Castner Glacier

Quick Facts:

• Drive time: 2.5 hours from Fairbanks, 45 minutes from Delta Junction

• Mileage: 2.6 miles roundtrip

• Elevation gain: 100 feet

• Activities: Hike/snowshoe

• Estimated time: 2 hours

Park in the large pullout on the right side (heading south) of the Richardson Highway, around milepost 217.3. In the winter, the trail follows along the south side of Castner Creek. Please be cautious as conditions in this area can vary. The trail is frequently traveled in winter, so hiking is usually very doable when the snow is packed. If there is recent snowfall, then snowshoes are recommended.

The cave has partially collapsed since some of these photos were taken, but that has allowed for deeper exploration into the cave and has created a beautiful “ice arch”. The cave can sometimes serve as a safe haven from cold temperatures outside as it stays closer to 32 degrees and is protected from the wind.

I love frost/ice, so this was too pretty not to share.

When the creek through the cave is frozen, you’re able to explore further back. This is how far back my pictures went before it got pitch black, but we were able to go back quite a ways penguin sliding/army crawling. It gets warmer the further back into the cave you go, so be careful of open water. I don’t think Hadley was a fan of slipping across ice in total darkness…

I would recommend bringing a headlamp if you want to explore the cave. Since the collapse, you are able to walk about 200 yards back, and if you’re willing to crawl, you can go about 75 yards further. You’ll hit open water on the left side as soon as it gets low enough to car, so be sure to steer clear of that, unless you’re bringing a dry suit.

I have not yet visited Castner Glacier in the summer, but I’ve been told that it’s easiest to access via the trail on the north side of Castner Creek.