Devil's Creek to Devil's Pass

The feel

The trail leaves Mile 39.5 of the Seward Highway and cuts through forest on gentle grades for about three miles. Past the Beaver Pond campsite at Mile 2.3, it climbs steeply into the valley, often skirting slopes a few hundred feet above the creek.

Devil's Pass, at about Mile 9, opens onto sweeping alpine views. A side hike east leads to tarns beneath Gilpatrick Mountain, and Devil's Pass Lake fills the valley floor just beyond, where Dolly Varden rise in the evening light. Moose, caribou, black and brown bears, wolverines, ptarmigan, grouse and marmots live here, so this is real bear country.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 20 miles total, with 1470 ft of gain. Forest and gentle grades for the first three miles, then a steep climb into the valley and up to the pass at about Mile 9. The top is at 2450 ft, from a trailhead at 980 ft.

Time

About 9 hours.

Parking

The trailhead is at Mile 39.5 of the Seward Highway.

Hazards

Bears. The valley passes through a hazardous avalanche zone, and the trail is difficult to follow from East Creek to Resurrection Pass during or after heavy snowfall. Storms and whiteouts are frequent above tree line, and the trail may be icy.

Season and access

Winter use is not recommended, and winter travel is not recommended past mile 3. The trail is closed to horse and pack stock from April 1 to June 30.

Mingo says

Plan this for the snow-free months, since avalanche zones make winter travel past mile 3 a poor idea. Allow a full day for the 20 miles. Pack for weather that can turn above tree line.

Before you go

• Bear-resistant lockers are at the Mile 2.3 and Mile 5.3 campsites if you plan to stay overnight.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178, Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, for current trail conditions.
• Bring a layer for storms and whiteouts above tree line.

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