Belanger Pass & Crooked Creek Loop

The feel

This is a very challenging backcountry loop of 21 miles with 4812 ft of gain, and it calls for hiking experience in Alaska's backcountry. It starts on the Eagle River Trail and climbs quickly to Belanger Pass. The pass trail is unmaintained, with switchbacks and more than a dozen water crossings that can run up to a foot deep depending on rainfall.

After the west side descent, an informal trail heads northeast and is sometimes off-trail, with a strenuous one-mile, 1000-foot climb in the middle. The Crooked Creek Trail then runs on the east side of the loop, staying close to the creek through muskeg and riparian habitat. Caribou, bears and moose share the route, and you are unlikely to meet many other people.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 21 miles with 4812 ft of gain, rated hard. Old mining and ATV roads above treeline, an informal trail that is sometimes off-trail, and muskeg along Crooked Creek. The pass crests at 4300 feet.

Crowds and best time

Few other people. Best from July through September.

Parking

The trailhead has a paved parking lot, vault toilets, a picnic table and an informational kiosk.

Fees and passes

No fee at the trailhead.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

Hazards

Water crossings up to a foot deep depending on rainfall, off-trail sections, and caribou, bears and moose.

Bathrooms and water

Vault toilets at the trailhead.

Season and access

Reached by a gravel road turning north at approximately Mile 123 of the Glenn Highway, just after Gunsight Lodge.

Mingo says

Check recent rainfall before you commit, because the depth of the creek crossings depends on it. Aim for late summer, when this route is at its best.

Before you go

• Bring a map, bear spray, the ten essentials and a GPS.
• Use the paved trailhead lot, which has vault toilets and a kiosk, and pay nothing to park.
• Find the trailhead on the gravel road turning north at about Mile 123 of the Glenn Highway, just after Gunsight Lodge.

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