Summit Creek Trail

The feel

This meandering single-track climbs from spruce forest through alders into sweeping tundra, on a route once trekked by gold rush prospectors. About 1.5 miles in you pass the ruins of the Oracle Mine, and the trail crosses a pass at about mile 3.5. It ends at Resurrection Pass, about midway through the 39-mile Resurrection Pass Trail.

Above the brush you reach remote, fragile high country with productive berry picking, and you may see caribou browsing in the gullies. The trail is unlikely to be crowded.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Point-to-point, 8.9 miles, with 2822 ft of gain. Single-track that climbs steeply at first, then crosses tundra and a pass at about mile 3.5 to Resurrection Pass.

Time

About 5.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

Few other people. June to August is the most popular time.

Parking

The trailhead at mile 44 of the Seward Highway is across from the southern end of Summit Lake, in a small parking area.

Hazards

Avalanche paths, and bears. By mid-summer the lower section can be overgrown with tall grass, and after rain wet vegetation drenches you.

Season and access

Not recommended for winter travel. The approach to the tundra may be difficult until snow melts in the spring. Biking is strongly discouraged by the Forest Service because of the fragile tundra.

Mingo says

Aim for June through August, when the trail is busiest and still not crowded. After rain, expect to get drenched by wet vegetation.

Before you go

• Carry bear spray and store food in bear lockers or portable vaults.
• Plan to camp with no-trace practices, since there are no designated campsites.
• Leave the bike at home; the trail is narrow and rugged.

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