Rosie Creek Uplands Trail

The feel

This is a forest walk on old logging roads in the Tanana Valley State Forest. The west side of the loop passes through birch, aspen and spruce regrowth from a 1983 forest fire, and the east side through mature white spruce and birch. Now and then the trees open to views of the Alaska Range and Tanana Flats.

Use is occasional most of the year and grows in fall during hunting season. Target shooting is common nearby, so expect to hear gunshots from time to time. Map signs marked "you are here" stand at most junctions, and the loop can be made shorter or longer.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 6.5 miles, with about 889 ft of gain, on rehabilitated logging roads through forest.

Time

About 3 hours.

Crowds and best time

Occasional use most of the year, with more people in fall during hunting season.

Parking

The trailhead is on the Parks Highway south of Ester at approximately milepost 342.4, just south of the west end of Old Nenana Highway.

Dogs

Allowed, and may be off-leash in some areas.

Hazards

Gunshots from nearby target shooting. The roads may still be used during forestry timber harvest, so watch for trucks and heavy equipment.

Season and access

Open year-round. In winter the trailhead may not be plowed; use the entrance to the Rosie Creek firewood and logging access road at milepost 342.2.

Mingo says

Fall brings hunting season and more people on this loop. Go in another season if you want the quiet of the forest.

Before you go

• Drive south on the Parks Highway past Ester to about milepost 342.4.
• In winter, park at the logging access road entrance at milepost 342.2.
• Follow the "you are here" map signs at the junctions to keep your loop the length you want.

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