Willow Mountain

The feel

The route follows an ATV track that is wide, smooth and solid. It starts through large paper birch, then climbs several very steep stretches up the eastern face. The trail is steep enough that gravel rolls underfoot.

Just below the top is a level saddle with an alpine meadow, and the summit carries communications towers. The 360 degree view takes in the Copper River Basin, the Wrangell Mountains, the Alaska Range and the Chugach Mountains. You are unlikely to meet many other people.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 5.5 miles total, with 1,942 ft of gain to a summit at 3310 ft. An ATV track, steep in places, slippery and muddy in sections.

Time

3.5 to 4 hours; fit hikers can reach the top in 2 hours or less.

Crowds and best time

Few other people. May through September.

Parking

The Willow Lake public viewing pull-off on the Richardson Highway at mile post 87.7. Cross the highway and head south on the Trans Alaska Pipeline road easement.

Fees and passes

An Ahtna land use permit is required: $25 per day, $75 weekly or $100 for the year.

Dogs

Welcome.

Hazards

Bear sign is common here. The summit can be chilly and windy even on a hot day.

Season and access

May through September. The trail is on Ahtna land, and using it without a permit is trespass.

Mingo says

Pick a clear day in the May to September window, because the payoff is the view. Expect some muddy sections.

Before you go

• Buy the Ahtna permit before you walk: call (907) 822-3476 or buy online. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Stay on the wide ATV track once you reach the gate; the earlier shortcut by pipeline mile marker 711 is overgrown and hard to follow.
• Carry extra water, food and warm windproof layers.
• Make plenty of noise and carry bear protection.

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