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Trapper Creek

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Between Mile 107 and Mile 133 of the George Parks Highway and 17 miles north of the Talkeetna Spur Road is Trapper Creek. At first glance this community of 407 residents appears to be another highway service area offering lodging, cafes, fuel stations and stores that travelers have been seeing since they left Anchorage. But closer inspection reveals that Trapper Creek serves as the gateway to Petersville Road, one of the more unusual side trips possible in a vehicle from the Parks Highway.

The community dates back to 1906 when gold was discovered on Cache Creek and prospectors traveled up the Susitna River to Susitna Station, and overland past Trapper Creek to the new fields. In 1920, the Alaska Road Commission began work on turning an old trail into a wagon road from Talkeetna to Cache Creek that later became Petersville Road.

The road winds 39 miles from Trapper Creek into the Dutch Hills through a homestead area notable for its spectacular views of Mount McKinley and numerous cabins that double as lodges and bed and breakfasts. At Mile 18.7 the road reaches historic Forks Roadhouse that was established in 1900 to serve the thousands of miners living in tent cities in the area. Nearby is Peters Creek where the Mat-Su Borough has set up a rustic camping area for visitors who want to spend a few days fishing for salmon and trout or panning for gold. Dollar Creek Bridge is also located here and provides ORV users, mountain bikers and hikers access to a system of backcountry trails on the other side.

Trapper Creek

Trapper Creek is accessible by road at the junction of the George Parks Highway and Petersville Road at Milepost 114.8.

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Trapper Creek

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Attractions

Dollar Creek Bridge +

Dollar Creek Bridge is located at the end of Petersville Road, 19 miles from the George Parks Highway, and provides ORV users, mountain bikers and hikers access to a system of backcountry trails on the other side of Peters Creek.
Forks Roadhouse +

Almost 20 miles from the George Parks Highway on Petersville Road is Forks Roadhouse. Established in 1900 to serve the of miners living in tent cities in the Cache Creek-Dutch Hills Mining District, today the roadhouse still provides lodging and meals in a historic ambience to travelers.
Mount McKinley +

Less than a 100 miles from Mount McKinley, Petersville Road gives way to spectacular views of North America's highest peak on a clear day.
Trapper Creek Museum +

Housed in the historic Donaldson 59'er Cabin, the Trapper Creek Museum features displays, historical photos and books on the gold miners, fur trappers and homesteaders who pioneered Trapper Creek, Cache Creek-Dutch Hills Mining District and Petersville Road area in the early 1900s.