Riley Creek Campground

Tips from campers about Riley Creek Campground

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  Sue Newshutz The Denali National Park tour buses can be a little confusing, especially to someone with motion sickness like me. If you DO plan to get off and hike, reserve the East Fork Transit buses. Everyone boards at the same Denali Bus Depot. It's walking distance from Riley Creek campground, but there's also plenty of parking at the Bus Depot as you consider all the gear you plan to take with you. Many of the drivers talk about the park, but it's a lesser or different narration from the expensive Tundra Bus Tours. Tip with the East Fork Transit: you can get on/off whereever (provided there's space on the bus, and there isn't always!!). If some group saw bears, for instance, consider hopping a bus back that way! If you DON'T plan to get off and hike, reserve the Tundra bus. These load at the Denali Bluffs hotel and the McKinley chalet before loading at the Denali Bus Depot, and you might opt to arrange to get on first from those hotels if you need to sit in the front (e.g. motion sickness). The Tundra buses travel a bit slower than the East Fork Transit, and the narration is top rate (if a little repetitive). Especially from mid July through Aug, expect rain and probably NOT seeing the Denali Mountain. Few get to see it at all. Same thing with bears. But we saw caribou, moose, a red fox, dall sheep and plenty of gorgeous scenery. All buses stop at Teklanika Rest Stop for pit toilet bathrooms, thankfully; and again at East Fork (portapotties). Bring food and water and jackets and cameras on all buses. Don't miss the Visitor's center and the two films and the museum there.

  8 months ago Riley Creek Campground

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  MARTIN EATON The hike to the visitor center is about a mile (one way) its a pretty easy hike. The visitor center has a grill to stop and rest and get lunch before heading back. The closest propane we could find was at Three Bears in Healy, about 20 minutes north.

  10 months ago Riley Creek Campground

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  jeffreyeling Nice hike from campground up Riley Creek, a beautiful mountain stream. Continue up the Triple Lakes Trail for views of surrounding scenery. Shuttles provide free access up to 15 miles into the park. Utilizing the shuttle, I took an extremely windy but excellent hike up the Savage Alpine Trail.

  7 months ago Riley Creek Campground

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