Visiting the Refuge

Activities

Bird Watching
Spring and fall are the best time to see the most bird species on the Refuge. The Bird Checklist (pdf - 1.69mb) notes the season and relative abundance of 186 species found in the Upper Tanana Valley. Waterfowl may be seen in these areas:

Hiking

Hidden Lake Trail (MP 1240) is a 1-mile trail through deciduous and lowland forest to Hidden Lake. An elevated, running plank boardwalk keeps visitors dry while hiking to the beautiful destination of Hidden Lake. It is a quiet, attractive undeveloped area with no facilities.

There are opportunities for backcountry hiking on the Refuge for experienced hikers with wilderness survival skills.

Taiga Trail (MP 1249) is a quarter-mile interpretive walk at Deadman Lake Campground, and it leads to an observation deck for this lovely lake.

Please check with staff at the Refuge headquarters or Visitor Center for lands within Refuge boundaries.

Boating
Boat ramps are located at the Chisana River, ¼ mile south of Northway Junction (MP 1264) and at Deadman Lake Campground. A boat launch is found along the Tanana River at milepost 1264. Small boat/raft access is also available from Desper Creek (MP 1226) and Lakeview Campground (Yarger Lake). A small boat is available to visitors at Hidden Lake.

Canoeing
One of the best ways to explore Tetlin Refuge is by canoe. Lakes at both campgrounds offer easy canoeing.

Desper and Scottie Creeks are small, clear, slow moving streams with Alaska Highway access which may be found at mileposts 1223 and 1225. Day or overnight trips are possible up to 17 miles long.

Chisana River: The Chisana is a large, fast, glacier fed river with no rapids below Scottie Creek. A good 4 - 6 day (70 mile ) trip is available if started on Desper Creek.

Fishing
Northern pike, burbot and grayling are the most popular sport fish on the Refuge. There are also rainbow trout in Hidden Lake (MP 1240.0) which were stocked by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. State fishing regulations are available at the Refuge office or Alaska Department of Fish and Game office in Tok. State licenses are available from local businesses.

Hunting
Refuge lands are open to hunting in accordance with state and federal regulations. There are unposted privately owned lands within the Refuge boundary that are not open to hunting. Please check with Refuge staff for details.

Photography
Lakeview Campground has a photo blind for visitors. Completed during the 2007 & 2008 seasons by two volunteer couples, this photo blind was funded by the North American Nature Photography Association. The blind is located in a secluded area that offers visitors an opportunity to photograph waterfowl, moose, and other wildlife in the wetlands setting. There is a simple foot trail from a campground kiosk leading to the blind.

Last updated: November 11, 2009