Devil’s Creek Trail

The Devil's Creek Trail is generally rated as moderate to hard. While the initial miles offer gentle grades through forests, the route quickly becomes a steady and often steep climb into a V-shaped valley. A good level of fitness is recommended for the ascent.

You'll experience diverse terrain, starting with gentle forest paths through spruce, birch, and hemlock. As you ascend, the trail becomes steeper, leading into a dramatic V-shaped valley with several waterfalls. Higher elevations transition to low moss tundra with rolling, rocky sections and reveal stunning alpine views, including Devil's Pass Lake.

The Devil's Creek Trail is approximately 10 to 10.2 miles one way. Based on its length and moderate to hard difficulty, a full one-way hike could take a significant portion of a day, potentially 5-8 hours or more depending on your pace and breaks.

The trail offers several notable features, including dramatic V-shaped valleys, numerous waterfalls, and the 'unexpected gem' of Devil's Pass Lake. It also provides access to remote alpine valleys and opportunities for fishing. A key highlight is the Intersection from Devils Creek Trail to Resurrection Pass Trail, linking it to a larger trail system.

Yes, the route serves as a vital link, intersecting with the extensive Resurrection Pass Trail. It also passes through sections of the official trails named 'Devils Creek Trail' and 'Alaska'.

The Chugach National Forest recommends hiking the Devil's Creek Trail from June through October. Snow can persist at higher elevations into mid-June, and winter travel beyond mile 3 is not advised due to hazardous avalanche zones.

While the trail is generally open to dogs, it's always best to check current regulations for the Chugach National Forest regarding leash requirements and waste disposal to ensure a responsible visit.

As the Devil's Creek Trail is located within the Chugach National Forest, there are typically no specific permits required for day hiking, nor are there general entrance fees for accessing the forest. However, if you plan to use the Devil's Pass Cabin for an overnight stay, a rental fee and reservation would be required.

Specific parking information for the Devil's Creek Trailhead would typically be found on the Chugach National Forest website or local ranger district resources. It's advisable to check these official sources for the most up-to-date details on trailhead access and parking availability.

The initial three miles of the trail are relatively gentle and pass through forests and meadows, which might be suitable for beginners or families looking for a shorter, less strenuous outing. However, the trail quickly becomes steep and sustained, making the full route more appropriate for hikers with a good level of fitness and experience.

The trail offers opportunities to observe diverse wildlife, including moose, caribou, black and brown bears, wolverines, ptarmigan, grouse, and marmots. Always be bear aware and carry bear spray when hiking in this area.