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| 123 |       Photos Map |
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| Last Updated: July 06, 2008 | ||
Difficulty |
Easy, no elevation gain. | |
Connects
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Twin
Peaks Bold Peak Valley Pepper Peak East Fork Trail |
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Miles
|
8 along the lake; another 5 to Eklutna Glacier-Total, 13 | |
Miles
from
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35 | |
General
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Chugach State Park | |
Season |
All year long (hike, cross country ski, snowshoe in winter) | |
Description |
Eklutna Lake, the
largest lake in the park, is the City of Anchorage's Reservoir. While
the trail is no more than an unused road, the lake is beautiful as well
as the surrounding landscape. It's a nice place to walk
around but if you really want to enjoy the area, bike it! This is
one of the all time great places to do it.
Many people use the lake to kayak and canoe (no motorboats-it's our drinking water!). In the winter, it's a great place to hike and cross country ski and if it's safe, many people walk on the lake. On the trail, great views pop in and out of the trees as you travel along the west side of the
lake. The trail then proceeds parallel to Eklutna river (but you
won't see it till the bridge). Past this, proceed to the end of the
trail where the fierce and milky current of Eklutna River feeds off the
glacier. |
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Important
|
It is extremely
dangerous to try and climb over the rocks to get close to the
glacier. Only experienced climbers should attempt it. It would be easier to climb up
the side of the mountain on the other side of the river. However,
the current is swift and icy. You can cross
the river if the water level is low enough, especially late in the
season. However, be aware that when you come
back the river may be at a higher level due to glacial melt. Know how to
ford a river before you
take the chance. Better yet, go to Search
Hikes for more accessible hikes to glaciers. On certain days, ATV bikes are allowed on the trail. Call for times if you want to actually do it or avoid them. There is a small cabin that rents bikes and kayaks if you're visiting from out of town. This is a really great recreation area and for people who are visiting and plan on camping, there is a state cabin for rent at mile 3 and mile12. Go here for reservation and availability. The cabin at mile 12 rents by the bunk and not by the entire cabin. If you don't want to share with strangers, don't rent here. In addition, a State campground exists at the trailhead on a first come, first serve basis. There are also some camp areas in back of the lake, one by the airstrip and one before mile 9. If you decide to stay over, you can bike the trail one day, hike Twin Peaks, Pepper Peak, or Bold Peak Valley the next, and rent a kayak the next day after that. |
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Etc. |
There is a $5 parking fee (bring exact
amount). The price for an annual parking pass 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. If you're heading back to Anchorage, take a quick side trip and visit the Native Russian Church and Cemetery. Continue straight after the bridge for a few miles instead of taking the left turn onto the Glenn Highway. Stay outside the fenced area and be respectful of the premises. If you're renting one of the cabins in winter, the best way to hike in is to buy a cheap plastic sled and carry your stuff on it. For details about how I built mine, go here. |
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