

Season and access

July to September, with the upper road rough and best suited to 4WD. From milepost 16.2 of the Hope Highway, head south on Resurrection Creek Road and turn left on Palmer Creek Road.

Mingo says

Plan for July through September, when the road is clear of snow. Take a capable vehicle if you want to camp past milepost 6.

Before you go

• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178, open Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and closed 12:00 to 1:00pm.
• Carry your own water, since none is available.
• Pack insect repellent for the bugs.
• Leave RVs and trailers at home.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.