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 Glacier Hiking at Matanuska Glacier by Matyas | Tips on Alaska sports and recreation, posted by real travelers and Alaska locals. Map |
 | Alaska Sports Travel | Tips 1 - 10 of 27 |  |
This is one of my favorite day ski trips because Turnagain Pass often gets piles of new snow every week of the winter. Another feature that makes this area so idyllic is that motorized use is restricted to the other side of the highway so there is no competition for skiiers.
(NOTE: Please don't get the wrong idea - I love snowmachines - they are a blast to ride - but when you work all day to get somewhere on skis and have someone on a machine running circles around you with no effort it kinda takes the fun out of earning your tracks.)
Center Ridge divides Tincan Creek and Lyons Creek with large peaks and ridges on all sides. The route is a fairly gentle climb up to the ridge then a rolling ski out to it's terminus at the base of an unamed mountain on a connecting spine of Tincan Peak. The trip up is about 1200 feet of elevation gain with a round trip distance (depending on where you turn around) of 6-9 miles. No matter where you turn back or even if you just decide to ski the glades at the base of the ridge you will not forget this area.
From the parking area ski out to a bridge on your right to cross Tincan Creek. If there has been recent snow and no one has skiied it look for orange diamonds on the trees beyond here. These markers will lead you up through the pine trees to the base of the ridge. Get onto the ridge - do not traverse below it as there are several steep spots on both sides that could slide. Above treeline there are no markers so just follow the ridgetop as far as you want to go.
Again, I can't say enough about this spot. Check it out if you get the chance!
Make sure you have a pack with food, plenty of water and enough extra clothes. Plan for the worst weather not the best! Classic or backcountry X-C gear is the norm here although I have seen some people using telemark setups which will give you a few turns on the way down. 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: Turnagain Pass, AlaskaPhone: Weather and avy forecast:Directions: From Anchorage go south on the Seward Highway to milepost 68. Use the winter sports parking lot on the LEFT (east) side of the highway.Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/glacier/snow.html
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I have had many people ask me what time of year they should come ffishing for certain species so I have decided to post a fish run timing chart. This chart covers an area roughly from Talkeetna to Homer or about 2 hours North of Anchorage to 4 Hours South. It should give you a pretty good idea of what fish you should plan to target when you get to this region.
For more information on run timing in Alaska see the website listed below. Leave a Comment
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A great ski in to a fairly remote slice of the Chugach National Forest—
The trip to Juneau lake is only one leg of the 40 mile traverse from Cooper Landing to Hope, Alaska. This trail system is very popular with hikers and mountain bikers in the summer and makes a great ski/snowshoe (or snowmachine) trip in the winter. To avoid snowmachines and have plenty of light go after February 16th.
Highlights include great mountain scenery, wildlife viewing, good fishing and the 11 Forest Service Public Use Cabins spread along the trail. The cabins are in high demand year-round and require advance reservations but there are also plenty of great sites to pitch a tent. Cabin rentals are easiest during midweek when most people are working.
The Juneau Lake segment starts just outside Cooper Landing at the Ressurection Trailhead. It is roughly 11 miles to the cabin climbing through forest then emerging in a large valley. Watch for moose in the first section of trail as they are plentiful. Also, be careful at bridge crossings and narrow turns as footing can be a bit sloppy. And, be prepared for the possibility of high winds because once you are above the trees it is a wide open valley floor.
Bring plenty of warm clothes so you can get out of sweaty gear. Plenty of food to feed your internal fire. Bring a stove for cooking and melting drinking water. Remember you should still boil your water even though the snow LOOKS clean. Pull a sled loaded with some of your gear to get weight off of your back. Just remember not to over do it with gear- pack enough to be safe but not so much that it will be a burden on the 11 mile ski in. Leave a Comment Theme: Skiing/SnowboardingAddress: Ressurection Trail, AlaskaDirections: Drive south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway to the Sterling Highway cutoff. Head west to Cooper Landing. Trailhead is located at milepost 53.1 of the Sterling Highway.
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"Some of the best telemark skiing to be had on the Kenai Peninsula"
Manitoba Mountain is a backcountry ski area located an hour and a half south of Anchorage. It gets very little traffic and makes for a fantastic day out. One of the best features about Manitoba is it's relatively benine slopes. It is a safe place to ski and ride in ALMOST all conditions. (You should still practice safe mountain travel and carry avalanche safety gear and know how to use it.)
From the turnout ski downhill in a northerly direction where you will pick up the trail. Cross the bridge over Canyon Creek and continue along the trail onto the base of the mountain. It is about 2500 ft vertical from the parking area to the top. Don't feel the need to go all the way up? - the lower slopes are a lot of fun too. The whole mountain left to right is great terrain just be careful not to get down too low when you want your day to be over or you will find yourself climbing to get back to the trail home.
Great views of the surrounding peaks and some great turns on the way back to the car! Check it out—
Telemark or touring gear with skins, split snowboard with skins or snowshoes needed for the trek up. Carry extra clothes, food and water as well as shovel and avalanche tranceivers and know how to use them. Gear can be rented at REI or inexpensive used gear can be purchased at Play It Again Sports in Anchorage. Leave a Comment Theme: Skiing/SnowboardingAddress: Manitoba Mountain, AlaskaDirections: Head south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway to mile post 48. Look for tunout on left side of the road.
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Unlimited routes, easy access and miles of untracked snow - can't imagine a better way to spend a winter's day!
Hatcher Pass has many opportunities to explore for every ability and experience level. From 15 km of groomed ski tracks at Independence Mine to over a dozen peaks - snowboarders, skiiers sledders and snowmachiners all find plenty of snow to play on. This is truly one of the biggest meccas in southcentral Alaska for winter sports enthusiasts! Don't like to work for turns? There is even a 'run' called 16-mile that you can ski/snowboard then hitch back up to your car as well as a local snowcat skiing operation. Ask at the lodge for trails and activities advice.
As always if you are venturing on to steeper slopes be aware of avalanche potential, have safety gear and know how to use it. There are plenty of options that keep you off of these steep slopes so if you are new to the backcountry use easier lower angle areas for less stress and more fun.
Hatcher Pass is located about 60 road miles from downtown Anchorage and takes about an hour and a half to drive in the winter. There are two lodges at the pass and a few bed and breakfast places at the bottom of the road.
Even if you just take a drive up for the scenery - don't miss it.
If you need to rent gear in Anchorage try REI or to buy a cheap used setup try Play It Again Sports or just buy a sled at Walmart or Fred Meyer. There is a $5 day use parking fee or $40 year-long pass at the State Park. The annual pass is available at REI and most weekends near the lodge at Hatcher Pass. Leave a Comment Theme: Skiing/SnowboardingAddress: Hatcher Pass, AlaskaPhone: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parksDirections: Take the Glenn Highway north out of Anchorage through Palmer to milepost 49.5. Take a left on Fishook Road. 12-14 miles to roads end and plowed parking areas.Website: http://www.hatcherpasslodge.com Other Contact: http://www.motherlodelodge.com
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Since 1917, Alaskans have been betting on when the ice in the Nenana river will break up. A wooden structure is planted in the river ice and attached to a clock by a guy-wire. Guess the day and time and you can win $300,000!
Each guess will cost you $2.50, drop it in the red can and you are entered. Good Luck.
Visit the website, it is a lot of fun. Leave a Comment Theme: OtherAddress: NenanaDirections: Between the Highway bridge and the Railroad bridge.Website: nenanaakiceclassic.com Other Contact: classic@mtaonline.net
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There are lots of different guided tours at Matanuska Glacier for all. Can be great fun for families and for people who have no experience and prefer a guided trip. There are easy hikes doable for everybody and do not cost more than about 20 dollars, of course longer hikes are more expensive. Visit the website to find out more. Well, I'm not interested in visiting the Matanuska Glacier anymore.
One of the not too many places that I didn't like while in Alaska. It was too busy. If you're an experienced climber/hiker you'll probably know where to go for the best experience.
You don't have to bring anything beside money:)) Leave a Comment
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Well...Alaska is full of surprises. The weather can be cold or warm when you least expect it to be. Some of the visitors are amazed how hot it can be there during the summer and for some it comes a s a surprise the the summer nights can still drop the temperature close the zero (celcíus). So this state of surprises is sometimes difficult to estimate, especially when packing. But please, keep in mind, whenever and wherenever in Alaska you'll go, take water with you. There are many mountain creeks with pure water, there might be plenty of snow, but never trust it. Clean water might be your insurance if you'll get lost, if you are your travelling buddy gets hurt, your pet might need it...you never know.
I do prefer hydration pack. It is light to carry and easy to move with, even running and skiing goes. It has a storage for water and necessary stuff and that is sometimes very usuful. Don't please under estimate your water need even in Alaska.
I don't wanna sound negative, but even the most professional people tend to sometimes forgot this. I have seen people doing hikes in very humidity days without any water. I have saved one dog, when it got a stroke and the owner had no water for herself nor the dog. Leave a Comment Theme: Other
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Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is made up of a lot of lakes and a great system of canoe trails. You're able to either arrange a tour of this area which will supply you with the canoes/kayaks or you can bring your own. The Swan Lake canoe system, for example, takes you through like 20 lakes (and this is realitively small area when compared with the rest of Peninsula.) Another one nearby is the Swanson River Canoe System over a larger area which includes the river and 30 or so lakes. A great thing about this area is that it's prime brown bear habitat (maybe not great if you're scared of them, but great if you want to see them) and you don't have to hurry to do this. Roads that go up to these places have campsites on the way, trails to hike if you don't want to paddle anymore, fishing and towns not that far away. We'll be exploring these trails in depth next spring, but this Wildlife Refuge is absolutely beautiful and if you have the time, do it!
These river trails are long (both cover over 100 miles) and can take quite a bit of time, so bring everything you need to stay overnight, to protect yourself from bears, food (and a place to store it), and your own canoe, if you'd like. Of course, emergency gear, lifejackets and so on. Leave a Comment Theme: Kayaking/CanoeingAddress: Kenai National Wildlife RefugeDirections: Park HQ in Soldotna, Trails near Sterling.Website: http://kenai.fws.gov
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If you want to have fun...take a fishing trip on Millers Landing. If you hit it right, the salmon fishing can be great. Todd took the morning trip for 4 hours and caught a bunch!
You can bring your own pole or rent one of theirs. Leave a Comment
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