Resurrection River Trail

The feel

The Resurrection River Trail runs through dense spruce and hemlock forest with occasional views of the river valley and mountains. The first few miles are mostly level, through dim spruce forest along a wild river bottom, and the trail is good as far as mile 2.

Past Martin Creek at mile 4.5 the trail turns narrow and rough, with mud, heavy brush and downed trees. Martin, Boulder and Upper Summit Creeks have no bridges, and many smaller creeks do not either. Public use is low, and the area has a relatively high density of black and brown bears.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Point to point, 16.3 miles, with about 1050 ft of gain. Good trail to mile 2, often flooded between mile 2 and 3, then rough and muddy beyond Martin Creek with unbridged crossings.

Time

About 7 to 10 hours.

Crowds and best time

Public use is low. Best May through October.

Parking

Take Exit Glacier Road west from mile 3.7 of the Seward Highway and drive 7 miles to the trailhead parking.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed.

Kids

Not recommended for children.

Hazards

Unbridged stream crossings that may be too high to cross in spring melt and heavy rain, heavy brush, downed trees and mud. Bears are common.

Season and access

Closed to motorized use from May 1 to Nov. 30 and to saddle and pack stock from April 1 to June 30. Only the first mile of Exit Glacier Road is plowed in winter, and winter travel is difficult.

Mingo says

Cross Martin Creek in late summer to fall, between storms, when water is generally lowest. High water can make the Martin and Boulder crossings too strong to ford.

Before you go

• Plan for fords, since the Martin Creek and Boulder Creek bridges washed out in 2002 and 1996.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178, open Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Reach Resurrection River Cabin by the short spur at mile 6; it sleeps 6, is first-come, first-served and has no bedding or cut firewood.
• Carry bear spray, and leave bikes and horses at home.

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