Elena’s Hikes and Adventures
Sightseeing
This is a very loved local hike. There are switchbacks and Steep inclines, depending on the route you take. When hiking up you will go up a quick steep incline and the big route naturally turns you to the right, but there should be a sign off to the left side with a smaller path. For the easier switchbacks, take the trail off to the left behind the sign. for a steeper incline continue right, and then before you reach the tower take a left that is naturally in the trail. The two trails naturally bleed into each other throughout the hike, with the switchbacks taking you left and right all across the mountain face, sometimes crossing over the trail that goes mostly straight up. This hike is a really good moderate spot because the terrain varies in difficulty. Be cautious of mud closer to the end of summer, and make sure to bring spikes, crampons, or shoes with good traction in the winter. This hike gives a beautiful view of the valley and the coast. It is extremely unlikely to see a bear or moose on this trail (I have never seen either on the mountain) because of the incline, but always be prepared with an air horn or bear spray!
there is no parking lot, once you pass the last house on your right you will see lots of cars parked close to the right side of the mountain.
This hike will not make you lose service.
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Mt. Baldy Trailhead
12900 Golden Eagle DrThis is a very loved local hike. There are switchbacks and Steep inclines, depending on the route you take. When hiking up you will go up a quick steep incline and the big route naturally turns you to the right, but there should be a sign off to the left side with a smaller path. For the easier switchbacks, take the trail off to the left behind the sign. for a steeper incline continue right, and then before you reach the tower take a left that is naturally in the trail. The two trails naturally bleed into each other throughout the hike, with the switchbacks taking you left and right all across the mountain face, sometimes crossing over the trail that goes mostly straight up. This hike is a really good moderate spot because the terrain varies in difficulty. Be cautious of mud closer to the end of summer, and make sure to bring spikes, crampons, or shoes with good traction in the winter. This hike gives a beautiful view of the valley and the coast. It is extremely unlikely to see a bear or moose on this trail (I have never seen either on the mountain) because of the incline, but always be prepared with an air horn or bear spray!
there is no parking lot, once you pass the last house on your right you will see lots of cars parked close to the right side of the mountain.
This hike will not make you lose service.
Also known as South Fork Falls, this hike is more of a short walk to a waterfall. This hike can be found by driving up Highland road, a windy rollarcoaster-like road (be cautious of the locals who often drive way over the speed limit). Parking can be difficult because it is at the end of a dead-end street. The trail starts by taking you Naturally down and to the left to a bridge. you can continue on the normal trail crossing the bridge and following the trail until it naturally turns you right and to a lookout of the waterfall, or before you cross the bridge there should be a little trail to the right that takes you up close to the waterfall. highly recommend bringing tractioned shoes and like always, some form of noise makers and bear spray.
while you shouldn't lose service at this hike, connection may be very spotty/ be prepared to not have service
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Barbara Falls Drive
Barbara Falls DriveAlso known as South Fork Falls, this hike is more of a short walk to a waterfall. This hike can be found by driving up Highland road, a windy rollarcoaster-like road (be cautious of the locals who often drive way over the speed limit). Parking can be difficult because it is at the end of a dead-end street. The trail starts by taking you Naturally down and to the left to a bridge. you can continue on the normal trail crossing the bridge and following the trail until it naturally turns you right and to a lookout of the waterfall, or before you cross the bridge there should be a little trail to the right that takes you up close to the waterfall. highly recommend bringing tractioned shoes and like always, some form of noise makers and bear spray.
while you shouldn't lose service at this hike, connection may be very spotty/ be prepared to not have service
This trailhead can be found by going to the South Fork Valley trailhead. This trailhead starts many different hikes. To make it all the way back to the lakes can take depending on the hikers, 3-6 hours roundtrip. the trail is rather flat with some incline and decline. It is very similar to traversing. There is a lovely bridge around halfway that has gorgeous views. Follow the trail into the valley and over a patch of Rocks and stones. If you come closer to the end of summer you can find blueberries at the lake. Be extra cautious as going into the valley will give you a likelier chance of seeing wildlife, but seeing dangerous animals like bears and moose are still pretty unlikely. Always carry bear spray. This hike will very likely make you lose service, depending on your service company.
Symphony Lake
This trailhead can be found by going to the South Fork Valley trailhead. This trailhead starts many different hikes. To make it all the way back to the lakes can take depending on the hikers, 3-6 hours roundtrip. the trail is rather flat with some incline and decline. It is very similar to traversing. There is a lovely bridge around halfway that has gorgeous views. Follow the trail into the valley and over a patch of Rocks and stones. If you come closer to the end of summer you can find blueberries at the lake. Be extra cautious as going into the valley will give you a likelier chance of seeing wildlife, but seeing dangerous animals like bears and moose are still pretty unlikely. Always carry bear spray. This hike will very likely make you lose service, depending on your service company.
This hike is an extension of hiking Mount Baldy. For more experienced hikers, once you summit baldy, continue traversing the top of the mountain. the views of the valley are beautiful. There is a high chance you will be in the wind at this point so dress prepared. You should continue straight back to the peaks that are closest and a trail should be generally visible the whole way. The peaks can get pretty steep, and extra windy. You should prepare snacks and water for this hike. It will likely triple your overall time after summiting baldy. The hike ends as a dead end, you leave the way you came. the likeliness of encountering bear and moose up here is very very small, but always bring bear spray or airhorns to protect yourself.
Black Tail Rocks
This hike is an extension of hiking Mount Baldy. For more experienced hikers, once you summit baldy, continue traversing the top of the mountain. the views of the valley are beautiful. There is a high chance you will be in the wind at this point so dress prepared. You should continue straight back to the peaks that are closest and a trail should be generally visible the whole way. The peaks can get pretty steep, and extra windy. You should prepare snacks and water for this hike. It will likely triple your overall time after summiting baldy. The hike ends as a dead end, you leave the way you came. the likeliness of encountering bear and moose up here is very very small, but always bring bear spray or airhorns to protect yourself.
Often referred to as the "Saddle" this hike is a moderate incline through the woods until you reach the top where there is an opening. you can then choose to hike one of the two peaks to the right or left. The more popular of the two with a better-established path is the right. Once you pass through the saddle to one of the two peaks the trail becomes much more inclined. you're unlikely to see big animals on this trail
Mile High Trailhead
Brownie DriveOften referred to as the "Saddle" this hike is a moderate incline through the woods until you reach the top where there is an opening. you can then choose to hike one of the two peaks to the right or left. The more popular of the two with a better-established path is the right. Once you pass through the saddle to one of the two peaks the trail becomes much more inclined. you're unlikely to see big animals on this trail
There are so many hikes, rock climbs, and spots for sightseeing at the nature center in the valley. There are maps for each trail and a Nature Center info center. There is a parking lot for this hike. You will likely lose service by the time you reach parking, and will not have any for any hike you choose
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Eagle River Nature Center
32750 Eagle River RdThere are so many hikes, rock climbs, and spots for sightseeing at the nature center in the valley. There are maps for each trail and a Nature Center info center. There is a parking lot for this hike. You will likely lose service by the time you reach parking, and will not have any for any hike you choose
Similar to the Nature Center, this trailhead actually leads to many different trails, the main trail being symphony lake. South Fork has a parking lot, but no service. The road to South Fork is very dramatic, so be extremely cautious in the winter as black ice is very dangerous. The hikes from this trailhead are all shown on a map, and take you through all parts of the valley. Animals are more likely here than other local spots, but still not often seen. you should prepare snacks and water for all of these hikes as they can be rather long
8 ντόπιοι το προτείνουν
Eagle/Symphony Lake Trail Head
West River DriveSimilar to the Nature Center, this trailhead actually leads to many different trails, the main trail being symphony lake. South Fork has a parking lot, but no service. The road to South Fork is very dramatic, so be extremely cautious in the winter as black ice is very dangerous. The hikes from this trailhead are all shown on a map, and take you through all parts of the valley. Animals are more likely here than other local spots, but still not often seen. you should prepare snacks and water for all of these hikes as they can be rather long
This mine is in Hatcher Pass. you are able to see and walk through the miners' buildings and housing up in the mountains. The road to the mine is a sightseeing experience as well. The mine has many hiking trails nearby and is a great way to learn some of Alaska's history. Hatcher Pass does have spotty service, some spots have full service and others have none so come prepared.
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Independence Mine State Historical Park
23264 Gold Cord RdThis mine is in Hatcher Pass. you are able to see and walk through the miners' buildings and housing up in the mountains. The road to the mine is a sightseeing experience as well. The mine has many hiking trails nearby and is a great way to learn some of Alaska's history. Hatcher Pass does have spotty service, some spots have full service and others have none so come prepared.
Whittier is a tiny town off the road from Turnagain Arm. The entire town lives in one big apartment complex. The town hosts lots of local shops, restaurants, and many cruise ships port here. There are lots of smaller wildlife cruises that will take you up close to see glaciers, whales, and other sea life. Take a trip through the train tunnel, a 2.5-mile tunnel under the mountain that separates Whittier from the rest of Alaska, a one-of-a-kind experience. Be time cautious with the tunnel, there is only one lane, and cars on both sides of the mountain take turns in 15-minute intervals. Be sure to be on time! And don't stay too long, the tunnel closes typically around 11, don't be late or you may get stuck for the night! This town may be small, but it is rich with Alaskan history and adventures.
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Whittier
Whittier is a tiny town off the road from Turnagain Arm. The entire town lives in one big apartment complex. The town hosts lots of local shops, restaurants, and many cruise ships port here. There are lots of smaller wildlife cruises that will take you up close to see glaciers, whales, and other sea life. Take a trip through the train tunnel, a 2.5-mile tunnel under the mountain that separates Whittier from the rest of Alaska, a one-of-a-kind experience. Be time cautious with the tunnel, there is only one lane, and cars on both sides of the mountain take turns in 15-minute intervals. Be sure to be on time! And don't stay too long, the tunnel closes typically around 11, don't be late or you may get stuck for the night! This town may be small, but it is rich with Alaskan history and adventures.
This hike is in Whittier, and is the only way to see the Portage glacier up close without taking a small cruise. The hike takes you up to the summit at a small pond, where you can view both the glacier and the town at once, and then continues back down to sea level where you can stop at a rocky beach and view the glacier. Often travelers get to see pieces of fallen glacial ice floating by on the beach. On a hot summer day, the water is the perfect way to cool down before the hike back, so don't be afraid to take a dip! Polar plunge!
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Portage Pass Trail
Portage Pass TrailThis hike is in Whittier, and is the only way to see the Portage glacier up close without taking a small cruise. The hike takes you up to the summit at a small pond, where you can view both the glacier and the town at once, and then continues back down to sea level where you can stop at a rocky beach and view the glacier. Often travelers get to see pieces of fallen glacial ice floating by on the beach. On a hot summer day, the water is the perfect way to cool down before the hike back, so don't be afraid to take a dip! Polar plunge!
The Butte in Palmer is a perfect easy hike for beginners. There are a few different trailheads, one with stairs, which the hike is famous for. This hike offers an outstanding view of the mountains and valley.
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The Butte Trailhead
The Butte in Palmer is a perfect easy hike for beginners. There are a few different trailheads, one with stairs, which the hike is famous for. This hike offers an outstanding view of the mountains and valley.
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Moose safety
You are more likely to see moose than bear, especially in early spring when moms have their babies. DO NOT get between a mother and her baby. They often have 1-2 calves and are extremely protective. In spring they often stay in neighborhoods to avoid bears. You may see them standing or walking across the street. If you encounter a moose on the trail or off, back away slowly. they are normally calm. If it starts to act angry, look for ears, fur, breathing, and stomping, HIDE. get behind a car, a tree, etc. It is best to get out of the area so they calm down, and unlikely you'll outrun them.
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Black Bears
Often when seeing these bears you may mistake them for a big dog. If you notice a bear on the trail before it notices you start cautiously going the opposite direction. Always be loud so you don't surprise them. NEVER run, it will trigger hunting instincts and they will chase you. Do not climb trees. They can follow you. If they notice you, hold your ground and get loud and big. Black bears often leave you unbothered. You're more likely to see a Black bear than any other. Don't initiate a fight, but if attacked fight back. Hit nose and eyes. Carry bear spray.
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Brown Bears
These bears are bigger than black bears by a few hundred pounds. They have a humpback because they dig. Follow the same rules as a black bear except fight back. Make yourself big and loud, but If a brown bear gets curious and comes to investigate, play dead (lay on stomach or on knees) on the ground and cover your neck and other sensitive parts. They may sniff at you, but usually go away. If a brown bear charges you, it is likely to scare you, but be cautious. Use bear spray. NEVER RUN FROM A BEAR
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Polar Bears
You will not see these bears this far south in Alaska. If you choose to travel close to the arctic circle you may. In cities in the arctic circle where Polar bears live, there are laws like keeping cars unlocked so someone can escape a bear if needed. Polar bears are very smart and hide their noses in the snow. You are extremely unlikely to survive a polar bear attack or encounter as they often notice you before you see them. If you travel to the Arctic circle be sure to pay attention to safety laws and regulations there. But you will NOT see these bears this far south.
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Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis is only seen in the winter months. The higher north you travel, the more likely you are to see these lights. They are visible from Eagle River in winter nights, but are not as clear as higher north. They do not come out every night, and are sometimes hard to see because of clouds, so find a clear spot to see these lights and stay in the winter.