Trail Creek- Lost Creek Loop

Trail Creek–Lost Creek Loop is a strenuous 22.5-mile backcountry loop in Wrangell–St. Elias, linking the Trail Creek and Lost Creek drainages over a broad 6,000-foot pass. Starting at the Lost Creek trailhead on Nabesna Road (mile 31.2), follow Lost Creek upstream through braided gravel and route-finding terrain, cross the pass, descend Trail Creek, and return 1.5 miles on Nabesna Road from the Trail Creek crossing (mile 29.8). The loop is mostly trail-less and typically takes 3–4 days.

Expect repeated creek crossings, rocky gravel bars, tundra and scree, and route-finding around upper-drainage obstacles. On the Lost Creek descent, the route bypasses a narrow gorge on vegetated benches on the west side before returning to the creek. The pass and upper basins offer alpine tundra, wildflowers, and Dall sheep habitat.

This is remote, strenuous travel for experienced parties with map-and-compass and GPS skills. Water levels can rise rapidly after rain or during warm afternoons, and an easy morning ford may become impassable later. Bears are present; use proper food storage. Check current Nabesna Road conditions and contact the Slana Ranger Station for trip-planning before departure. The Trail Creek road crossing has no formal parking lot; the Lost Creek crossing has a small parking area.

The route is not maintained for ordinary day hiking. Carry navigation redundancy, footwear for fords, food for a multi-day trip, and an emergency communication device. Allow extra time for slow travel and changing creek conditions.