Hike to Heritage Falls, Icicle Creek and Beyond

View of Eagle River Above the Perch

Overview: The Historic Iditarod (aka Crow Pass) Trail which spans the Girdwood Valley to Eagle River is considered one of the best trails to hike in the Chugach mountain range because it offers such diversity including glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife. It’s not only a quintessential hiking/backpacking route but an historic portion of the Iditarod Trail that led from Seward to mines in the Interior. It was (reportedly) rebuilt in the 1970s with girl scout labor. This section of the Historic Iditarod Trail starts from the Eagle River Nature Center (ERNC) and makes for a versatile spring, early summer hike or overnight.

Driving directions to the ERNC: ERNC Driving Directions

Why I Like This Hike:

It's a lovely all-season hike (or overnight) suitable for most skill levels. You can make this trek as easy or challenging as you want. If you want a shorter less demanding hike, just make your end point Echo Bend (mile 3), the Perch (mile 4.0), Heritage Falls (mile 5.1) or Icicle Creek (mile 5.3). If you go all the way to Raven Creek or the head of the Eagle River valley, you will probably want to spend the night. Download a map with mileage and elevations (page 2) - Crow Pass or Historic Iditarod Trail Map (ERNC website.)

The Nitty Gritty:

This hike along the Historic Iditarod Trail starts from the Eagle River Nature Center (ERNC) parking lot. From the ERNC, the first section of trail meanders through the woods. At about mile 1.2 the hiker gets a first glimpse of the Eagle River below the "Rapids Camp." (There is a short trail down to the river opposite the Rapids Camp and also an established campsite.) In about three miles the trail meets up with the Eagle River at Echo Bend where it generally follows the river from this point forward. The trail once ran adjacent to the river around the "Perch" (Mile 4). However, due to erosion the trail has been rerouted above the "Perch" and outstanding views of the Eagle River can now be had from the high trail.

At Echo Bend the hiker may be able to alternate between river and trail depending on river level. However, after the Perch the trail is more direct than following the river, so stick to the trail until you reach the river roughly seven miles from the ERNC. Wildlife sightings (moose, sheep, goats and bear) are common along this trail section so be sure to bring some type of bear protection.

Once you've hiked about five miles on the well established trail from the ERNC, you will notice some camping spots near the river. At this point, look across the river, and you will see Heritage Falls. This is a great place for a lunch break. (Photo: View of Heritage Falls from Icicle Creek.)

In another quarter mile, you will arrive at Icicle Creek. Look upstream for the bridge to cross Icicle Creek and continue on the trail for approximately 1.5 miles to the Eagle River.

Bridge at Icicle Creek

After Icicle Creek, the trail crosses several small streams with rickety wooden bridges, one being Yakety Yak Creek (Mile 5.8). After these bridges the trail becomes more faint and can be difficult to follow. After the last bridge, you have several options. Take the turn to the left to stay on the main trail or continue straight ahead in the direction of the river for an alternate route up the valley. The trail to the river (at about mile 7) becomes very faint and overgrown from here in some spots. Just keep going until you reach the river. The river can usually be forded during spring/early summer about 1.5 miles beyond Icicle Creek.

Look for a spot where the river widens and the current is slower. The river is very dynamic, so you may need to look around for a suitable spot to safely cross. (River crossing video on Alaska Llamas Facebook page.) Be advised the water level may be too high to safely ford the river after early to mid May. If this is the case, the main trail is not far away and continues up valley (and ultimately to Girdwood.) There is camping at Twin Falls (Mile 8.1) and Thunder Gorge (Mile 10.3) and at Eagle Lake.