O'Brien Creek to Haley Creek Trail

The feel

Most of the route follows the historic right-of-way of the Copper River & Northwestern Railway, which operated from 1911 to 1938. The O'Brien Creek bridge suits ATVs but was not designed for cars or trucks.

Along the way an old trestle for the Eskalida bridge still stands, and the trail fords the creek beneath it. An old train tunnel cuts through bedrock about four miles south. Outside fishing season you may have the route to yourself.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, about 10 miles, with about 400 ft of gain. It mostly follows the former railroad grade. ATVs also use it, and the trail is not maintained.

Time

About 4.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

Crowds peak during dipnetting season from June through early August, especially on sunny weekends in June and July.

Parking

At O'Brien Creek, about 2.8 miles south of Chitina on O'Brien Creek Road. The final descent is very steep and probably needs AWD or high clearance.

Fees and passes

Parking costs $15 per vehicle, paid to the Chitina Native Corp. Very limited free parking exists. Permits are needed to reach some private land: Ahtna, Inc. at (907) 822-3476 and Chitina Native Corporation at (907) 823-2223.

Hazards

Landslides, a cold, fast river, brown bears at the salmon carcasses, and risky descents to the river in the canyon.

Season and access

The trail is typically traveled by ATV between June 7 and September 30.

Mingo says

Go outside dipnetting season if you want the grade to yourself. Sunny weekends bring the most company.

Before you go

• Get a permit from Ahtna, Inc. or Chitina Native Corporation before you cross private land.
• The final descent to O'Brien Creek parking is very steep and probably needs AWD or high clearance.
• Parking costs $15 per vehicle, paid to Chitina Native Corp.
• Keep watch for brown bears at the creeks.

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