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Mega-Will
country bumpkin



Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 655 | TRs | Pics
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Mega-Will
country bumpkin
PostFri Jan 02, 2015 3:02 am 
Bodenburg Butte Another hike with an exceptionally long season (early April through October most years), Bodenburg is quick and steep, good to include in a day exploring the Matanuska Valley, or as a destination in itself when weather or conditions make more substantial destinations unreasonably difficult. Though not very large, Bodenburg is in quite a unique position, an isolated fist of rock smack in the middle of the flat Knik / Matanuska River outwash plain, right in between the valley giants, Pioneer and Matanuska Peaks. The Knik River Valley is tucked into a fold on the leeward side of the Chugach Mountains and has a strong rainshadow effect. This has allowed sagebrush and aspen to take root in the deep loess on the southern side of the hill, where the trail ascends. This combined with farm fields, and the huge Knik Glacier in the near distance make for quite a unique, if short outing. There are two trails up the Butte. I recommend the southern one, which is on private land. There’s a small parking lot but the owners request a small donation. I recommend paying it because public access to private land is a rare gift. Round Trip: 1 mile. Elevation Gain: 800ft.
Bodenburg Butte
Bodenburg Butte
View from Bodenburg Butte, Palmer
View from Bodenburg Butte, Palmer
063 (5)
063 (5)
059 (9)
059 (9)
052 (5)
052 (5)
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051 (7)
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050 (8)
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048 (5)
045 (6)
045 (6)
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Bodenburg Butte (2)
Bodenburg Butte (2)
Bodenburg Butte (3)
Bodenburg Butte (3)
Bodenburg Butte Hike, Palmer
Bodenburg Butte Hike, Palmer
Bodenburg Butte, Knik Glacier
Bodenburg Butte, Knik Glacier
Bodenburg Butte, Palmer
Bodenburg Butte, Palmer
Bodenburg Butte
Bodenburg Butte

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Mega-Will
country bumpkin



Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 655 | TRs | Pics
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Mega-Will
country bumpkin
PostFri Jan 02, 2015 3:02 am 
Hatcher Pass Lots of short hikes and good winter wandering to do around here.
Hatcher Pass Trails
Hatcher Pass Trails
View from Hatcher Pass Road, Palmer
View from Hatcher Pass Road, Palmer
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Hatcher Pass Lodge, Palmer
Hatcher Pass Lodge, Palmer
Hatcher Pass Road
Hatcher Pass Road
Hatcher Pass, near Palmer
Hatcher Pass, near Palmer
Near Hatcher Pass, Palmer
Near Hatcher Pass, Palmer
Pioneer Peak from Lazy Mountain, Palmer
Pioneer Peak from Lazy Mountain, Palmer

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Mega-Will
country bumpkin



Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 655 | TRs | Pics
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Mega-Will
country bumpkin
PostFri Jan 02, 2015 3:03 am 
Knik River This is not at all a common hike, and can only be done during a short window in late winter, when days are long enough, and the Knik River is solidly frozen, allowing access. It was especially fun for me since I was able to do it literally from my cabin where I was living at the time, though it was a long hike, at about 18 miles round trip. For everybody else though, access for this hike is where Knik River Road crosses Hunter Creek. Walk down the creekbed until it intersects the main Knik River gravel bars, then just walk right up the river. I went as far as the recent terminal moraine, and the frozen lake in front of the glacier, studded with icebergs. It's truly an awesome spot, with the 4-mile wide face of this massive glacier staring you in the face with the high peaks of the inner Chugach beyond.
Knik Valley Winter Trails
Knik Valley Winter Trails
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113 (3)
113 (3)
104 (2)
104 (2)
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100 (3)
100 (3)
094
094

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Mega-Will
country bumpkin



Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 655 | TRs | Pics
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Mega-Will
country bumpkin
PostFri Jan 02, 2015 3:03 am 
Lazy Mountain This is a popular Mat-Su Valley Hike, just outside the town of Palmer. The old trail that I’m accustomed to is steep as hell, climbing 3,000 feet in 2 miles, and with a middle section much steeper than the rest. Worse, if it’s rained recently, the fine packed dirt that makes up the tread offers absolutely no traction. Fortunately, I think a new trail has been built by volunteers, though I haven’t had a chance to try it out yet. In any case, this hike offers an experience much like Mt. Pilchuck in Western Washington, with a view over icy mountainous wilderness in one direction, and the civilized Mat-Su Valley in the other. On a very clear day, the high, white mountains across Cook Inlet are also visible in the distance. This makes an excellent half day workout hike in dry conditions, with a south facing ridge offering snow-free hiking longer than most high country hikes in the region. As an added bonus, I’ve had quite a reaction from acquaintances in Palmer after returning from Lazy in December – “you just went WHERE?!” Round Trip: 4 miles. Elevation Gain: 2900 ft.
Matanuska Peak, Lazy Mountain
Matanuska Peak, Lazy Mountain
View up Knik River from Lazy Mountain
View up Knik River from Lazy Mountain
002 (7)
002 (7)
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007 (5)
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008 (4)
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017 (8)
Chugach peaks from Lazy Mountain
Chugach peaks from Lazy Mountain
018 (6)
018 (6)
From Lazy Mountain, near Palmer
From Lazy Mountain, near Palmer
Lazy Mountain Hike (4)
Lazy Mountain Hike (4)
Lazy Mountain Hike, Palmer (2)
Lazy Mountain Hike, Palmer (2)
View from Lazy Mountain
View from Lazy Mountain
Pioneer Peak from Lazy Mountain, Palmer (2)
Pioneer Peak from Lazy Mountain, Palmer (2)
Mt. Spurr and Palmer from Lazy Mountain
Mt. Spurr and Palmer from Lazy Mountain
Mt. Redoubt over Palmer, from Lazy Mountain
Mt. Redoubt over Palmer, from Lazy Mountain
Me at lonely picnic table, Lazy Mountain
Me at lonely picnic table, Lazy Mountain
Matanuska River from Lazy Mountain
Matanuska River from Lazy Mountain
Lazy Mountain Hike
Lazy Mountain Hike
Lazy Mountain Hike, Palmer
Lazy Mountain Hike, Palmer
Lazy Mountain Hike, Palmer (6)
Lazy Mountain Hike, Palmer (6)
Lazy Mountain Hike, Palmer (5)
Lazy Mountain Hike, Palmer (5)
Lazy Mountain Hike, Palmer (4)
Lazy Mountain Hike, Palmer (4)
Lazy Mountain Hike, Palmer (3)
Lazy Mountain Hike, Palmer (3)
Matanuska Peak The locals (ahem, me) know this as Byers Peak. It would be fair to call this hike the big brother of Lazy Mountain; both rise far above the east side of Palmer in the Matanuska Valley, and there’s actually an annual adventure race that combines the two in a great big loop. It is also, coincidently, the highest elevation marked route in the state (the fiberglass markers wedged between boulders near the summit could hardly be called a trail, but you take what you can get). Late in my first summer up here, I climbed up this summit one day on the pretense that it was best to work through a cold, that a good stiff climb would make me feel better. Well over a vertical mile of elevation gain later, I wasn’t so certain. My absolute immobility the next day confirmed my suspicion. All in all, just another spectacular alpine hike on the edge of suburbia and absolute wilderness. Round Trip: 10.4 miles. Elevation Gain: 5700 ft.
Palmer from Matanuska Peak
Palmer from Matanuska Peak
Lazy Mountain Hike (2)
Lazy Mountain Hike (2)
Lazy Mountain Hike (3)
Lazy Mountain Hike (3)
Matanuska Peak Hike, Palmer (2)
Matanuska Peak Hike, Palmer (2)
Matanuska Peak hike, Palmer (3)
Matanuska Peak hike, Palmer (3)
Matanuska Peak Hike, Palmer (4)
Matanuska Peak Hike, Palmer (4)
Matanuska Peak Hike, Palmer (5)
Matanuska Peak Hike, Palmer (5)
Matanuska Peak hike, Palmer (6)
Matanuska Peak hike, Palmer (6)
Matanuska Peak Hike, Palmer
Matanuska Peak Hike, Palmer
Matanuska Peak Hike
Matanuska Peak Hike

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Mega-Will
country bumpkin



Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 655 | TRs | Pics
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Mega-Will
country bumpkin
PostFri Jan 02, 2015 3:04 am 
Pioneer Peak At the top of this hike, you’ll find a view that goes well beyond what you’ll usually find in trail-accessible Alaska. The Knik River Valley cuts a deep and wide cleft in the western Chugach Mountains, and its upper reaches are occupied by the closest large glacier to Anchorage (and by large, I mean the ice age hasn’t ended there yet). Behind the glacier are the very remote inner peaks of the high Chugach, one of the snowiest places on the planet. You have to earn it though. Below brush line, the trail does switchback, but it’s definitely on the rough, eroded, and muddy side on this sun starved north facing slope. Once you hit brush line, the trail turns into a well used boot path and zips steeply up a side ridge. That’s alright though because the views are ever-improving from this point. Like a couple other Mat-Su area trails, there are even several picnic tables (!) from which to enjoy the views. Once the main ridge line is reached, a panorama of the roughest, iciest peaks in Chugach State Park competes for your attention. Of course, Palmer and the Mat-Su Valley is also visible down below, in the other direction. There’s no trail to either summit of Pioneer Peak itself, but the south summit is a highly recommended easy scramble – if you’ve still got any energy at this point. Round Trip: about 13 miles to peak, 8.6 miles to ridge. Elevation Gain: 6615 feet to peak, 5200 feet to ridge
Pioneer Ridge
Pioneer Ridge
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Knik Glacier, Pioneer Ridge Hike
Knik Glacier, Pioneer Ridge Hike
Pioneer Peak hike, Palmer
Pioneer Peak hike, Palmer
Pioneer Ridge Hike in October, Knik River
Pioneer Ridge Hike in October, Knik River
Pioneer Ridge Hike, Knik River (2)
Pioneer Ridge Hike, Knik River (2)
Pioneer Ridge Hike, Knik River
Pioneer Ridge Hike, Knik River
Pioneer Ridge Hike, Palmer (2)
Pioneer Ridge Hike, Palmer (2)
Pioneer Ridge Hike, Palmer (3)
Pioneer Ridge Hike, Palmer (3)
Pioneer Ridge Hike, Palmer
Pioneer Ridge Hike, Palmer
005
005
009 (8)
009 (8)

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Mega-Will
country bumpkin



Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 655 | TRs | Pics
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Mega-Will
country bumpkin
PostFri Jan 02, 2015 3:04 am 
Reed Lakes For years, Hatcher Pass was something like a secret, only 60 miles or so from Anchorage, the old mining road passes farm fields and homesteads and then through “the portal,” a narrow canyon along the Little Susitna River, and enters the Talkeetna Mountain Range, a surprising land of sparse Cottonwood groves in its lower valleys, vast tracts of alpine tundra in the middle elevations, and relatively short but jagged granitic peaks up high. In recent years, the paved road to Independence Mine Historical Site has greatly increased the traffic to these mountains, but the balance between gentle meadow country and jagged peaks invites exploration, and better summer weather in this transitional climate makes the Talkeetnas a personal favorite. A gravel road splits off the main route, over Hatcher Pass itself and eventually down to Willow, on the Parks Highway. The road over the pass, and the side road to Reed Lakes trailhead are usually open 4th of July through September. Reed Lakes specifically might be the most spectacular maintained trail in the Talkeetnas. The last quarter mile to the trailhead can be a bit much, so be prepared to park and walk. No matter, the beginning of the trail is on an old road anyway. Soon enough, you reach a dilapidated cabin and the footpath ascends the headwall, and then through a narrow boulder-strewn canyon to reach Lower Reed Lake, surrounded by beautiful alpine country, big granite boulders, and jagged spires. Upper Reed Lake fits the same description, but adds in a nice waterfall, and generally higher snowier country. One can actually make a cross country traverse over a high notch behind the lake, across a small glacier (crampons required – generally no problem with crevasses) and over another notch to pick up the Mint Glacier Trail and complete a loop to the road (well, a short hitchhike will be required). Though the Talkeetnas have some great trails like Reed Lakes and Mint Glacier, their real value lies in accessible cross country exploring and exceptional peak bagging. With care, most of the peaks here can be scrambled (no technical gear), but lots of mid-grade single and multi-pitch rock climbing is also around for those so inclined. Round Trip: 8.2 miles. Elevation Gain: 1900 feet.
Reed Lakes
Reed Lakes
Reed Lakes Hike
Reed Lakes Hike
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (10)
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (10)
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (9)
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (9)
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (8)
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (8)
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (7)
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (7)
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (6)
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (6)
Reed Lakes hike, Palmer (5)
Reed Lakes hike, Palmer (5)
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (4)
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (4)
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (3)
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (3)
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (2)
Reed Lakes Hike, Palmer (2)
Reed Lakes Hike (2)
Reed Lakes Hike (2)

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Mega-Will
country bumpkin



Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 655 | TRs | Pics
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Mega-Will
country bumpkin
PostFri Jan 02, 2015 3:05 am 
Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park
Download full resolution map here:
Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park
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301
Turnagain Arm (2)
Turnagain Arm (2)
Turnagain Arm (3)
Turnagain Arm (3)
Turnagain Arm, Seward Highway
Turnagain Arm, Seward Highway
Turnagain Arm
Turnagain Arm
Tordrillo Mountains across Cook Inlet
Tordrillo Mountains across Cook Inlet
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028
032 (3)
032 (3)
Neacola Mountains from Eagle River Viewpoint
Neacola Mountains from Eagle River Viewpoint
Mt. Spurr across Cook Inlet from Anchorage
Mt. Spurr across Cook Inlet from Anchorage
Mt. Russell from Eagle River viewpoint
Mt. Russell from Eagle River viewpoint
Mt. Foraker, from Road above Eagle River
Mt. Foraker, from Road above Eagle River
Kichatna Spires from Eagle River viewpoint (very surprized to see this)
Kichatna Spires from Eagle River viewpoint (very surprized to see this)
Eagle River Valley from end of road
Eagle River Valley from end of road
Eagle River Nature Center
Eagle River Nature Center
Eagle River Nature Center (3)
Eagle River Nature Center (3)
Eagle River Nature Center (2)
Eagle River Nature Center (2)
048 (2)
048 (2)
046 (3)
046 (3)
042 (3)
042 (3)
View from Glen Alps trailhead, Anchorage
View from Glen Alps trailhead, Anchorage
Anchorage from Earthquake Park
Anchorage from Earthquake Park
Anchorage
Anchorage
Denali from Anchorage
Denali from Anchorage
Glen Alps Trailhead, Anchorage
Glen Alps Trailhead, Anchorage
Road to Glen Alps Trailhead
Road to Glen Alps Trailhead

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Mega-Will
country bumpkin



Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 655 | TRs | Pics
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Mega-Will
country bumpkin
PostFri Jan 02, 2015 3:05 am 
Anchorage Front Range
Anchorage Front Range Detail
Anchorage Front Range Detail
Download full resolution map here:
Anchorage Front Range Detail
Anchorage Front Range Detail
Wolverine Peak This is another dayhike just behind Anchorage, which is quite popular, but not as crowded as Flattop – Anchorage’s Tiger Mountain. The trail to Wolverine starts at Prospect Heights Trailhead in suburban Anchorage. It follows the powerline trail and an old road for awhile, then shoots upward as a foot trail. When it reaches a side ridge, it’s above the trees and brush. The view from the top includes a beautiful angle on the Williwaw Lakes area and much of western Chugach State Park – as well as all of Anchorage. Round Trip: about 9 miles. Elevation Gain: 3400ft.
Wolverine Peak, Anchorage
Wolverine Peak, Anchorage
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031
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034
040
040
045 (2)
045 (2)
Achorage from the Chugach Range
Achorage from the Chugach Range
Baldy trail, Eagle River
Baldy trail, Eagle River
Hiking near Anchorage
Hiking near Anchorage
O'Malley Peak Hike, Anchorage
O'Malley Peak Hike, Anchorage
Wolverine Peak hike, Anchorage (2)
Wolverine Peak hike, Anchorage (2)
Wolverine Peak Hike, Anchorage
Wolverine Peak Hike, Anchorage
Wolverine Peak Hike
Wolverine Peak Hike
Rendezvous Peak Round Trip: 3.4 miles. Elevation Gain: 1500ft.
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074
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072
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409
Rabbit Lake Round Trip: 8.4 miles. Elevation Gain: 1300ft.
O’Malley Peak This is the most striking peak on the Chugach skyline from most locations in Anchorage, especially the Dimond area where it takes on a jagged, slumped Matterhorn-like form. This fact makes it rather odd that it didn’t receive a name more appropriate than that of the suburban street leading off in its direction… No matter though because it provides a really exceptional half day scramble, right on the outskirts of town. Through the wet meadows of Campbell Creek Valley, this hike shares a short portion with the Williwaw Lakes Trail, which looks likely to provide the best overnight or 3-day backpacking / peak bagging trip in the Chugach “front range” (the line of 5-6000 foot peaks right behind Anchorage). I haven’t been out that way yet though. Even better, this spot seems to really attract moose during the fall rut, and is often a great location to (carefully!) observe interesting moose behavior. Anyway, after splitting off the Williwaw Lakes trail, the O’Malley route climbs steeply up to the “ballfield,” a nearly flat tundra plateau. After crossing this, you’ve got to leave the established trail over some easy boulders, aiming for a wide scree gully that leads to the ridge west of O’Malley’s summit. From this vantage, the gully looks very steep, but it’s not really too bad (avoid in early season snow however). From the notch, pick your way up the ridge to the east, staying to the south of the jagged ridge line itself. After a couple false summits, you’ll find yourself on top, with a satisfyingly airy view down the cliff to the north. Round Trip: 8 miles. Elevation Gain: 3000ft.
O'Malley Peak
O'Malley Peak
Anchorage from O'Malley Peak
Anchorage from O'Malley Peak
Moose in Chugach Park
Moose in Chugach Park
Moose in Chugach State Park
Moose in Chugach State Park
O'Malley Peak (2)
O'Malley Peak (2)
O'Malley Peak (3)
O'Malley Peak (3)
O'Malley Peak Hike
O'Malley Peak Hike
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011
McHugh Peak Round Trip: about 6.8 miles. Elevation gain: about 4000ft. Just south of Anchorage sits a great (though very popular) trailhead on the shore of Turnagain Arm. This spot wouldn’t be so neat in mid-summer, but dry conditions, winter winds, and lots of spring sun give it a much longer snow free season than just about anywhere else in southcentral Alaska (early May – October). This route to McHugh Peak starts on the Rabbit Lake Trail. I’ve never been to Rabbit Lake from this side, though I have been up there from the Rabbit Creek Valley (lots of trails in this area). It’s a spectacular spot, though quite literally within sight of Anchorage. The rough path to McHugh though cuts off to the left up a scree field. If you watch where you’re going, this scree doesn’t get really laborious until near the top (scrambling up the righthand gully wall might offer some relief right at the top). Once on the ridge, some light scrambling alternating with weird high plateaus eventually lead you to the summit. I don’t think I’ve been all the way (this is something I should really remember…), but I’ve been close. The position right at the corner of this section of the Chugach Mountains gives spectacular views over Turnagain Arm to the Kenai Peninsula.
Turnagain Arm from McHugh Peak
Turnagain Arm from McHugh Peak
Anchorage from McHugh Peak
Anchorage from McHugh Peak
McHugh Peak Hike (2)
McHugh Peak Hike (2)
McHugh Peak Hike (4)
McHugh Peak Hike (4)
McHugh Peak hike, Anchorage (2)
McHugh Peak hike, Anchorage (2)
McHugh Peak hike, Anchorage (3)
McHugh Peak hike, Anchorage (3)
McHugh Peak hike, Anchorage
McHugh Peak hike, Anchorage
McHugh Peak hike, Turnagain Arm
McHugh Peak hike, Turnagain Arm
McHugh Peak hike
McHugh Peak hike
Mt. Spurr across Cook Inlet
Mt. Spurr across Cook Inlet
Parking lot from McHugh Peak hike
Parking lot from McHugh Peak hike

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Mega-Will
country bumpkin



Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 655 | TRs | Pics
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Mega-Will
country bumpkin
PostFri Jan 02, 2015 3:06 am 
Bird Ridge This hike provides an excellent workout, almost on the scale of something like Mailbox Peak near Seattle. It also has a longer season than most trails above treeline due to its exposure to winter winds, to spring sun, and to its low trailhead at sea level. Most years, it opens up in late April or so, and remains more or less snowfree through early October. Without the benefit of switchbacks, the trail climbs just over 3,000ft. in less than 2 miles, straight up from the shore of Turnagain Arm. The tread is mostly clear, though some rocky areas might initially confuse. Understandably, the views of the fjord-like inlet surrounded by mountains are quite spectacular. Like most hikes so close to Anchorage, this one is really popular on nice weekend days, especially among the uber fitness types (I’ve been passed by runners…). Most folks turn around where the hill eases off, or at the next photogenic ridge bump, but one can continue another 4 miles along the much mellower ridge, back to a small summit which overlooks much of Chugach State Park. Round Trip: 4 miles to high point. Elevation Gain: 3250ft.
Bird Ridge Trail
Bird Ridge Trail
Turnagain Arm from Bird Ridge
Turnagain Arm from Bird Ridge
053 (6)
053 (6)
054 (6)
054 (6)
060 (5)
060 (5)
265 (2)
265 (2)
Bird Ridge
Bird Ridge
Bird Ridge Hike
Bird Ridge Hike
Bird Ridge Hike, Anchorage
Bird Ridge Hike, Anchorage
Bird Ridge Hike (7)
Bird Ridge Hike (7)
Bird Ridge Hike (6)
Bird Ridge Hike (6)
Bird Ridge Hike (5)
Bird Ridge Hike (5)
Bird Ridge Hike (4)
Bird Ridge Hike (4)
Bird Ridge Hike (3)
Bird Ridge Hike (3)
Bird Ridge Hike (2)
Bird Ridge Hike (2)
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277
268 (2)
268 (2)
266 (2)
266 (2)

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Mega-Will
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Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 655 | TRs | Pics
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Mega-Will
country bumpkin
PostFri Jan 02, 2015 3:07 am 
Eagle River This is just the other end of the “historic Iditarod trail” over Crow Pass between Girdwood and Eagle River, but it makes a good low elevation shoulder season hike when the pass is impassable. The Eagle River Nature Center gets my vote for most spectacular view within 10 miles of a Walmart on the planet. They have some neat displays and some sort of educational program, but also charge a parking fee separate from the regular state parks fee. This irritates me more than it probably should. Anyway, there are several short interpretive trails near the road end, and the Eagle River Trail itself winds along, mostly flat for miles through the glacial canyon. Some of the walls in this area are really impressive and bring to mind a combination of the North Cascades and Canadian Rockies. There is some excellent intermediate mountaineering around here also for those so inclined. On the April day that these pictures were taken, I made it out to a spot called “The Perch” a rock outcrop about 4 miles from the trailhead. Much of the way, I hiked on the river gravel bars instead of the trail for better views. I also thrashed up through the brush to get a better view of the canyon. This is also the approach for some climbs in the area. Incidentally, I recommend doing the big Iditarod Trail traverse from this direction, since it puts the long valley walk at the beginning with climactic Crow Pass on the last day where it belongs. Round Trip: 8 miles to “The Perch” Elevation Gain: 500ft.
Eagle River
Eagle River
Polar Bear Peak, Eagle River hike
Polar Bear Peak, Eagle River hike
Eagle River Hike (2)
Eagle River Hike (2)
Eagle River Hike (3)
Eagle River Hike (3)
Eagle River Hike (4)
Eagle River Hike (4)
Eagle River Hike
Eagle River Hike
Crow Pass Here we’ve got a shortened Alaska version of the Haute Route, which comes in 3 flavors. Day hike the 4 miles to Crow Pass from the Girdwood side; backpack the whole 26 mile trail (with a relatively easy river ford) over the pass to Eagle River; or take the glacier route, staying at high mountain huts, to Eklutna Lake. So far, I’ve only done the day hike.  High forest, tundra, mountain lakes, an impressive glacier, you get the idea. This is Chugach State Park at its best. From the Girdwood side, there’s a couple trails – one to the right switchbacks and sidehills across scree, while the one to the left winds through some old mining junk before ascending more steeply to the pass. One benefit of the lower trail though is a very cool little waterfall canyon to explore. It’s worth the mining junk. Round Trip: 6.4 miles to pass. Elevation Gain: 2500ft. to pass. One way: about 25 miles to Eagle River Nature Center Elevation Gain: +3000 ft. -3900 ft.
Crow Pass Trail
Crow Pass Trail
Crow Pass hike, Girdwood (2)
Crow Pass hike, Girdwood (2)
Crow Pass Hike, Girdwood
Crow Pass Hike, Girdwood
Crow Pass Hike, Girdwood (6)
Crow Pass Hike, Girdwood (6)
Crow Pass Hike, Girdwood (5)
Crow Pass Hike, Girdwood (5)
Crow Pass Hike, Girdwood (4)
Crow Pass Hike, Girdwood (4)
Crow Pass Hike, Girdwood (3)
Crow Pass Hike, Girdwood (3)

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Mega-Will
country bumpkin



Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 655 | TRs | Pics
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Mega-Will
country bumpkin
PostFri Jan 02, 2015 3:07 am 
Eagle and Symphony Lakes This area, the south fork Eagle River Valley, offers a great opportunity for establishing a basecamp and heading off in several directions to bag some big, but non-technical peaks, or just to explore the beautiful alpine tundra and lake basins beneath the peaks. Like most mountainous areas in Alaska, the low northern treeline lends to vast areas of tundra, an environment that will be rather different and fascinating to someone coming from just about anywhere else. Here in fact, the trailhead is at the edge of subalpine surburbia. Strange… Also, the contrast between turquoise Eagle Lake and non-glacial Symphony Lake is interesting. The hike to Eagle Lake is about 5 miles, with a big old rockslide with loose talus to pick through at the end (looks like a moraine but it’s not). You’ll have to look a bit for a good campsite here, but the central location’s worth it. There’s a site just before the ridge steepens, and more down by Symphony Lake and near the far end of Eagle Lake. For peaks, you’ve got the relatively easy Triangle, and the harder Cantata just above the lakes. Then there’s Eagle Peak, so impressive from the Eagle River Nature Center, which is accessed up the valley beyond Eagle Lake, towards Flute Glacier. The lakes are a popular dayhike, but I’d highly recommend sticking around to enjoy the area, maybe my favorite in Chugach State Park. Round Trip: About 10 miles to Symphony Lake Elevation Gain: 950 ft.
Eagle, Symphony Lakes
Eagle, Symphony Lakes
Eagle Lake Hike
Eagle Lake Hike
Eagle Lake hike, Eagle River (2)
Eagle Lake hike, Eagle River (2)
Eagle Lake Hike, Eagle River (3)
Eagle Lake Hike, Eagle River (3)
Eagle Lake Hike, Eagle River (4)
Eagle Lake Hike, Eagle River (4)
Eagle Lake Hike, Eagle River (5)
Eagle Lake Hike, Eagle River (5)
Eagle Lake Hike, Eagle River (6)
Eagle Lake Hike, Eagle River (6)
Eagle Lake Hike, Eagle River (7)
Eagle Lake Hike, Eagle River (7)
Eagle Lake hike, Eagle River
Eagle Lake hike, Eagle River

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Mega-Will
country bumpkin



Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 655 | TRs | Pics
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Mega-Will
country bumpkin
PostFri Jan 02, 2015 3:07 am 
Harp Mountain Round Trip: about 3 miles. Elevation Gain: 2650 ft.
Harp Mountain
Harp Mountain
108 (3)
108 (3)
016
016
042
042
048
048
053
053
056
056
040
040
030 (2)
030 (2)
107 (5)
107 (5)
106 (5)
106 (5)
099 (4)
099 (4)
097 (3)
097 (3)
095 (6)
095 (6)
093 (6)
093 (6)
084 (2)
084 (2)
081
081
079
079
063
063

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Mega-Will
country bumpkin



Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 655 | TRs | Pics
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Mega-Will
country bumpkin
PostFri Jan 02, 2015 3:08 am 
Mile Hi Pass Round Trip: about 2 miles. Elevation Gain: 1200 ft.
Mile Hi Pass
Mile Hi Pass
013 (2)
013 (2)
016 (3)
016 (3)
017 (4)
017 (4)
022 (3)
022 (3)

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Mega-Will
country bumpkin



Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 655 | TRs | Pics
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Mega-Will
country bumpkin
PostFri Jan 02, 2015 3:08 am 
Mt. Magnificent / Significant This northwestern section of Chugach State Park, near Eagle River, offers some extraordinary meadowy ridge walks. This one is accessed by Mile Hi Road, one of the fascinating suburban streets that switchback steeply up the valley walls in Eagle River. The hike starts at a communications tower, leads to a subalpine pass, and then up onto the ridge, which you can follow for miles and miles if you wish, with only the faintest tread to help out. The wilderness/rural/suburban views of Eagle River Valley are spectacular, and the high mountains get more impressive as you make your way east along the ridge. Round Trip: 6.4 miles. Elevation Gain: 4000 ft.
Mt. Significan
Mt. Significan
014 (2)
014 (2)
003 (6)
003 (6)
004 (4)
004 (4)
007
007
012 (3)
012 (3)
Hiking near Eagle River (3)
Hiking near Eagle River (3)
Hiking above Eagle River
Hiking above Eagle River

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Mega-Will
country bumpkin



Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 655 | TRs | Pics
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Mega-Will
country bumpkin
PostFri Jan 02, 2015 3:09 am 
Twin Peaks The main trail here climbs steadily on an old road, offering great views of Eklutna Lake and the high peaks of Chugach State Park that surround it. From the park bench (…) viewpoint at a switchback however, a boot path heads straight up. I’ve come to really appreciate this path because of the southern exposure which makes it passable in early May. The path is extremely steep though for the first 1000 feet or so to the ridge. The climb up the ridge is steady and seemingly endless for those of us in early season condition, but pretty reasonable and with great views. A little scrambling leads to an unnamed summit on the ridge east of the jagged Twin Peaks themselves, far above Eklutna Lake. The view from here includes much of what can be seen from the Pioneer Peak trail, not quite as spectacular, but hikeable about two months earlier in the season. Eklutna Lake accesses many other backcountry destinations. Bikes can be ridden along the lakeshore trail (along with ATVs part of the week, Sunday through Wednesday I think) which leads all the way back to the rather luxurious Serenity Falls Hut. I’ve done the Bold Ridge Trail, about 5 miles down the lake, but again, can’t find my pictures… It’s a beautiful hike, I swear. Some excellent, tough, long scambles and mountaineering routes are also located back there. Check out the guide book. Round Trip: 5.5 miles. Elevation Gain: 4500 feet.
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks, Eklutna
Twin Peaks, Eklutna
007
007
010
010
020 (8)
020 (8)
041 (4)
041 (4)
Bold Peak, Eklutna Lake
Bold Peak, Eklutna Lake
Eklutna Lake hike (2)
Eklutna Lake hike (2)
Eklutna Lake Hike (3)
Eklutna Lake Hike (3)
Eklutna Lake Hike (4)
Eklutna Lake Hike (4)
Twin Peaks, Eklutna (2)
Twin Peaks, Eklutna (2)
Mountain near Eklutna
Mountain near Eklutna
Eklutna Lake Hike
Eklutna Lake Hike
Eklutna Lake Hike, between Anchorage and Palmer
Eklutna Lake Hike, between Anchorage and Palmer
Eklutna Lake Hike (12)
Eklutna Lake Hike (12)
Eklutna Lake hike (11)
Eklutna Lake hike (11)
Eklutna Lake Hike (10)
Eklutna Lake Hike (10)
Eklutna Lake Hike (9)
Eklutna Lake Hike (9)
Eklutna Lake hike (8)
Eklutna Lake hike (8)
Eklutna Lake hike (7)
Eklutna Lake hike (7)
Eklutna Lake hike (6)
Eklutna Lake hike (6)
Eklutna Lake Hike (5)
Eklutna Lake Hike (5)

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