Compeau Trail

The feel

The Compeau Trail is a long backcountry route in Chena River State Recreation Area that runs to the Colorado Creek Cabin, and it is mostly used by overnight parties rather than day hikers. It follows an easy contour with grades of 10% or less.

The trail turns at mile 10 and meets the Little Chena Dozer Line just past it. Later a sign marks a 1950s dozer line, where the route drops down a steep 3/4 mile grade before rejoining the trail. The last 2 miles gradually descend to the cabin. Day hikers should expect to turn around well short of the cabin.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Hard, with about 2100 to 2150 ft of gain. The trail is 18 miles to the Colorado Creek Cabin, marked with blue and black trail markers, on an easy contour with grades of 10% or less. It turns at mile 10, and the last 2 miles gradually descend to the cabin.

Time

About 8.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

Mostly used by overnight parties rather than day hikers.

Parking

The trailhead is at mile 29.9 Chena Hot Springs Road, on the north side of the road.

Hazards

The 3/4 mile steep downhill grade at the 1950s dozer line, which a sign marks. Day hikers should turn around well short of the cabin.

Season and access

Open year round. Uses include hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATV, snowmobile and skiing. Motorized trails are closed, except for hiking, from April 20th through May 24th because of saturated soils at spring break-up.

Mingo says

Plan for an overnight if you want to reach the cabin. For a day trip, pick a turnaround point on the easy contour. Spring thaw limits who may use the trail, so call ahead for dates.

Before you go

• Reserve the Colorado Creek Cabin ahead; reservations are required, and it sleeps up to 4 adults on plywood bunks.
• Bring all your own camping gear, since the cabin supplies only a wood stove, table, seats, broom, ax, saw and shovel.
• Call the Northern Area office at (907) 451-2695 for the exact spring closure dates, which may vary.
• Leave natural materials where they are; only berries, mushrooms and similar edibles may be gathered for personal use.

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