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A trail through birch forest with great views of the Ester Dome area.


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Map Key

5.8

Miles

9.3

KM

Point to Point

1,471' 448 m

High

858' 261 m

Low

722' 220 m

Up

835' 254 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Views

Locals ask that you don't use the trail during break-up season (mid April to early May) as the mud ruts easily.

Description

This trail begins about 1.5 miles up Ester Dome Road, if you're making your way from Sheep Creek. Look for the pullout on the left side of the road.

This route is the longer of two options through the valley--follow the orange blazes for about 6 miles. The trail has a lot of switchbacks, but it's a pretty easy-going outing, all things considered. Snowshoes are a good idea in the winter, as the longer option doesn't get as much traffic and the snow can get pretty deep.

This trail begins near the trailhead, but ends at an intersection with the Inner Loop. You'll need to make your way back to the trailhead by continuing northeast from the intersection.

Shared By:

Avril Freeman

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 6 votes

#12816

Overall
  3.8 from 6 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#138

in Alaska

#12,816

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,788 Since Feb 18, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Fairbanks Area Hiking Club hitting the trails for a snowshoe hike.
Feb 15, 2016 near Ester, AK
Fairbanks Hiking Club snowshoe outing.
May 6, 2016 near Ester, AK
Typical trail through the Outer Loop
Sep 15, 2020 near Ester, AK
Sunrise
Jan 26, 2019 near Ester, AK
White birch tree forest... everwhere!
Sep 15, 2020 near Ester, AK
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 9 days ago
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Check-Ins

Sep 13, 2020
Brian Penn
Heavily wooded trail with white birch trees. Bike & Hike trail. Not much scenery, but woods 5.3mi — 3h 25m
Jan 26, 2019
Clayton Bennett
6.3mi — 5h 37m
Jul 27, 2018
Judy Obat
✔ 6.3mi
Jul 3, 2018
LaPaul Williams
Awesome trail...Definitely worth the time. Bring bug spray or have a long sleeve shirt 6.3mi
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