Overview
Strelna Wayside is a secluded campground located in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere surrounded by lush forests and majestic mountains. This campground is special due to its unique setting, which provides stunning scenery and access to various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. One of the unique features of Strelna Wayside is its proximity to the Strelna River, which offers excellent fishing opportunities for species such as salmon, trout, and grayling. The campground is also surrounded by vast wilderness areas, providing endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
The scenery at Strelna Wayside is breathtaking, with towering trees, rolling hills, and picturesque meadows. The campground is situated in a tranquil valley, surrounded by mountains that rise up to 5,000 feet in elevation. The Strelna River flows gently through the valley, providing a soothing background noise that adds to the serene atmosphere of the campground. With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, Strelna Wayside is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Location & Directions
Strelna Wayside is located at GPS coordinates 61.1333, -146.4667, approximately 45 miles north of Valdez, Alaska. The campground is situated near highway mile marker 25 on the Richardson Highway, which is a paved road that connects Valdez to Fairbanks. To get to the campground from Valdez, drive north on the Richardson Highway for approximately 45 miles, then turn left onto a gravel road that leads to the campground. The road conditions are generally good, but can be rough in some areas, especially during the spring and fall seasons when the road is being maintained.
Driving directions from Valdez: From the town of Valdez, drive north on the Richardson Highway for approximately 45 miles. Turn left onto a gravel road at highway mile marker 25, and follow the road for approximately 2 miles to the campground. The campground is well-signposted, and there are several signs along the highway that indicate the turnoff to the campground.
Important Notes
It’s essential to note that the road to the campground can be rough, especially during the spring and fall seasons. It’s recommended to drive a vehicle with high clearance, such as a truck or SUV, and to be prepared for changing road conditions. Additionally, the campground is located in a remote area, and cell phone service is limited. It’s essential to be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies, with a first aid kit, spare tire, and other essential supplies.
Campground Details
Strelna Wayside has a total of 10 campsites, including 5 tent sites, 3 RV sites, and 2 walk-in sites. The RV sites have hookups for water and electricity, and can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length. The tent sites are situated in a wooded area, and have access to a hand pump for water and vault toilets. The walk-in sites are located in a secluded area, and have access to a bear box for food storage.
The current fees for the campground are $10 per night for tent sites, $20 per night for RV sites, and $15 per night for walk-in sites. Reservations can be made through reserve.gov, and it’s recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during the peak season. The campground is open from May 15 to September 15, and the check-in time is 2 pm, while the check-out time is 12 pm.
The campground has a maximum stay limit of 14 days, and generators are allowed, but must be turned off between 10 pm and 6 am. Pets are also allowed, but must be kept on a leash and under control at all times.
Facilities & Amenities
Strelna Wayside has several facilities and amenities, including potable water, vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and bear boxes. The campground also has a boat launch, which provides access to the Strelna River for fishing and boating. A dump station is located near the campground, and firewood is available for purchase from the camp host.
The facilities and amenities at Strelna Wayside are well-maintained, and the campground is clean and tidy. The potable water is available from a hand pump, and the vault toilets are clean and well-ventilated. The fire rings and picnic tables are situated in a scenic area, and provide a great place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Facilities and Amenities List
- Potable water
- Vault toilets
- Fire rings
- Picnic tables
- Bear boxes
- Boat launch
- Dump station
- Firewood availability
Hiking & Activities Nearby
There are several hiking trails near Strelna Wayside, including the Strelna River Trail, which is a 5-mile trail that follows the river and provides access to several fishing spots. The trail is moderately difficult, and takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Another trail is the Mount Billy Mitchell Trail, which is a 10-mile trail that leads to the summit of Mount Billy Mitchell, and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
In addition to hiking, there are several other activities that can be enjoyed near Strelna Wayside, including fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The Strelna River is home to several species of fish, including salmon, trout, and grayling, and the surrounding mountains and valleys are home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, bears, and eagles.
Nearby Trails and Activities
- Strelna River Trail (5 miles, moderately difficult)
- Mount Billy Mitchell Trail (10 miles, difficult)
- Fishing (Strelna River, salmon, trout, grayling)
- Boating (Strelna River, kayaking, canoeing)
- Wildlife viewing (moose, bears, eagles)
Fishing Opportunities
Strelna Wayside is located near several excellent fishing spots, including the Strelna River, which is home to several species of fish, including salmon, trout, and grayling. The river is accessible from the campground, and there are several fishing spots along the river that can be reached by hiking or boating.
The best techniques for fishing in the Strelna River include fly fishing, spin casting, and bait casting. The river is home to several species of fish, including sockeye salmon, coho salmon, and rainbow trout. The fishing regulations for the Strelna River include a daily catch limit of 3 fish, and a minimum size limit of 14 inches.
Fishing Regulations
- Daily catch limit: 3 fish
- Minimum size limit: 14 inches
- Species: sockeye salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Strelna Wayside is during the summer months, from May to September, when the weather is warm and dry. The peak season is from June to August, when the days are longest and the weather is warmest. However, this is also the busiest time of year, and the campground can be crowded.
To avoid the crowds, it’s recommended to visit during the shoulder season, from May to June or September to October. The weather is still mild, and the campground is less crowded, making it a great time to enjoy the scenery and outdoor activities.
Mosquito season typically runs from June to August, and it’s essential to be prepared with insect repellent and protective clothing. The weather patterns in the area include warm and dry summers, and cold and snowy winters. It’s essential to be prepared for changing weather conditions, and to bring layers and waterproof clothing.
Wildlife & Bear Safety
Strelna Wayside is located in a remote area, and there is a risk of encountering wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. It’s essential to be prepared and to take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
Bears are common in the area, and it’s essential to store food and trash properly, and to make noise while hiking to avoid surprising them. Bear spray is also recommended, and it’s essential to know how to use it properly. In the event of a bear encounter, it’s essential to remain calm and to follow proper procedures, such as speaking in a calm voice and backing away slowly.
Moose are also common in the area, and it’s essential to be aware of their presence, especially during the spring and fall seasons when they are most active. Eagles are also present in the area, and it’s essential to be aware of their nests and to avoid disturbing them.
Wildlife Safety Tips
- Store food and trash properly
- Make noise while hiking
- Carry bear spray
- Know how to use bear spray
- Be aware of moose and eagles
What to Bring
When visiting Strelna Wayside, it’s essential to be prepared and to bring the necessary gear and supplies. The following is a list of essential items to bring:
- Tent or RV
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Backpack and hiking gear
- Fishing gear
- Boating gear
- Food and cooking gear
- Water and water purification tablets
- First aid kit
- Map and compass
- Headlamp and flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Rain gear and layers
- Bear spray and bear-resistant container
It’s also essential to be prepared for changing weather conditions, and to bring layers and waterproof clothing. The firewood policy at the campground is to only use firewood that is provided by the camp host, and to only burn firewood in the designated fire rings.
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The nearest town to Strelna Wayside is Valdez, which is located approximately 45 miles south of the campground. Valdez has several amenities, including restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores. The town is also home to several attractions, including the Valdez Museum and the Valdez Glacier Trail.
Other campgrounds in the area include the Blueberry Lake Campground and the Thompson Pass Campground, which are both located near the Richardson Highway. Day trip ideas from Strelna Wayside include visiting the Worthington Glacier, hiking to the summit of Mount Billy Mitchell, and exploring the scenic drives and viewpoints along the Richardson Highway.
Nearby Attractions and Towns
- Valdez (45 miles south)
- Valdez Museum
- Valdez Glacier Trail
- Blueberry Lake Campground
- Thompson Pass Campground
- Worthington Glacier
- Mount Billy Mitchell
- Richardson Highway scenic drives and viewpoints
Tips from Experienced Campers
Experienced campers recommend arriving at the campground early to secure a campsite, especially during the peak season. They also recommend being prepared for changing weather conditions, and bringing layers and waterproof clothing.
Insider tips include knowing the best campsites to choose, such as those that are located near the river or have a scenic view. They also recommend being aware of the noise level, and keeping noise to a minimum, especially during the evening hours.
Cell service is limited in the area, and it’s essential to be prepared for emergencies, with a first aid kit, spare tire, and other essential supplies. The sunrise and sunset times vary throughout the year, but the best time to view the sunrise is typically around 5 am, and the best time to view the sunset is typically around 10 pm.
Overall, Strelna Wayside is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and excellent fishing opportunities. With proper planning and preparation, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable trip, and create lasting memories of their time in the Alaskan wilderness.