ALASKA’S NUGGET CREEK RUNWAY REHABILITATED IN COOPERATION WITH NPS
In July, the RAF continued cooperative work on Alaska’s Nugget Creek airstrip located near a US National Park Service public use cabin. “RAF Supporter Dave Cruz led a remarkable effort to bring Nugget Creek airstrip back to a safe and usable condition,” RAF Alaska Liaison Stef Goza said. Cruz and his crew drove 15 miles one-way up the rough and twisting trail hauling compact track loaders and UTVs to the strip. For two days they cleared turnarounds at both ends. They built up the runway crown to ensure proper drainage and graded the runway, leaving a firm, smooth surface well-suited for backcountry aircraft. “Something needed to be done to restore this amazing airstrip. Thanks to our collaboration with the National Park Service staff and an exceptional RAF supporter, it was,” Goza said.
The RAF interest in Nugget Creek began when RAF supporters and local pilots expressed safety concerns. The runway edges were overgrown, and harsh weather and use had caused ruts and washouts. RAF Alaska Liaison Al Clayton and Goza began meeting with NPS staff to discuss maintenance, and the rehabilitation project gained traction in early 2024.
Phase one was led by Christopher Wilcox, Chief of Maintenance for the Wrangell St Elias National Park and included brushing by NPS crews in mid-June. “Phase two was nothing short of exceptional,” Goza said.
“Thanks to Christopher Wilcox and the NPS brush-clearing crew, Dave Cruz and his team – including Lance Williamson, Mike Uher, and Mike Lackey – Nugget Creek remains a shining example of what’s possible when volunteers and land managers work together to preserve our backcountry airstrips. Thank you for ensuring this gateway to adventure remains safe and accessible,” Goza added.
To top off the project, on Sunday, July 13, Goza and her husband Randy, RAF Director Jeff Russell, Jim Stevenson, and Joe McDonough, all of Wisconsin; and Christina Young and Gerry Moriarty both of Alaska, flew six airplanes to Nugget Creek to see the completed project and to hang the RAF Supports This Airstrip sign.
Nugget Creek cabin lies at about 3,000 ft elevation and is a short walk from the strip. It offers four bunks, a wood stove, and what Goza calls, “jaw-dropping views of Mount Blackburn. From the cabin, adventurers can hike a trail that winds toward the Kuskulana Glacier, explore historic mining ruins, or simply sit on the porch and watch the evening light paint the Wrangell Mountains,” she added.
Nugget Creek does not appear on sectionals. Its coordinates are 61°37.28’N/143°42.59’W. It will soon be added to the Airfield Guide. It is approximately 18 nm east of Chitina, CXC which is on the Copper River.
Submitted July 31, 2025