Chase Trail

The feel

The Chase Trail is wide, flat and graded with gravel, and it runs alongside the Alaska Railroad tracks north of Talkeetna. It starts in the northwest corner of the Alaska Railroad parking lot, passes through a short stretch of woods, then crosses the Talkeetna River on the railroad trestle bridge by a fenced pathway.

Hikers share it with bikes and ATVs in summer, and skiers use it in winter. A train passes now and then. Past the river, the trail leads on to the Chase community, and offshoots along the way lead to private property.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Point-to-point, 5.5 miles, with about 183 ft of gain. Wide, flat gravel beside the railroad, with a fenced pathway over the river on the trestle bridge.

Time

About 2.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

Used year round on all forms of transportation, including hikers, bikes and ATVs in summer and cross-country skiers in winter.

Parking

The trailhead is in the northwest corner of the Alaska Railroad parking lot in Talkeetna, just beyond the parking area on S Railroad Ave.

Dogs

Allowed.

Kids

Rated moderate.

Hazards

Brown bears and moose appear from time to time, so keep your distance. Trains pass on the tracks alongside. The sandbar by the bridge may flood in heavy rain.

Season and access

Open year round. Offshoots along the way lead to private property, so respect the owners' privacy.

Mingo says

Check the weather before you plan on the sandbar. After heavy rain, the water may cover it.

Before you go

• Park in the Alaska Railroad lot in downtown Talkeetna and start from its northwest corner.
• Ride the Alaska Railroad flagstop service on the Hurricane Turn if you want to reach the historic townsite of Curry.
• Keep your distance from any moose or brown bear you meet.

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