Wickersham Dome Trailhead
Hike to panoramic 360° views of the Alaska Range. Discover wild blueberries and enjoy a well-maintained trail near Fairbanks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear views & fewer crowds
Wickersham Dome Trailhead
Best Time
Clear views & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to panoramic 360° views of the Alaska Range. Discover wild blueberries and enjoy a well-maintained trail near Fairbanks.
"Fantastic to see so much nature all around, and the trail to Wickersham Dome was fun."
🥾 Bring Waterproof Boots
Mud and bogs are common, especially in late May. Waterproof footwear is essential for a comfortable hike.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
A great spot to bring your dogs! Keep them leashed and be mindful of other hikers and wildlife.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wickersham Dome Summit
Summit of Wickersham Dome
Panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding Alaska Range. Perfect for photos and enjoying the vast wilderness.
Wild Blueberry Patches
Along the trail
Discover pockets of wild blueberry shrubs, especially vibrant in late summer. A tasty treat and a beautiful sight.
Winter Race Spectacle
Wickersham Dome Trailhead
Experience the stunning beauty of the White Mountains 100 race in March, with snow-covered landscapes and challenging trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Muddy Trails
Best for Summer & Fall Hikes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Bring Waterproof Boots
Mud and bogs are common, especially in late May. Waterproof footwear is essential for a comfortable hike.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
A great spot to bring your dogs! Keep them leashed and be mindful of other hikers and wildlife.
🚗 Ample Parking & Restrooms
The trailhead offers a large gravel parking lot and clean vault toilets for convenience.
📸 Drone Views
Capture breathtaking aerial shots of the landscape with your drone, showcasing the vastness of the area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Bring Waterproof Boots
Mud and bogs are common, especially in late May. Waterproof footwear is essential for a comfortable hike.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
A great spot to bring your dogs! Keep them leashed and be mindful of other hikers and wildlife.
🚗 Ample Parking & Restrooms
The trailhead offers a large gravel parking lot and clean vault toilets for convenience.
📸 Drone Views
Capture breathtaking aerial shots of the landscape with your drone, showcasing the vastness of the area.
🌌 Night Sky Gazing
The remote location offers incredible stargazing opportunities. Consider an overnight stay for a chance to see the night sky.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wickersham Dome Trail for its stunning 360-degree summit views and accessibility from Fairbanks. The trail is dog-friendly and offers a pleasant hiking experience with opportunities for blueberry picking in season. However, be prepared for muddy and rocky sections, especially outside of peak summer.
"This is a great place to hike! It was fantastic to see so much nature all around, and the trail to Wickersham Dome was fun. There were some large spots of mud, though; bring boots. Also, be prepared to go over a lot of rocks."
Jonathan Wasilewski
"Very well maintained trail not too far north of Fairbanks. Good spot to bring your dogs. Trailhead had vault toilets and decent parking. Hiked the trail in late May and there still were some muddy/ boggy spots."
Zach Henderson
"Nice hike up to beautiful views. It’s downhill on the way back 😂. Huge gravel parking lot with clean pit toilets. Stayed in our truck camper overnight on our way up the Dalton Hwy. Good Starlink connection."
Noelle McGarvey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wickersham Dome Trailhead is located about 45 minutes north of Fairbanks. The drive is scenic and offers a good introduction to the Alaskan landscape.
The road is generally accessible year-round, but conditions can vary significantly in winter. During race events, it's well-maintained.
There is a large gravel parking lot at the trailhead, which can accommodate many vehicles, including RVs and truck campers.
Public transportation is not readily available to Wickersham Dome. It is best to have your own vehicle for access.
Overnight stays in vehicles like truck campers are possible at the trailhead, offering good Starlink connection for those who need it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to access the Wickersham Dome Trailhead or hike the trails. It's a free public access area.
The trailhead is open 24/7, allowing for early morning hikes, late evening stargazing, or overnight stays in vehicles.
No advance booking is required for hiking. You can visit anytime. However, if you plan to participate in or spectate the White Mountain 100 race, registration or tickets may be necessary.
No permits are required for day use of the Wickersham Dome Trailhead and its associated trails.
The trailhead is equipped with vault toilets and a spacious parking area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to Wickersham Dome is considered fairly easy, with some rocky sections and potential mud. It offers rewarding 360-degree views.
The hike to the summit typically takes a couple of hours round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the views.
Expect a mix of terrain, including some muddy and boggy spots, gravel, and rocks. Partially wooden tracks are present in muddy areas.
Be aware of potential mud and rocky sections. It's also wise to be prepared for changing weather conditions in Alaska.
Yes, the trail is generally suitable for children due to its moderate difficulty and engaging natural surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers unparalleled 360-degree views, ideal for landscape photography. The trail itself, with its varied terrain and flora, also provides great photo opportunities. 
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Yes, drone usage is permitted and can capture stunning aerial perspectives of the vast Alaskan wilderness surrounding Wickersham Dome.
Look out for the wild blueberry shrubs, especially in late summer, and the dramatic winter landscapes during race events.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures of the night sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to bring waterproof boots as the trail can be muddy, which kids might even find exciting! The ample parking and vault toilets at the trailhead add to the convenience for families. The relatively short duration of the hike also means it's less likely to lead to 'kid fatigue.'
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dogs on a leash to ensure the safety of both your pet and other hikers, as well as to respect the local wildlife. Be mindful of the trail conditions, especially the muddy and rocky sections, and ensure your dog is comfortable with such terrain.
📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts
+1Drone enthusiasts will find the vast, open landscapes ideal for capturing aerial footage. The ability to fly over the expansive wilderness provides unique perspectives that are not visible from the ground.
Remember to check local drone regulations before flying. The area is also excellent for night sky photography due to its remote location away from city lights. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Wickersham Dome: What to Expect
The ascent leads to the summit of Wickersham Dome, where you're greeted with spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding White Mountains and the vast Alaskan wilderness. This panoramic vista makes the hike well worth the effort and is a prime spot for photography. The descent is often noted as being downhill, which can be easier on the legs but requires attention on the rocky and potentially slippery parts.
Overall, the Wickersham Dome Trail is a well-maintained and accessible option for experiencing the natural beauty near Fairbanks. It's a popular choice for locals and visitors alike, offering a taste of Alaska's grandeur without an overly strenuous climb. Remember to check weather conditions before you go and pack accordingly for a pleasant outing.
Winter Wonders: The White Mountains 100
While the race itself is a major draw, the winter beauty of Wickersham Dome is accessible to all. The trails, though covered in snow, offer opportunities for winter recreation. For those interested in the race, it's a chance to experience the Alaskan spirit of endurance and adventure. The trailhead facilities, including parking and restrooms, are utilized to support the event and its attendees.
Visiting during the White Mountains 100 provides a different perspective on Wickersham Dome. It highlights the area's versatility, from a summer hiking destination to a challenging winter race course. The sheer beauty of the snow-laden mountains and the energy of the event make it a memorable experience.
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