USFWS
Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge
Alaska Region   

Icon of Blue Goose Compass. Click on the compass to view a map of the refuge (pdf)

 

Visiting the Refuge

Activities

Bird Watching
Budding birders. M. Timm/USFWS Click to Enlarge. Spring and fall are the best time to see the most bird species on the Refuge. The Bird Checklist (pdf - 1.69mb) notes the season and relative abundance of 186 species found in the Upper Tanana Valley. Waterfowl may be seen in these areas:

MP 1221.6
MP 1223-1225.7

MP 1267
MP 1289		 Set of lakes on the north side of highway
Desper & Scotty Creeks - wetlands and lakes on both sides of highway
Lakes south of the highway
Midway Lake (private lands on south side of highway)

HikingHidden Lake. USFWS. Click to Enlarge.

Hidden Lake Trail (MP 1240) is a 1-mile trail through deciduous and lowland forest to Hidden Lake. An elevated, running plank boardwalk keeps visitors dry while hiking to the beautiful destination of Hidden Lake. It is a quiet, attractive undeveloped area with no facilities.

There are opportunities for backcountry hiking on the Refuge for experienced hikers with wilderness survival skills.

Photo of the Taiga Trail Sign - Deadman Lake Campground. Photo Credit: USFWS

Taiga Trail (MP 1249) is a quarter-mile interpretive walk at Deadman Lake Campground, and it leads to an observation deck for this lovely lake.

Please check with staff at the Refuge headquarters or Visitor Center for lands within Refuge boundaries.

 

Loading up the boat. USFWS. Click to Enlarge.

Boating
Boat ramps are located at the Chisana River, ¼ mile south of Northway Junction (MP 1264) and at Deadman Lake Campground. Small boat/canoe access is also available from Desper Creek (MP 1226) and Lakeview Campground. A small boat is available to visitors at Hidden Lake.

 

Cutting fish. USFWS. Click to Enlarge.

 

Fishing
Northern pike, burbot and grayling are the most popular sport fish on the Refuge. There are also rainbow trout in Hidden Lake (MP 1240.0) which were stocked by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. State fishing regulations are available at the Refuge office or Alaska Department of Fish and Game office in Tok. State licenses are available from local businesses.

Hunting
Refuge lands are open to hunting in accordance with state and federal regulations. There are unposted privately owned lands within the Refuge boundary that are not open to hunting. Please check with Refuge staff for details.

 

 

Photo blind for visitors on Lakeview Campground. Photo Credit: USFWSPhotography
Lakeview Campground now has a photo blind for visitors. Completed over the past two seasons by two volunteer couples, this photo blind was funded by the North American Nature Photography Association. The blind is located in a secluded area that offers visitors an opportunity to photograph waterfowl, moose, and other wildlife in the wetlands setting. There is a simple foot trail from a campground kiosk leading to the blind.

 

 

Last updated: October 28, 2008