Alaska Llamas & Outdoors Blog

This all-season hike is even doable during winter months... Why I Like This Hike:   This section of the Historic Iditarod Trail starts from the Eagle River Nature Center (ERNC) and makes for an enjoyable hike any time of  year especially in the winter after a fresh snowfall. The well-established trail is truly an all-season hike with potential for wildlife viewing and doable for all skill levels. Background : 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.  A bit of trivia not known by many is that this trail was rebuilt in the 1970s with girl scout labor. Moose on trail near ERNC How to Get There:   For driving directions to the trailhead at the ERNC go to the   ERNC Website .  Or Google Maps -  Directions to ERNC . Hike Description: This hike covers...

  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 great 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...

Why I Like this Hike:  With easy access right off the Glenn Highway, the improved two mile trail around Reflections Lake is more of a walk than a hike suitable for all skill levels making it an excellent choice for families with young children or those with physical disabilities. This hike which borders wetlands with a wildlife viewing tower can be done in all seasons. How to Get There:  Reflections Lake is located at the Knik River Access ramp just north of Palmer on the Glenn Highway.  Google Map - Reflections Lake When I stopped there recently, I was pleasantly surprised to see improvements made to the trail around the lake - bridges, interpretive signs and even a viewing tower. Reflections Lake was originally a gravel pit used for construction of the Glenn Highway. Through the years it became an informal shooting range and repository for abandoned vehicles and junk appliances. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation conducted a cleanup of the mostly lead ...

  Why I like this hike:   This versatile all-season trail goes through a gorgeous glacial valley and offers various hiking options. You can elect an easy hike of several miles or a rigorous eight mile (plus) trek to the Mint Glacier cabin. Depending on conditions, the first five or six miles can usually be done winter or summer and is suitable for most skill levels. This trail is a popular winter trek for those who ski or snowshoe. Driving Directions: (1) Glenn Highway Milepost 49.5, north on Palmer-Fishhook Road to Hatcher Pass (also called Hatcher Pass Road in the Hatcher Pass Management Area) 13.7 miles on the right; or (2) George Parks Highway Milepost 36.1, north on Trunk Road to Palmer-Fishhook Road, turn left (north) to Hatcher Pass (also called Hatcher Pass Road in the Hatcher Pass Management Area) 13.7 miles on the right. Google Driving Directions GOLD MINT PARKING AREA AND TRAILHEAD SOA-DNR Hatcher's Pass Brochure The Nitty Gritty: The trail follows the west ban...