Located along the George Parks Highway between Wasilla and Denali National Park and Preserve, it might be easy to miss the small town of Trapper Creek – but before you cruise by, consider making the side trip down Petersville Road for camping, fishing, and fantastic views of Denali.
About Trapper Creek
The community dates back to 1906 when gold was discovered on Cache Creek. Prospectors traveled up the Susitna River to Susitna Station and overland past Trapper Creek in search of their fortune. In 1920, the Alaska Road Commission turned an old trail into a wagon road from Talkeetna to Cache Creek, which later became Petersville Road.
Things to do
Petersville Road winds 39 miles from Trapper Creek into the Dutch Hills through a homestead area notable for its spectacular views of Denali and numerous cabins that double as lodges and bed and breakfasts.
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 meals in a historic ambience to travelers.
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 off-road vehicle users, mountain bikers, and hikers access to a system of backcountry trails on the other side of Peters Creek.
Back along the Parks Highway, Trapper Creek offers gas, groceries, and a few restaurants for highway travelers headed north or south.
-
Denali
Less than a 100 miles from Denali, Petersville Road gives way to spectacular views of North America's highest peak on a clear day.
-
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.
-
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.