By Chris Batin
Members should consider taking in one of the more popular day trips in the Interior, located near Chena Hot Springs.
According to Alaska State Parks Northern Region superintendent Brooks Ludwig, there will be a free Angel Creek Trail tour for six members, each operating an ATV provided by state parks.
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Shots from an ATV trip along Angel Creek trail:
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“The 11-mile state-of-the-art, multiple-use trail accesses two public-use cabins along Angel Creek,” he said. “The trail follows hillside contours, providing awesome views of Angel Creek Valley as well as Angel Rocks at the mouth of the valley.”
He said riders should experience a lot of activity.
“Moose season will be open so we may come across successful hunters while riding,” he said. “This valley has lots of moose. Hunters normally harvest a half-dozen bulls and cows during the season. The valley also contains plenty of spruce and ruffed grouse. We should also see plenty of sign of bear and possibly wolf. Grayling swim the creek and blueberries line the valley.
“Riding an ATV into this country is a fabulous way to spend time exploring the Chena River State Recreation Area, plus the fall colors will be in full bloom, and there will be a lunch provided.”
He also said a 15-passenger van will be available for a tour of the Chena Recreation Area, going to view the area’s campgrounds and stopping at select areas to possibly view some wildlife, and get a ranger’s perspective on the boreal forest in the area.
Cabins near the conference site are also available, free of charge. “I’ve blocked out the cabins from Sept. 3-9, for members attending conference,” he said.
He’ll also be offering several other tours, free of charge to members, including: the Angel Rock hike, which is perhaps the most popular day hike in the interior; a guided canoe tour down the upper Chena River; a ranger-led tour of Big Delta State Historical Area; and a van tour of the Chena River State Recreation Area.
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Other trips:
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The good thing about all but one of these tours is that they explore all the highlights of the Chena River Recreation Area, all within easy travel distance of Chena Hot Springs. They are first-come, first-serve, so make your reservations early.
Trip Details
For all tours and cabin reservations, contact Alaska State Parks Superintendent Brooks Ludwig at 907-451-2698. When the tours/cabins fill, he’ll leave a voice message giving that information.
Cabins in the Chena River Recreation Area are available for free during conference on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visit http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/cabins/north.htm for more information, and contact Brooks Ludwig direct for reservations. Also, www.alaskastateparks.org
ATV trail ride. Sept. 7 from noon to 4:30 p.m. Open to the first six reservations. Participants to meet at the Upper Chena Dome Trailhead, mile 50.5 on Chena Hot Springs Road.
Van Tour of Chena River State Recreation Area along Chena Hot Springs Road is Sept. 7 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Participants will be picked up at Chena Hot Springs Resort.
The ranger-led guided hike of Angel Rocks Trail is Sept. 7, from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Group size is limited to 20 people. Meet at Angel Rocks Trailhead, mile 48.9 on Chena Hot Springs Road.
The Chena River Canoe Float Tour will allow for a maximum of eight people and is Sept. 7, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Meet at mile 43 on Chena Hot Springs Road, pending river conditions, rain and/or high water.
A day tour down the Richardson Highway via van to the Big Delta State Historical Park at mile 274.5 on Richardson Highway is scheduled for Sept. 7. Pick-up will be at Chena Hot Springs at 10:30 a.m., lunch at participant’s expense, then return to Chena Hot Springs at approximately 4:30 pm.
A sign-up sheet will be posted at conference for any tours that have not filled up. ◊
Chris Batin is editor and publisher of The Alaska Angler/Alaska Hunter and is the 2012 OWAA local conference chair. For fishing and hunting assistance, contact him at chrisbatin[at]alaskaangler.com.
Alaska state parks offer a variety of ‘can’t miss’ outdoor adventures
