Lower Troublesome Creek Campground Trail

The feel

The trail starts at the campground parking lot, near the restrooms, and passes tall ferns and mossy spruce trees. It leads to the mouth of Troublesome Creek at the Chulitna River, where sand bars and islands invite a look around. A big cottonwood, the Grandaddy Cottonwood, stands five minutes down the trail.

The ferns can grow over the path in summer, and the end of the trail has been swept away by floods, which can make it confusing. The creek is a good place to fish.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, about 1 mile, with about 32 ft of gain. A flat path through ferns and spruce to the river, ending at sand bars and islands.

Time

About half an hour.

Crowds and best time

May through October.

Parking

The trail starts at the campground parking lot, at Mile 137.2 of the Parks Highway, past the town of Trapper Creek.

Fees and passes

$5 day use for parking, and the state park pass is accepted. Camping is $20 a vehicle.

Dogs

Allowed.

Kids

Rated easy.

Hazards

Watch river levels and use caution around swift currents. Cow parsnip along the trail causes a severe rash in some people.

Bathrooms and water

Toilets and water are at the campground.

Season and access

Best from May through October. Campsites are first come, first served, with no online reservations.

Mingo says

Aim for May through October. Check the river level before you head out onto the sand bars.

Before you go

• Wear pants and sturdy shoes, because ferns can overgrow the trail in summer.
• Bring a fishing rod for the creek.
• Bring your own firewood, since none is provided at the campground.

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