Moderate

Copper Lake Trail

Muddy ORV track to big creeks; hike to Tanada Creek and call it good.

Distance5.2 mi

Typical time2.2 hr

DifficultyModerate

PetsAllowed

Overview

If you’re picturing a tidy single-track to a lakeshore, this isn’t it. Copper Lake Trail is a 5.2-mile total out-and-back that follows a rough ORV corridor off Nabesna Road. It’s rated moderate on paper (about 666 feet of gain, ~2 hours 10 minutes), but the reality depends entirely on water levels and how much mud you’re willing to slog through.

What you’ll experience

The first ~2.5 miles are the “fun part” for hikers—typically drier tread through a remote, wetland-and-floodplain landscape. Expect solitude, broad Wrangell vibes, and a big-creek setting as you approach Tanada Creek. Beyond that, the route degrades quickly: deep ruts, bogs, and messy ORV damage. At the far end, the approach to Copper Creek (the outlet of Copper Lake) has been described as a near-impassable mud hole—most hikers turn back long before this.

Water crossings and hazards

Tanada Creek is the crux. It can run deep and swift and rises fast with rain. Reports of rigs getting swamped aren’t exaggerations; this crossing can be dangerous for hikers too. There is an established crossing—use it, and be ready to turn around if flows are up. Copper Creek can also run deep, and the descent to it has collapsed into muck in places. Add bugs, mud, and active ORV ruts to the mix, and you’ll want waterproof boots and a conservative plan.

Who will like it (and who won’t)

Good fit: hikers who want a quiet, remote corridor and are content to make Tanada Creek their turnaround. Not ideal: anyone seeking a classic day hike to a lakeshore or a well-built trail. Reaching Copper Lake on foot is unrealistic for most.

Best time to hike

Go during a dry weather window. Early season and post-rain periods are especially muddy, and creeks can spike quickly with precipitation. Expect more ORV activity during hunting seasons.

Wildlife and landscape notes

You’re traveling near the headwaters of the Copper River through wetlands and floodplain. Moose and Dall sheep are part of the area’s hunting story, and sockeye salmon migrate up Tanada Creek. Anglers and base-campers target Copper Lake for lake trout, grayling, and burbot—if they can get there.

Getting there & parking

Trailhead is at Milepost 12.2 on Nabesna Road (south side). From the Glenn Highway (between Tok and Glennallen), turn east toward Slana. Parking is a small, free pullout/lot.

Tips

Treat Tanada Creek as the likely turnaround—don’t commit to a ford if levels look sketchy.
Waterproof boots, gaiters, and a change of socks pay off here; bring bug protection.
Expect ORV traffic patterns. Recreational ORV use is regulated, permits are required for motorized users, and ORV travel isn’t allowed past the Wilderness boundary. Hikers don’t need a permit.

Pros

Legit solitude on the Nabesna side—often few or no other hikers.
Seasonal chance to see sockeye salmon moving up Tanada Creek.

Cons

Tanada Creek can be a no-go ford that ends your day.
ORV ruts and mud bogs make the back half slow and messy.
Near Copper Creek the route has collapsed into nearly impassable mud.

Parking

Small, free pullout/lot at MP 12.2 on Nabesna Road (south side). From the Glenn Highway, turn east toward Slana and follow Nabesna Road to the trailhead.

Caution

Tanada Creek can be deep and swift; levels rise rapidly with rain and aren’t monitored. Use the established crossing and turn back if unsafe. Expect heavy mud, ORV ruts, bugs, and degraded tread; the approach near Copper Creek is a near-impassable mud hole. Recreational ORV use is regulated and restricted beyond the Wilderness boundary; permits required for motorized users.