[Movenhike]

Permafrost

Wickersham Dome T.H.

Summit Trail--White Mtns.

Vista from Wickersham Dome

Had some extra time and I was north of Fairbanks, AK. I drove up the Elliot Highway to Wickersham Dome trailhead which is also the White Mountains Summit Trail's start. I hiked about 1.5 miles up to a bald tunda-capped highpoint before the trail ducked into shady, snow-laden taiga forest. Views were outstanding, although the terrain was fairly tame, Kinda like the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Vistas included hundreds of square miles with hardly a trace of mankind. Temperature was 55 or so, and very breezy on the east-facing sides ridgetops. Ironic that there is generally more above treeline snow-free hiking north of Fairbanks, AK, than Washington State right now. Travel was easy in the tundras above treeline. Looked difficult in lower elevations due to swamps, snow, creeks, brush, ice flows, and permafrost-bogs. Permafrost is cool!

Tundra and Forest

White Mtns. --AK

Wickersham Dome

Alaska--Spring--2010 144

[Mega-Will]

[Movenhike]

Meganerd, - cool for the invite bro Unfortunately I'm tied up in Los Anchorage for the rest of my visit most likely I may hike around here again this weekend before I leave, but I'd understand if you don't want to leave Alaska and join me.

[Mega-Will]

Yeah, bad financial timing I'm afraid. Gotta say though that I've got no problem whatsoever with Anchorage - people say "20 minutes from Alaska" like it's an insult, but I can't think of anywhere in the world with the urban conveniences vs. outdoor recreation opportunities that Anchorage has. Not sure how familiar you are with the area, but the best snow free hiking to be had this time of year is probably from the McHugh Creek Trailhead, off the Seward Highway a few miles south of town. The Eagle River Valley, Turnagain Arm to Portage Lake, and Hatcher Pass north of Palmer are all highly recommended too. The hiking will likely be limited by snow but the scenery is fantastic.

[puzzlr]

[Movenhike]

Aww pardon if I sound like I'm doggin' ANC too much, It is spectacular. In the same vein as Salt Lake City, where I once lived- Urban amenities vs. outdoor opportunities I do love gettin' out into the hinterlands though!! Thanks for the leads on trails, I may scout out the McHugh suggestion tommorrow evening.

[El Puma]

Probably too late in the year, but when we lived in FAI, we drove up to Ester Dome quite a few times to watch the Aurora when it was forecast to be good (and the University people in FAI are the experts). It's undescribably awesome when it's -30, so clear and calm that you can hear them crackle!