Montana Creek State Recreation Site
Alaska’s Parks Highway Salmon Camp — 36 Wooded Sites at Milepost 96.6, King + Silver + Pink + Chum Salmon, 2 Hours North of Anchorage, Gateway to Talkeetna and Denali
Montana Creek State Recreation Site is a state recreation site at Milepost 96.6 of the George Parks Highway, near Willow, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska. The site features 36 wooded campsites for tents and RVs, premier salmon fishing for king (chinook), silver (coho), pink, and chum salmon, vault toilets and drinking water, paved walking/biking trails with highway underpasses, and a strategic location 2 hours north of Anchorage on the road to Talkeetna and Denali National Park.
Montana Creek is one of the most popular roadside fishing destinations on the George Parks Highway — a salmon-stacked creek where anglers pull king salmon, silver salmon, pink salmon, and chum salmon from the banks just steps from their campsite. The 36 wooded sites provide shelter from Alaska’s winds while keeping you within casting distance of the creek.
The site sits at Milepost 96.6 — roughly 2 hours north of Anchorage — making it an ideal overnight stop for travelers heading to Talkeetna (30 minutes north) or Denali National Park (3 hours north). Paved walking and biking trails with highway underpasses allow safe exploration beyond the campground. Drinking water and vault toilets are provided.
Fishing at Montana Creek
Montana Creek runs through the Susitna River drainage — one of Alaska’s most productive salmon watersheds. The creek provides seasonal runs of multiple species:
- King (Chinook) Salmon — late May through July
- Silver (Coho) Salmon — August through September
- Pink Salmon — July through August (even years strongest)
- Chum Salmon — July through August
- Rainbow Trout — year-round (catch-and-release recommended)
- Dolly Varden — year-round
- Arctic Grayling — spring through fall
Important: Always check Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) regulations for the Susitna River drainage (Unit 2) before fishing. Rules regarding salmon fishing vary by species, location, and season. Emergency orders can change regulations mid-season.
Things to Do
- Salmon fishing — king, silver, pink, chum from camp
- Trout and grayling fishing — rainbow, Dolly Varden, Arctic grayling
- Camping — 36 wooded sites, tents + RVs
- Paved biking/walking trails — highway underpasses
- Wildlife viewing — bears, moose, eagles (bear-proof food storage required)
- Scenic base camp — gateway to Talkeetna + Denali
- Picnicking — tables + fire rings
Camping Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sites | 36 wooded campsites — tents + RVs |
| Amenities | Vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings |
| Reservations | Available via montanacreekcampground.com (private operator) |
| Season | Mid-May through September (weather dependent) |
| Bears | Bear-proof food storage REQUIRED — active bear area |
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Milepost 96.6, George Parks Hwy, near Willow, AK |
| Region | Matanuska-Susitna Borough |
| From Anchorage | ~2 hours north |
| From Talkeetna | ~30 minutes north |
| Drainage | Susitna River — Montana Creek tributary |
| Trails | Paved walking/biking with highway underpasses |
| Managed By | Alaska State Parks (DNR) |
| Coordinates | 62.1045° N, 150.0593° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
What salmon can you catch at Montana Creek in Alaska?
Montana Creek at Milepost 96.6 of the Parks Highway near Willow, Alaska, supports king (chinook) salmon from late May through July, silver (coho) salmon from August through September, pink salmon from July through August, and chum salmon from July through August. Rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling are available year-round. Always check ADF&G regulations for the Susitna drainage before fishing — rules vary by species and season.
Is Montana Creek State Recreation Site a good base camp for Denali?
Montana Creek SRS makes an excellent base camp — it sits 2 hours north of Anchorage and about 3 hours south of Denali National Park on the George Parks Highway. Talkeetna is just 30 minutes further north. 36 wooded campsites with drinking water, vault toilets, fire rings, and salmon fishing directly from camp. Bear-proof food storage is required.
Last updated: May 2026
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