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Nemo Loop Road Bike Route

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Wrangell:

The small size of the community and slow traffic speeds makes Wrangell a bicycle friendly community, despite having limited bicycle lanes and paved shoulders. Caution needs to be exercised once outside the community and on the gravel roads that are without shoulders and guardrails and are frequented by logging vehicles and other large equipment.

Wrangell has good cycling facilities and is served by Klondike Bike in downtown. Klondike Bike is a full service bicycle shop featuring bicycle repair, new and used bicycles for sale, bike rentals and self-guided touring information. They are located at 502 Wrangell Avenue, (907) 874-2453 http://klondikebike.com/. Wrangell has several gas stations that can provide a basic level of service. There are no cycling services on the Nemo-Skip Loop route. Bicycle racks are sparse throughout the community but can be found at local destinations including super markets, the museum, the ferry terminal, and City and Borough offices. The Stikine Inn has secure storage for bicycles.

Activity:

Mountain biking with recreational opportunities

Summary:

Located 13.4 miles south of Wrangell off the paved Zimovia Highway this bike loop follows the Nemo-Skip Loop Road (Forest Service Roads 6267 and 6265). This 13 mile gravel route accesses the Nemo Recreation Sites as well as Thoms Lake Trailhead and cabin. Mileposts start at the intersection of Zimovia Highway and Nemo-Skip Loop Road at milepost 13.4 and follow a counter clockwise route back to the starting point.

Length:

18.8 miles one-way loop

Elevation:

250-700 feet in elevation gain

Difficulty:

Moderate to Difficult

Nemo-Skip Loop Road is a gravel single lane roadway without guardrails or shoulders suitable for large tired and mountain bikes only. Potholes and gullies can form during periods of heavy rain. Logging trucks and other heavy vehicles may be on the route. From milepost 13.4 to 15.6 (Anita Bay Overlook Campground) the road is moderate with crushed gravel and regular maintenance. From mile post 26.8 (Junction of Nemo-Skip Road and Road 6265) to the end of the loop route the road is moderate with crushed gravel and regular maintenance. The middle section is difficult due to loose road surfacing and less maintenance.

Starting Point:

To start, bike from downtown Wrangell and the ferry to connect up with Nemo Loop Road (6267). You may also begin or end at the airport by taking the Zimovia Highway 13.4 miles to the fork in the roads at 6267 and 6265. Go either direction and you will end up back at the Zimovia Highway. Starting from the airport would make this bike ride 26.4 miles long.


Nemo Information Site (Host Site):

Visitor information display of recreation opportunities along Nemo-Skip loop bike route. The site is accessible.

Yunshookuh Loop Campsite:

Three campsites with an outhouse. The site is accessible.


Three Sisters Overlook Campsite:

One campsite with a picnic table and a fire ring. The site is accessible.


Anita Bay Overlook Campsite:

Two campsites with picnic tables and fire rings at each, and an outhouse. The site is accessible.


Highline Campsite:

Two campsites with a picnic table, fire ring, and an outhouse. The site is accessible.


Nemo Saltwater Access Trail:

Parking at roadside trailhead. Half mile trail surfaced with step-and-run boardwalk to the Turn Island Beach Campsite. Trail is rated as moderate/difficult.


Turn Island Beach Campsite:

Beachfront campsites include two tent pads, picnic tables, fire ring, woodshed, and outhouse. Access is via Nemo Saltwater Access Trail.

Thoms Lake Trailhead:

Parking at roadside trailhead with access to 1.3 mile trail to Thoms Lake. The trail to the lake has an easy terrain and is surfaced. Once at the lake, the remaining 0.5 mile trail to the Thoms Lake Recreation Cabin is not surfaced or maintained, and is waterlogged and very muddy. This portion of the trail is moderate/difficult and waterproof boots are recommended.

Upper Salamander Creek Campsite:

Three campsites with a picnic table, fire ring, and an outhouse. Short trail to the creek. The site is accessible.


Google Earth File:

Click HERE to download a Google Earth file of the bicycle route. To view profile in Google Earth, right-click on the route in the ‘Places’ window and choose ‘Show Elevation Profile.’ Note: Trail route is approximate. Also, the imagery that Google uses is slightly shifted. Therefore, part of the route appears to be in the water.

Weather:

HERE is the official National Weather Service forecast for the trail location. To view the current FAA webcam image from Wrangell, click HERE.