Difficulty

Connects With

Miles One Way

Miles from
Anchorage

General Vicinity

Season

Description

The time I did this was as a pass through.  The next time I plan on blocking a lot of time to wander and explore.  Long Lake is definitely one of the nicest trails in the area and the solitude factor is a major plus for a trail so close to Anchorage.

The below was added on May 28, 2005:

I hiked into the valley on Friday, with the plan to stay till late Sunday afternoon exploring some of the peaks (Tanaina, Knoya, etc).  It was incredibly windy and and never stopped the full day I was there.  The next day, the wind still hadn't let up and a chill rain started to fall.  The peaks involve a lot of ridge walking so I decided to bag it and come home rather risk the narrow paths to the peaks .  Since the trail is very close to my home, I will return later this summer to get these peaks into the website.  

However, since I had to stay in the valley, it gave me a lot of time to walk around and it confirmed my analysis that this is a great spot in the Chugach's to get away from the crowds.  This was Memorial Day weekend and while I bet there were at least 10-20 tents in the Williwaw Valley, I was the only one in Canyon Creek.  Yeah, it was a bitch hauling my pack over Near Point but it was over soon and a lot easier than going back up to the Ramp at Ship Lake.  One thing that can get to you is the Alaska Mile, as it seems the lake is  a lot closer till you get to that ridge that it must be just over and instead there is another expanse of tundra to get over.

There are a lot of great sites with soft cushy tundra to put up your tent.  There are 3 small tarns if you don't want to be near Long Lake.  This is definitely an area to set up base camp.  Then explore the valley, the cirques, and the peaks for a few days.

Important Information

Stay on the north side of the lake when traveling through.

There is a small trail if you look carefully to get through the willow and other brush towards the bottom of the valley.  You may also stay toward the ridges to avoid serious bushwhacking.  Take your time and really look closely for the areas that will keep you on low and rocky scrub.  You will make your life easier if you diagonally go up Near Point.  Use the big boulder before the saddle as your guidepost.

Be sure you understand how to read a topo map for finding the way up Near Point to the trail.  I wasn't paying attention, missed the trail after getting to the first peak,  and had to do a lot of bushwhacking before I got back on track.  Start ascending after you see, hopefully (it could be dry), a small and rocky creek coming down the side of the mountain.

I did see a guy fishing at the lake but didn't stick around long enough to see how successful he was.  If you want to give it a shot, make sure you are educated about current fishing regulations for the area.

This valley and Williwaw can get very windy (a plus for avoiding mosquitoes).  Make sure your tent is secure and facing west.

Etc.

The Prospect Heights  Parking Lot  requires a $5 parking fee (bring exact amount).  The price for an annual parking is $40.  You can purchase a  pass at the Federal Building at 4th and F or the Atwood Building on 7th and E, 12th Floor.