Peters Creek Valley

The feel

This is a quiet wooded valley for its first 5 miles, following an old roadbed with steep, muddy sections and stream crossings without bridges. The trailhead gives access to Bear Mountain and Mt. Eklutna, and the Bear Mountain trail branches off after 1/4 mile.

Berries grow on the slopes of both Mt. Eklutna and Bear Mountain above Peters Creek, and the alpine berry patches are several miles in. The old roadbed ends at mile 5. The trail continues 9 more miles into the upper valley, though it is unmarked there and easy to lose.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 8 miles, moderate, with 1000 ft of gain. The old roadbed runs 5 miles one way with 500 feet of gain, and the full trail runs 14 miles one way with 1100 feet of gain. Expect steep muddy sections and unbridged stream crossings.

Time

About 4 hours.

Crowds and best time

Quiet wooded valley for the first 5 miles.

Parking

Limited. Park on the right side of Malcolm Drive in the cleared space without blocking the road. The trail begins about a quarter mile past the turn onto Malcolm Drive.

Fees and passes

$5 day use; a state park pass is accepted.

Dogs

Allowed.

Kids

Kid friendly.

Hazards

Stream crossings without bridges, steep muddy sections and an easily lost unmarked trail beyond mile 5. The area is subject to trapping in winter.

Season and access

The first 5 miles are open to hiking and biking. Camping is allowed only over 1/2 mile from the trailhead. The first 1/4 mile crosses private property.

Mingo says

Aim for the late-summer berry season, when the slopes above Peters Creek are loaded. Plan to hike several miles in to reach the alpine patches.

Before you go

• Respect the landowners along the first 1/4 mile, which is private property.
• To reach the trailhead, take the Peters Creek exit from the Glenn Highway, right on Ski Rd, right on Whaley, left on Kullberg and right on Malcolm Dr.
• Wear shoes that handle mud, and expect to cross streams without bridges.

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