 Fisherman enjoy a healthy salmon run in Ship Creek by Gage17 | Tips on Anchorage sports and recreation, posted by real travelers and Anchorage locals. Anchorage Map |
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 Arctic to Indian - March 2004 by onebadcat
This is not a technical traverse but may require some route finding skills (if the weather goes bad) and a strong set of legs. The solitude and quiet of this area is only broken by birds and an occasional passing skier as no snowmachines are allowed here. The surounding ridges and peaks are beautiful and at your sides all day long. Most people will wait to tackle this trip until February or March so that temperatures and daylight are at a maximum. Pick a sunny day and wear layers so you can strip down if needed.
I would advise getting together with at least one friend for this traverse for safety and for company. Most people ski Arctic Valley to Indian instead of Indian to Arctic because it allows for a slow steady climb to Indian Pass then a QUICK drop down to the parking lot. I like to go this direction so I can have a few beers at the Brown Bear Saloon at days end. Whichever way you choose a vehicle should be arranged for both ends as this is a one-way ski.
Check with local ski clubs or post messages at AMH or REI to find a ride or partners.
Make sure you have a pack with food, plenty of water, possibly a flask of schnapps and enough extra clothes. Plan for the worst weather not the best! A compass and map would be a wise investment though if other skiers have broken trail not entirely necessary. Classic or backcountry X-C gear is the norm here although I have seen some people grunting through on telemark setups. If you need to rent gear in Anchorage try REI or to buy a cheap used setup try Play It Again Sports. Leave a Comment Theme: Skiing/SnowboardingAddress: Anchorage, AKDirections: Drive north on the Glenn Highway to Arctic Valley Road. Park before the ski area at a turnout. Second vehicle at Indian or pickup at Brown Bear Saloon 15 miles south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway.
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 Taking a Break on a Spring Ski
on Powerline by onebadcat
The reason this trail is called Powerline is obvious as you follow the power poles up into the valley. This is a very gradual climb in a wide open valley and is suitable for all experience levels. Some years the main trail is groomed others it isn't. Most days you will see at least one moose in the valley. A great spot to watch the late season rut!
About 15 minutes from downtown.
Make sure you have some extra clothes and water. This area gets a lot of wind so have a windbreaker to throw on if it picks up. Great for classic, backcountry or skating X-C gear. If you need to rent gear in Anchorage try REI or to buy a cheap used setup try Play It Again Sports.
Tire studs or 4WD may be necessary. $5 day use fee or $40 annual state park sticker available at REI and other contractors. Leave a Comment Theme: Skiing/SnowboardingAddress: Anchorage, AlaskaDirections: Head south on the Seward Highway. Exit at O'Malley. Go east 3.5 miles and turn right on Hillside Drive. Go left at Upper Huffman Road. Go right at Toilsome Hill Drive then 2 miles to Glen Alps Parking.Website: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach/
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 Late October on the Middle
Fork Loop by onebadcat
After a fresh snowfall this can be one of the best short skis within the city limits. Also a popular snowshoeing area.
Make sure you have some extra clothes and water. Great for classic or backcountry X-C gear. If you need to rent gear in Anchorage try REI or to buy a cheap used setup try Play It Again Sports.
$5 day use fee or $40 annual state park sticker available at REI and other contractors. Leave a Comment Theme: Skiing/SnowboardingAddress: Anchorage, AlaskaDirections: Head south on the Seward Highway. Exit at O'Malley. Go east 3.5 miles and veer left on Hillside Drive. Right on Upper O'Malley Drive. Left at Prospect Drive then 1 mile to Prospect Heights Parking.Website: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach/
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 Skiing to the Pass by onebadcat
This is a day ski from the Glen Alps trailhead to Ship Lake Pass (with the possibility of climbing The Wedge, The Ramp or skiing to Hidden Lake). It is a 12 mile round trip ski in a gorgeous part of Anchorage's wild backyard with many opportunities for viewing moose, ptarmagain and fox. Elevation gain on this trip is between 2000 and 3000 feet depending on your turn-around point.
Starting at Glen Alps parking lot you ski out to Powerline Trail. From here I usually like to drop down to a snow bridge and cross Campbell Creek. Start gaining elevation while you traverse SE down the valley. Eventually you will see a long gradual valley open up to your left. Start climbing. Hidden Lake is up in a tarn on your left, The Ramp is the peak at the end of the valley on your left, The Wedge is the peak up valley to your right and Ship Lake Pass is the saddle that connects the two peaks.
All your work on the way up is rewarded by an effortles glide back to the Powerline Trail. Even a few good turns in here if you are lucky!
Make sure you have a pack with food, plenty of water and enough extra clothes. Plan for the worst not the best - this area gets a lot of wind so watch the weather! Classic or backcountry X-C gear is the best here although telemark setups would work too. If you need to rent gear in Anchorage try REI or to buy a cheap used setup try Play It Again Sports. Skins would be helpful but are definitely not necessary.
Tire studs or 4WD may be necessary. $5 day use fee or $40 annual state park sticker available at REI and other contractors. Leave a Comment Theme: Skiing/SnowboardingAddress: Anchorage, AlaskaDirections: Head south on the Seward Highway. Exit at O'Malley. Go east 3.5 miles and turn right on Hillside Drive. Go left at Upper Huffman Road. Go right at Toilsome Hill Drive then 2 miles to Glen Alps Parking.Website: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach/
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 Top of Mount Magnificent by onebadcat
The hike starts in a residential area above Eagle River at a gravel turnout. From the 'parking area' follow the steep path through overgrown bushes up to an abandoned road. Follow this wide trail all the way to a flat area at an area known as 'mile hi pass'. There is a good lookout knoll up to your left with great berry picking in season. If you are hiking out to Mt Mag or Mt Sig follow the trail to your right and uphill to the ridge. From here you follow the ridgeline and the trail fades in and out of the tundra as you make your way to Mt Mag. You will go over two high points in the ridge before dropping down into a minor valley. From the depression stay left of the ridge and traverse a bit until you are below the true summit then go up to the top. (you will see a faint trail here to guide you) Don't forget to sign the summit register. To continue to Mt Significant you keep following the ridgelines up and down to a final climb to the summit. It is 4 miles to the climb up Mt Sig from Mt Mag. You should have a map for this part of the hike as there are intersecting ridges along the way that will steer you the wrong direction if taken.
Bring extra clothes, water and food. Wear good footwear as the trail is steep and rocky in palces. Weather can change fast in the mountains so have an extra jacket at the very least. Leave a Comment Theme: HikingAddress: Eagle River Area (North Anchorage Bowl), AlaskaDirections: Glenn Hwy N to Hiland Dr. Right off exit ramp, through Eagle River to intersection with Eagle River Rd. Right to a Y intersection at Mile Hi Rd. Left. Switchback (the road changes names) to a turnout with a sign 'No Parking Beyond Here'. Park.Website: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach/
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 The Sleeping Lady by mcpangie
Depends on the time of year that you visit and the activity that you want to do. In the winter the trail is groomed for cross-country skiing. The rest of the year the bike trail is a wonderful place to walk, run, roller-blade or bike along the Cook Inlet. At any given time you will see a variety of people using the trail for fun and exercise. Leave a Comment Theme: Biking
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 Hiking the Tony Knowles
Coastal Trail by Stephen-KarenConn
One afternoon I hiked about half of the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and thoroughly enjoyed the scenic views of Knik Arm, Cook Inlet, the city skyline, wildlife and late summer wildflowers. The web link below gives information and maps of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and two other popular Anchorage trails. Leave a Comment Theme: HikingDirections: The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail begins at the end of 2nd Avenue in Anchorage, circles the downtown area, goes through Earthquake Park and follows the coast for a total of 11 miles past Point Woronzof to Kincaid Park.Website: www.trailsofanchorage.com
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Anchorage has developed an extensive bike path system over the years. A highlight is the Coastal Trail which runs from downtown to Kincaid Park just south of the airport. Great vistas and an upclose look at the damage from the Good Friday earthquake as the trail runs thru Earthquake Park - a large chunk of land than fell away in 1964.
The trails are open to walkers and runners as well. They are fairly safe, but if walking I'd suggest you don't go alone thru the more heavily forested parts. Leave a Comment Theme: Biking
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 Race, year 2003 by spintobeccaLeave a Comment
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 by spintobeccaLeave a Comment
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