Chena Dome Trail

The feel

Chena Dome is the longest trail in Chena River State Recreation Area, a loop around the entire Angel Creek drainage. Each end runs through forest for about three miles up to timberline. The rest follows tundra ridge tops marked by rock cairns, with alpine views and wildflowers in July.

Tundra blueberries ripen in August. At mile 8.5 from the upper trailhead is the site of a 1950s military airplane crash, where you can look but should not disturb any artifacts. Most parties take three days or more, and day hikers climb to the ridge from either trailhead.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 29 to 30 miles, strenuous, with 8300 ft of elevation gain and a top elevation of 4426 feet. About three miles of forest at each end, then tundra ridge tops marked by rock cairns.

Time

Three days or more; 2 to 4 days for backpackers.

Parking

Upper trailhead at mile 50.5 and lower trailhead at mile 49.4 of Chena Hot Springs Road. Scenic day hikes can be taken from either trailhead.

Fees and passes

A fee or an annual pass is required at designated parking areas.

Dogs

Leashes are not required in undeveloped areas, but keep pets under control. Trapping occurs within the park boundaries.

Hazards

Portions are steep and rocky and can be treacherous. Above timberline the route can be hard to follow in bad weather, and weather can change rapidly.

Bathrooms and water

Water sources are unreliable and unsafe without treating, so purify or boil it. Carry at least one day's supply. Water may be at a saddle at mile 7.5, a spring at mile 9, pools at mile 11 to 13, pools near mile 18 and pools at mile 20.5.

Season and access

There may be snow banks in early summer. Wildflowers bloom in July and blueberries in August.

Mingo says

Time it for August if you want tundra blueberries on the ridge. Early summer can still hold snow banks, and the cairns are your guide when weather closes in.

Before you go

• Follow the rock cairns above timberline, where the route can be hard to follow in bad weather.
• Purify or boil water, and carry at least one day's supply.
• Plan on the shelter cabin near mile 17 from the upper trailhead, first come first serve and not reservable.
• Call Alaska State Parks Northern Area Office at (907) 451-2695 with questions.

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