Cranberry Trail
The feel
This borough loop runs through boreal forest on the ridge above Goldstream Valley, starting from the lot at the end of Toboggan Lane. It is a non-motorized trail in the hills north of the valley, with a well-defined loop and scenery that includes butterflies.
You are unlikely to meet many other people. Getting started is the tricky part, since the first stretch of navigation and the parking can be confusing.
What to expect
- Route and terrain
- Loop of 2.5 miles with about 498 ft of gain through boreal forest on a ridge, rated moderate.
- Time
- About 1.5 hours.
- Crowds and best time
- Unlikely to meet many other people. January through May is the best window.
- Parking
- The lot at the end of Toboggan Lane; parking can be confusing to find.
- Dogs
- Welcome, on a leash.
- Hazards
- Confusing navigation at the start of the loop.
- Season and access
- Best January through May. Non-motorized.
Mingo says
Aim for January through May, the best window for this loop. Plan extra time at the start to get your bearings.
Before you go
- Screenshot a trail map before you leave, since the first stretch is easy to misread.
- Find the lot at the end of Toboggan Lane.
- Keep your dog on a leash.
Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.
Today
Getting there
- Distance
- 2.5 mi
- Elevation gain
- 498 ft
- Route
- Loop
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Dogs
- Allowed
- High point
- 1564 ft
- Drive from Anchorage
- Full day, 6h34 to Fairbanks
- Drive from Fairbanks
- in town
What it is like
🦟 Bugs: Low (breezy/high) Bears: Common, make noise