Located at mile 169.5 on the west side of the Richardson Highway, this is one of the most highly used trails in the field office. The trail begins in a state highway gravel pit and continues westward approximately 8 miles towards the Gulkana Wild and Scenic River (WSR). Not only does this trail provide access to the Gulkana WSR, it also provides outstanding views of Paxson Lake and the surrounding hills. Primary use is motorized; however more people are beginning to hike along the trail as its condition has improved. Please respect all users of the trail.

Motorized travel within the Gulkana WSR corridor is limited to designated trails. Designated trails are marked on the ground with green dot carsonite markers. Undesignated trails are marked with red dot carsonite markers and are not open for motorized travel. This trail is within the State of Alaska Sourdough Controlled Use Area so motorized hunting restrictions apply.

The Middle Fork trail is located at milepost 169.5 of the Richardson Highway behind a State of Alaska gravel pit.