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Snowmachine
and Off-Road Vehicle Areas
The recreation area provides many opportunities for use of motorized and
non-motorized vehicles in the back country. Signs are normally posted
at trailheads and access points which describe whether or not particular
vehicles are allowed on the trail. The Chena Hot Springs Winter Trail,
which parallels Chena Hot Springs Road, and trails which access back country
cabins are color-coded. Colored reflective diamond-shaped trail markers
and mileposts placed along the trail guide you to your destination. The
markers work the same as the mileposts on the highways: as you travel
toward a cabin or the hot springs, the markers are on your right. Please
familiarize yourself with these markers and which trail they represent.
The Chena River State Recreation Area Management plan adopted in November
of 2006 makes the Angel Creek Trail open to motorized use only in the
winter from mid October through mid April. The management plan directs
State Parks to reroute the Angel Creek Trail from low, wet areas near the
trailhead and repair, or install hardened surfaces on the trail so that it
can be opened for ORV use in the summer. When the trail is rerouted to a
drier route, the realigned valley trail will be open to motorized use in
the summer.
Note that most trails are very wet from May through September. You might
sink your vehicle in a peat bog or need to cross a running creek. Be sure
your clothing and machine are up to such adventures. Please note that
mushers, skiers, and hikers share the trails with off-road vehicles and
snowmachines.
Rules and Cautions
 Operating a vehicle in an area where it
is prohibited is a serious offense and reflects badly on legal operators.
Off-road vehicles and non-motorized cycles may be operated only ON designated
trails. Cross-country operations and bushwacking are not allowed.
Motorized off-road vehicles must have
more than one drive wheel or track, and be less than 88" wide. The vehicle
must weigh less than 1500 pounds or exert less than eight pounds per square
inch ground pressure.
Discharge of a weapon for lawful hunting
or trapping is allowed, except within 1/4 mile of a developed facility
(campground, trailhead, or Twin Bears Camp). Target shooting is prohibited
except at the shooting range at mile 36.4 Chena Hot Springs Road.
Please be cautious of and courteous to
other trail users.
Disturbing, damaging or removing natural
materials, signs or facilities is prohibited.
Open fires are allowed only on gravel
bars and in gravel pits.
Always let someone know where you are
going and when you plan to return.
Never travel alone. A party of at least
two vehicles is recommended.
Please pack out what you pack in.
Wear a helmet for safety and dress appropriately
for the weather, wind chill, and length of trip.
Know your vehicle and keep it in good
operating condition.
Carry survival supplies. A breakdown could
leave you stranded miles from help.
Please report irresponsible behavior or
suspicious activities to a park ranger or the Parks office.
Motorized off-road vehicle operators
must be over 14 years old or under immediate supervision of someone over
21 years old.
 Off-road
vehicle use areas:
The following trails are open to motorized off-road vehicles:
 Chena Hot Springs Winter Trail (orange
markers), which roughly parallels Chena Hot Springs Road from the western
boundary (MP 26.1) to the northern boundary (MP 50.7), and designated
trails that access the Winter Trail from Chena Hot Springs Road
The trail that runs south from MP 26.2
Trails in the valleys of Colorado Creek
Stiles Creek Trail (formerly Four-mile
Ridge Trail) (red markers), which runs along the ridges between the drainages
of the east fork of Colorado Creek and Stiles Creek
Trail south from MP 36.5 to the Chena
River
The trails accessing the South Fork
from the military reservation
The loop trail through the timber sale
area from MP 28.6 to MP 29.2
The timber sale area road, south of
MP 32.5
Gravel bars and gravel pits
Off-road vehicles (Snowmachines and ATVs) are
not allowed on highways or roads. They may be operated only on trails
or in areas designated for their use.
For more information, contact the Public Information
Center in Fairbanks:
3700 Airport Way Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
(907) 451-2705
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