Thunder Bird Falls Trail

Thunder Bird Falls Trail Head
By Amanda Henry

The Thunder Bird Falls Trailhead is a 1 mile trail located off of the Glenn Highway in Chugiak, Alaska. It’s an easy trail with an elevation gain of 175 Feet. Children are welcome on the trail and will find the information markers at the first deck to be fun and educational. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash. There are steep cliffs along the side of the trail overlooking Eklutna Canyon, so children and dogs should be closely watched. From the final upper deck, you can view the 200 foot high Thunder Bird Falls, which often freeze during the Winter. This trail is along a subdivision, please be respectful of private property.


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Categories: Alaska, Anchorage-area hikes, Easy Hikes, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Lazy Mountain Trail Head – Palmer, AK


Lazy Mountain Trailhead – Palmer, Alaska
By Amanda Henry

The Lazy Mountain Trail Head over looking Palmer, Alaska is a 7 mile point to point trail connecting to the Matanuska Peak Trail. This trail has multiple points and its elevation gain is 3,120 ft. It is a strenous, dirt hike that is accessible from May until October and has rocks, various sizes of logs, and trails are surrounded by lush vegetation. Suggested for children 10 and up. The trail is dog friendly on a leash as there are steep drops off of the trail. Running on the trail is not suggested as it can become muddy and slippery. Parking in the trail head lot is $3.00 or a pass may be purchased for $30.00.


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Categories: Mat-Su Borough Area Hikes, Strenous Hilkes | Leave a comment

Power Line Pass


Power Line Pass Trail is a moderate trail that is a very rocky, single track gravel road that is 6 miles long to the top of the pass. It is a moderate hike that starts off as a gradual mile long downhill that leads to a flat trail with a middle section of rolling hills and two small creeks. The final portion of the trail is tough 1 ½ miles of rock covered uphill that progressively gets steeper to the top of the pass.
• The Power Line Pass Trail is located at the Glen Alps Trailhead in the Chugach State Park in Anchorage.
• Trail is a rocky, 6 mile long single track with a steep decline at the beginning and a steep incline to the top of the pass.
• Strollers not recommended. Dogs OK.
• Strenuous Hike
• This hike is considered moderate.


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Eklutna Lake Trail Map


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Eklutna Lake Trail

By Amanda Henry

Eklutna Lake Trail Is a very easy hike with a wide road that is stroller and pet friendly. Perfect for groups as the road allows for a lot of traffic. Great for all ages with beautiful views of Eklutna Lake and the Chugach Mountains.

• The Eklutna Lake Trail is located at Mile 26 off of the Glenn Hwy. Follow the signs 10 miles to the trail.
• Distance is 12 miles.
• Trail roads are flat and wide. Strollers and Dogs welcome.
• This hike is not considered strenuous.
• This is an easy hike.


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Peters Creek Trail

 

By Amanda Rose Henry

I took an early morning 5 mile hike on the Peter’s Creek Trail near my home and this trail was easier to hike. Still a moderate trail but, a great hike for everyone. Mostly flat for 5 miles with some steep, muddy areas and a few unabridged stream crossings. Trail is unmarked and goes on 11 miles to a tree line and open area.

  • The Peter’s Creek Trail is located on Malcolm Drive off the Old Glenn Hwy at the Peter’s Creek exit. No parking available.
  • Distance is 5 miles to the end of an abandoned road. Trail continues for 11 miles.
  • Trails are mostly flat and unmarked with steep, muddy areas and unabridged stream crossings. Trekking poles recommended.
  • The hike is not considered strenuous.
  • This is a moderate hike.
Categories: Anchorage-area hikes, Moderate Hikes | Tags: , , , | 3 Comments

Bird Ridge – Bird Creek, Alaska

By Amanda Rose Henry


On my first hike of the season, I chose to hike Bird Ridge, a steep, winding trail climbing to a 3,200 ft high peak in the Chugach Mountains. The trail is mostly steep and rocky with some flat spots. Going up the trail is a bit tough if you have respiratory trouble and I suggest bringing trekking poles. I brought ice grippers with me, but as I started up the trail, I found they were not needed as the trail was dry. I hiked midway, which took me 55 minutes and descending the climb was somewhat fast, about a 25 minute descent. The hike gains 1,500 ft of elevation and has incredible scenery. It is not recommended for children under 8 years old or for those with chronic respiratory problems/asthma. Layers are recommended, but should not be made of cotton. Trails range from wide to narrow at various points. A great climb for those who would like an incredible workout with amazing scenery.

  • Bird Ridge is located on the Seward Highway in the Chugach State Park before Bird Creek.
  • The hike, at its summit, is 3,200 ft high with an elevation of 1,500 ft.
  • The hike is quite steep making it suitable for kids 8 years old and up. Trekking poles are recommended.
  • The hike is strenuous and not recommended for those with respiratory problems or those with back injuries or knee injuries. The climb is steep with a fast descent.
  • This hike rates as moderate.
Categories: Anchorage-area hikes, Moderate Hikes | Tags: , , , , , , | 4 Comments