We took several trips into the White Mountains. This is one of my most favorite places to be. We drive North on the Steese Highway about 60 miles, and then 7 miles up the gravel road to Nome Creek. We can leave work at 5:00pm on Friday, get home, gather up any last minute items not already loaded, and be camped along the creek by 8:00pm. We have a delicious dinner, relax, and a good nights rest listening to the sound of the water rushing past. This is a site where gold was mined many years ago, and is now a National Recreation area. They have done a terrific job of keeping it wild, while creating access so that the public can enjoy it. (shhhh don't tell anyone) :-) There are specific areas for hunters, areas for ATVers, areas for hikers, backpackers, and areas closed off to the public, being used for research, as well as public use cabins accessed in the winter on snowmobiles. They don't allow ATVers in those areas in the summer to protect the fragile tundras. So you can see, it has been well thought out, and we have never seen anyone not being respectful of the habitat. It's a good example of how we can enjoy our wild lands for outdoor recreation of all kinds, and still keep the ecosystems thriving.
Notice the boot cleaners next to the trail sign, that cracked me up. The sign gives good information about the trail, has a post board for information, like bear seen at mile whatever.. and a covered box with guest book, and brochures on the inside. These stations are at the trailheads for the ATV and hiking areas. There are a couple of campgrounds, each has minimal amenities, campsites with picnic table, and fire pit, as well as general use (bear proof) outhouses, trash containers, and hand pump water spouts.
We were exploring this campground, stopped for lunch, and "someone" had to have a nap......
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