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When you've reached this part, the worst is over.  I met some really great people who hiked up the night before just to see the sunrise over Denali at this spot. Coming up the night before and camping on this flat area is a great way to start the trip.  The worst part will be over as well.  Nothing beats breakfast with Denali.  I was able to pick fresh blueberries right next to my tent for my morning oatmeal. You will cross Coal Creek and go around this hill. There is a huge chasm in front cut by the creek (see next Pic)

Made it To Ridge

First Part of Ridge I

First Night Camp 2004

First Part of Ridge II

First Part of Ridge III

The first part of the ridge has numerous gashes like this. The best views of Denali start right after you get around the hill. The perfect spot! I descended about 75 feet and had privacy to boot. I set my tent up right in front of this creek.  It looked lilke water going down a staircase. My camp is right below.  I thought I was at mile 10 but was way wrong.  8 mile divide is about a 1/4 mile further on the trail.

Creek Chasm

Denali 
on a Clear Day

First Night Camp 2003

Cascade

Mile 7 View

This is right after Stonehenge Hill.  You can't miss all the boulders.

The intersection to either continue or go down Ermine Trail is very close to here.

In a good mood despite getting caught in a storm.
 (Photo by B. Schwellinger)

This is an incredible section of rock, sand, and green.

Stock up with water if you haven't already.  Not many good sources till Skinny Lake.

Boulder Valley

Ermine Hill

Father and Son on Ermine Hill

Descending Ermine Hill

Ermine Lake

You'll see these rocks just before you start descending the mountain into the forest They seem so out of place but so cool. Rock Formation III Rock Formation IV Rock Formation V

Rock Formation I

Rock Formation II

Rock Formation III

Rock Formation IV

Rock Formation V

Rock Formation VI Rock Formation VII Rock Formation VIII Rock Formation IX Just past this you will swiftly descend into the forest below.

Rock Formation VI

Rock Formation VII

Rock Formation VIII

Rock Formation IX

Before the Descent

Pace yourself as the ascent is slow and winding and may seem like forever. Beautiful but not a lot of sites. My own private lake with a view of Denali to boot. Makes for a real nice mattress. When you see this you're back on top of the ridge after the forest.

Going Back Up

Skinny Lake

2nd Night 
Camp 2003

Tundra Scrub

Endless Tundra

All Below by Frank Baker
(with much appreciation by the Webmaster)

kr-fb1.jpg (21716 bytes) kr-fb2.jpg (17225 bytes) kr-fb3.jpg (35353 bytes)

Skinny Lake

Frank at Tarn Pt.

Dave at Troublesome Creek

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©Alaska Hike Search
-A Guide to Hiking in the Anchorage Area
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