Anchorage Hiking Trails Denali Hiking Trails Seward Hiking Trails Homer Hiking Trails ... Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. 2-5 day small ship explorations. The large deck and huge yard and fire pit all situated to take full advantage of this rare mountain and inlet views. Scooting up the mountain from Bear Valley trailhead. The neighborhood is a popular access point for Chugach State Park. In 2016, a large wildfire tore throughportions of the McHugh Creek drainage, leaving a striking landscape of brilliantly-colored orange and green mosses between the charred, fire-sculpted trunks of burned trees. After about a mile, turn right on Whaley. The peak affords some fantastic views of the surrounding area. The North Ridge Route, starting at the Honey Bear Trailhead at the top of Honey Bear Lane in Bear Valley, is a fun Class 2 ridge walk with 2,300 feet of elevation gain and excellent views over Anchorage and across the inlet. Drive the Seward Highway to the McHugh Creek parking area. Take Clark’s Road off of Rabbit Lakes, then follow the Bear Valley switchbacks up to the trailhead. Description. The Rabbit Lake trail uncoils a little into multiple paths, though it remains easy to follow. Just follow the ridge west to the summit of McHugh. From the summit either retrace your steps or drop off the ridge to the south for a cross-country downhill to the McHugh Lake Trail. The creek is generally low and easy to cross. Rent a car and travel independently on a set itinerary, with lodging and tours booked in advance. To reach the trailhead, drive east on Rabbit Creek Road (this road is the last exit from the Seward Highway as it leaves the south end of Anchorage). Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. The Anchorage Park Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity, to support local parks and trails in partnership with the Municipality of Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department. Holding your right hand out in front of you, palm facing away, Anchorage is … McHugh/Bear Valley: A relatively new trailhead in Bear Valley provides access to McHugh Peak’s long ridgelines without driving down to Turnagain Arm, and without climbing from sea level. Unfortunately, the most difficult thing about this route is parking: due to questionable city planning the cul-de-sac trailhead only has spots for five cars, parked tightly between two signs. Hikers determined to follow the crest of the ridge may find some adventurous Class 3 scrambling, but steeper sections are generally easily avoided by moving onto the north side of the ridgeline. More…. Follow the trail or strike out and find your own way up to Point 3,200. Difficulty: Class 2s4. See Alaska's highlights by railroad or motorcoach in a group of up to 50, Travel in small groups, stay at exclusive wilderness lodges, and spend more time outdoors, All-inclusive multi-day vacation packages at a remote wilderness lodge, Travel with a professional photographer to the best photo locations around the state, Trips range from backpacking, rafting, to upscale remote lodge retreats, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. At roughly the 2.5 mile mark, the Rabbit Lake trail reaches a high point below Ptarmigan Peak and then begins to descend slightly into the upper valley. This ridge is well-traveled and there is an informal trail running along it most of the way. Looking down the east ridge of McHugh Peak toward Rabbit Lake and the Suicide Peaks. Free personal GPS–driven travel guide to Alaska. However, in 2015 residents Frank and Oksana Pugh erected a large metal gate topped with barbed wire to block public use of the trail. More Information. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. But if you’re hoping to score a prime parking spot, this trailhead is best tackled on weekdays or in the off-season. Brett Woelber on the summit of Ptarmigan Peak, with the west ridge of McHugh Peak rising out of the clouds in the background. I grew up in Alaska and currently live in Anchorage. The Alaska Railroad is your transportation method. If you asked people what the largest cities in the US are, few would guess Anchorage. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Turn left (northwest) onto the Turnagain Arm Trail and follow it about a third of a mile to the signed cutoff for the McHugh Lake Trail. ), but it is an official parking area. April. Summer is … Local favorites for half-day hikes include Bloods Ridge and Inspiration Point. Pine Valley is situated 2 miles northeast of Bear Valley Trailhead… On the other side, strike out across the open tundra and climb any of the slopes arcing upward toward McHugh Peak. You are under no obligation to speak with anyone on a public easement, and use of a public easement is not trespass. After a third of a mile from the parking lot, the trail enters open tundra. Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Chugach National Forest Points of Interest. Though it is possible to bushwack across the valley toward McHugh at any point, the brush thins substantially in the upper valley and the Rabbit Creek ravine becomes shallower. Those with experience at a rock gym might wonder what all the fuss is about, but caution would still be wise. From the trailhead it beelines up the valley, staying a few hundred feet below brush line and only wobbling slightly as it crosses avalanche runouts. By the same token, nobody would ever claim that McHugh Peak, which borders south Anchorage at the southwest corner of Chugach State Park, is the “largest” peak in the Chugach. Bear Valley from Mapcarta, the free map. Luckily, Betsy (a fellow Carolinian who has made Alaska her home) is a great hiking buddy and she took me to a trail I never climbed in Bear Valley – only a 30 minute drive out of Anchorage during rush hour traffic. The view looking towards Anchorage Alaska during a hike up Bear Valley on September 10th 2018. Bear Valley Route (North Ridge) The North Ridge Route, starting at the Honey Bear Trailhead at the top of Honey Bear Lane in Bear Valley, is a fun Class 2 ridge walk with 2,300 feet of elevation gain and excellent views over Anchorage and across the inlet. Back to top The Anchorage Park Foundation is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. This expansiveness and proximity to Anchorage make McHugh an excellent choice for easy day trips, afternoon berry-picking jaunts, long ridge walks, and rocky scrambles. From the trailhead, the clearly-signed trail begins at the parking lot and switchbacks through dense alder toward the broad shoulder of McHugh’s north ridge. After about a mile and a half, the McHugh Lake Trail passes the base of a prominent rock and tundra gully with a small trail leading up it. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Its southeast ridge steps steeply into Turnagain Arm, its north ridge reaches toward the south face of Flattop, and its eastern ridge winds all the way to Rabbit Lake below the Suicide Peaks. This trailhead lacks the signage and trappings of most Chugach State Park trailheads (including the parking fee! Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. ... Anchorage. The north ridge of McHugh Peak. In the winter, experienced outdoorspeople hike its wind-blown ridges and ski on its mellow north and west-facing bowls. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. lead to Grizzly Bear Lake & Moraine Pass. Bear Valley route (North Ridge): 5.4 miles round trip, 2,300 ft. elevation gain. Follow the trail .7 miles straight uphill to the ridgeline. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, Guides to the best locations around the state to view wildlife. Whichever route you take, you’ll end up on McHugh’s east ridge. Its western flanks enfold several of South Anchorage’s hillside neighborhoods and don’t flatten out until they reach the New Seward Highway. The City of Anchorage considers the Stewart Trail a public right-of-way and has repeatedly demanded that the Pughs remove the gate, without success. For more about how the information on this site should be used, please click here. that go far beyond anything I can cover here. 7-10 days is the most common. Around this point the brush gives way to open tundra and cross-country walking becomes simple. At the signed intersection, cut right/northeast/uphill onto the McHugh Lake Trail. First part is pretty steep and tiring, but the ridge line is beautiful. Highlights plus less visited destinations. A draft design showing new parking signs for use in Anchorage’s Bear Valley neighborhood, May 22, 2017. There was a problem with your submission. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. It’s a view as good, or better, than that from many summits. At the last rocky point before the summit, the trail disperses onto a broad face that sweeps up toward McHugh’s craggy crown. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? The northeasatern bowls and ridges of McHugh Peak are wide and there are countless ways to move through them. My time: 2.5 hours, Rabbit Creek routes (East Ridge): ~10 miles round trip, ~2,900 ft. elevation gain. Bear Valley is a valley in Alaska and has an elevation of 128 feet. This less developed trail quickly gains elevation through alder thickets then emerges into the alpine which … A brown bear killed a 44-year-old hiker deep in the South Fork Eagle River Valley and mauled a member of a search party looking for him on Wednesday, Anchorage police said. The summit of McHugh Peak in mid-February, with North and South Suicide Peak in the background. The Anchorage Police Department does not consider use of the Stewart Trail to constitute criminal trespass and does not issue citations for use of the trail. While they are fun to explore, unless you know the area well it would probably be fastest to stay on the main trail. ... Bear Valley. This campground is along a scenic meadow near a babbling creek where hiking along the Bear Valley National Recreation Trail is a delightful side trip. Bear Valley: Golden View Trailhead has great access to McHugh Peak, and view from ridge is one of the best view of Anchorage and Chugach mountains. 2: Upper O’Malley Trailhead 6: Chuck Albrecht Park 9: Basher Trailhead 13: Russian Jack Park 16: Glen Alps Trailhead 20: Bicentennial Park Smoke Jumper 23: Kincaid Park Chalet 27: Hilltop Ski Area 30: Bear Valley: Meet at Ray E Stork Park May The McHugh Creek Route up the west ridge starts nearly at sea level and requires just over 4,300 feet of elevation gain to reach the summit–far more than any other route. Please try again. Groups are currently working to restore public access to this route. Bear Valley Mountain 2280 State Route 207 PO BOX 5038 Bear Valley, CA 95223 Phone: 1-209-753-2301 fun@bearvalley.com After reaching the summit, you can either come back down the way you came, or continue along the ridge to Mt. It requires only a bit more elevation gain than the north ridge route (2550 ft. vs. 2320) and far less than the McHugh Creek route (4,300 ft). Penguin Peak Trail: Access: 0.5 mile from Bird Valley Trailhead Allowable Uses: Hiking Length: 2 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation Gain: 3200 feet Description: Short but steep. Bear Valley, Anchorage, AK real estate … This trail is not marked on official maps, but it is nearly as well-defined as the rest of the McHugh Lake Trail itself. Alaska Railroad: Adventure Class or Goldstar Dome Car Service? Great Hike with lots of blueberries to pick! To access the Rabbit Creek route, park at the Rabbit Creek Trailhead at the end of Canyon (Upper Hiland) Road. It is a relatively short but steep hike. Follow the ridgeline 1.5 miles over the top of Ruby (the west summit of McHugh Peak) and then on to the summit of McHugh Peak itself. (Image courtesy Municipality of Anchorage) The dispersed camping area has 6 picnic tables with fire rings, hand pump for drinking water and a vault toilet. Stops include Seward (Kenai Fjords), Girdwood, Whittier & Spencer Glacier, Stops include Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park & Fairbanks. Go off-trail as necessary or desired, but don’t get sidetracked by the many sheep trails cutting horizontally across the mountainside. May the Forest Be With You. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights, Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse!). I hope that this site helps you plan exciting and safe trips, but please always keep the information here in context. Note the line of old fenceposts visible right below the rainbow–these are a good landmark for when you might consider crossing the valley and heading up McHugh. If successful, the signs could be replicated for roads around the Upper South Fork Eagle River Trailhead. If your car doesn’t have good clearance or if the road is in poor condition, park at the lower parking lot and walk the last few hundred feet to the gate. Toward the crest of the ridgeline the trail gradually disperses and disappears into loose rock. Until access issues there are resolved, use the signed public trailheads to avoid problems. But there it is at #4–at least, if you’re going by land area alone. Bear Valley Road Runner. Overwhelmed by choices? Hike from the house up Bear Mountain. Some 50 miles north of Anchorage, this 1.5-mile trail makes for a fine family outing. From the picnic table at the uppermost end of the trail, you’ll find a satisfying panoramic view of the Matanuska River and Knik River valleys. About; Getting There; Share It's free to go this far by car, and you'll get a picture-perfect shot of Portage Glacier. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. The Snow Bear retreat boast the best views in Anchorage. Majority of the hike is on the ridge, so it is rocky/windy/no shade, but that also means no bugs and incredible views! Black bear hunting in the rest of the Municipality allows only one black bear … The Rabbit Lake Trail under Ptarmigan Peak. There is ample parking here year round for $5 (or an annual State Parks Pass), and the trailhead is located at the end of the uppermost parking lot. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Photo by Eddie Gianelloni. Hotels near Bear Valley, Anchorage on Tripadvisor: Find 18,909 traveler reviews, 20,637 candid photos, and prices for 241 hotels near Bear Valley in Anchorage, AK. There is also overflow parking on Honey Bear Lane on a widened stretch of road about two thirds of a mile below the trailhead. But while this route adds some thigh-burning it also features more variety than the other routes: it starts in groves of huge cottonwood trees, winds through the brilliantly-colored site of the 2016 McHugh Creek wildfire, and traces the wind-blasted crest of McHugh’s west ridge to the summit of McHugh Peak. At the ridgeline, views open up north toward downtown Anchorage. From the top of Point 3,200, follow the crest of the ridge 1.9 miles to the summit of McHugh. In fact, it is arguably the most reliable early-season hike in the Chugach, and is often snow-free long before traditional early-season hikes like Bird Ridge or Wolverine. Trailhead: Eklutna Lake. Traveling safely in the outdoors requires experience with routefinding, gear selection, emergency response, weather assessment, etc. A small parking area near the trailhead on Honey Bear Lane in Bear Valley on Wednesday, June 21, 2017. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. The crag is climbed from the north side via an obvious, well-worn route that ascends a steep grassy gully, traverses a few feet to the east and then requires a climb of about 8 feet up the final summit rock. My notes on the summit pinnacle itself are in the Bear Valley route description above. Trail builders from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward, Soldnotna, Eagle River, Matsu Valley, and Girdwood have all been building flow trails through local forests and hills. A black bear explores the roof of a home in Anchorage’s Bear Valley/Facebook The SARS-CoV-2 virus might have upended the world, but in Alaska’s largest city, some things haven’t changed. This smaller trail switchbacks uphill until it gets above the V-shaped cut bank of McHugh Creek and then parallels the creek all the way back to McHugh and Rabbit Lakes, beneath the Suicide Peaks. Song: n u a g e s - … Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. As soon as the tundra permits easy walking, cut south from the Rabbit Lake Trail, descend into the creek ravine and cross Rabbit Creek. Baldy, Ram Valley, and Glen Alps, but perhaps no location exemplifies the difficulties providing park access as well as the “Honey Bear” trailhead in upper Bear Valley. Difficulty: Class 2+s4. Anchorage local Matias Saari and his trusty husky, Rainy, run a ridge above Bear Valley in the Chugach Mountains. The routes marked on my map are really just suggestions, and it’s up to you to find your way through this collection of shallow ridges, rocky outcrops, and tundra slopes. This is the only part of the hike that can feel tedious, though the slogging is tempered by fantastic views up the Rabbit Creek drainage toward Ptarmigan and the Suicides. For the most part the Rabbit Creek route is truly a route and not a trail, so it is most appropriate for those with basic routefinding skills and at least a mild sense of adventure. 2-5 day small ship explorations. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. The information I share here is based on my research and limited personal experience. 26: Bear Valley: Meet at Ray E Stork Park 30: Ruth Arcand Park. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a fantastic opportunity to get excellent photographs of your favorite Alaska wild critters ... Girdwood is known for excellent restaurants … There is certainly exposure, and a fall from the summit rock could be severely injurious or fatal. But all this access can come with a price for visitors. Follow the large-well-maintained trail about 400 feet until it intersects with the Turnagain Arm Trail. While the Bear Valley route up McHugh is just an adventurous Class 2, the final few feet to the true summit qualify as Class 4 (light rock climbing). The Rabbit Creek route combines a fast approach, breezy backcountry travel on open tundra and–perhaps best of all–adequate and uncontroversial parking at the Rabbit Lake trailhead. The Rabbit Lake Trail is about as exciting as hiking on a road, which is exactly what it used to be. If you do decide to bypass the gate and are confronted on the Stewart Trail, do not feel pressured to sign any documents or agree to any demands. Direction to the Golden View Trailhead The trailhead parking lot can hold only 5-6 cars. Bear Mountain towers over Mirror Lake in the Peter's Creek area. Those who park on nearby streets risk tickets from APD, though enforcement is uneven and the legality of the “No Parking” signs and tickets has been questioned. Ultimately you're responsible for yourself and your group. Hi! Getting there: The driving route to the trailhead on the mountain above Peters Creek involves a lot of twists and turns, but it’s quite intuitive once you get started. The lake is … A little over 2 hours to get to the peak from the honey bear lane trailhead. Eklutna, then follow the trail … This trailhead is the only designated public access for a vast swath of Chugach State Park … … Instantly search and view photos of all homes for sale in Bear Valley, Anchorage, AK now. Anchorage is Alaska largest city. My name is Paxson. Carpooling to the trailhead is highly recommended. Full-day adventures can be found at Wheeler Lake and Bull … Following the Glenn Highway north from Eagle River, take the Peters Creek exit, turning right onto Ski Road. My time: 5 hours, McHugh Creek route (West Ridge): 7.8 miles round trip, 4,300 ft. elevation gain. It's free to go this far by car, and you'll get a picture-perfect shot of Portage Glacier. The weather was incredibly sunny – the second evening of sun after weeks of rain – and would have … It has a few outcrops that you may not want or need to climb over, but it’s generally easy to follow and fairly low-angle. Midwinter view from the north ridge of McHugh Peak, up the Rabbit Lake drainage toward North Suicide Peak. This is an amazing hike near Anchorage, that provides incredible views of the mountains and lakes without extreme effort. Pine Valley is a community and census-designated place in the Cuyamaca Mountains of the Mountain Empire area, in southeastern San Diego County, California. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Where Alaskans may perceive Anchorage’s narrow, steep, and sometimes rocky trails to be just another day in paradise, newcomers to the state, especially those with little or no hiking experience, may find the trail … I've had a couple inquires … There are many unofficial trails, game trails, and old inholding trails in this area. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. My time: 6 hours. The summit is out of view to the left. Self-drive vacations. Add these trails to the abundance of incredible cross country and alpine options, and there’s something to satisfy everyone. Well worth it to keep going to the very top so you can see turnagain arm. Starting in the late 1950s McHugh was typically accessed from the Stewart Homestead Road (also called the Stewart Trail), which leads to the peak’s northwest ridge. Please pack out your trash since garbage collection services are not … Great hike with a bit of rock scrambling at the end that provides great views at the highest point overlooking Anchorage at 5,184'. It’s nowhere near the tallest or most difficult, but by land area it’s a sprawling giant. Matt Bergt chilling on the small summit crown of McHugh Peak. Difficulty: Class 2+s4. Hike to Rabbit Lake - 10 miles RT, 1,440 ft elevation gain. The vast majority of McHugh is long, fairly relaxed Class 2 (hiking, light scrambling) ridgelines, but attaining the true summit requires a very short Class 4 climb up a cluster of large rocks. Travel on a set itinerary with lodging and tours booked in advance. Please check your email to verify your subscription. Zillow has 30 homes for sale in Bear Valley Anchorage. Here is a little video I put together during my hike of Bear Valley. Car, train, or group tour. McHugh is often climbed from one of three public trailheads: the McHugh Creek trailhead off the Seward Highway, the Rabbit Lake trailhead at the top of Canyon Road, or the Bear Valley trailhead at the top of Honey Bear Dr. Map of McHugh Peak, with the three most well-known routes marked. For more about me and winterbear.com, click here. Hike the Twin Peaks Trail. Bear Valley staff and community remain true to the tradition of providing a solid, well-rounded program that combines the wisdom from our nation's educational past with knowledge of world we know. Primary International airport. The brush on the south side of McHugh is not at all bad by Chugach standards, though the tundra and grasses can be steep and slippery. Partly because it becomes snow-free so early in the season, the McHugh Creek drainage is notorious for bear sightings and encounters. The wind-swept tundra and rocky ridgeline is easy to follow and runs at a relatively shallow angle, though there are two prominent notches during which you’ll lose (and regain) about 150 feet of elevation each time. A sign hangs at the Bird Valley trailhead along Alaska’s Turnagain Arm on July 7, 2014, warning people of a recent bear mauling in the area. Which one is right for you? Though McHugh peak is mostly an alpine walkup, negotiating the bundle of rocks on its summit can be tricky and feels more like rock climbing than hiking. Brett Frazer hiking back down the McHugh Lake Trail toward the McHugh Creek Trailhead. The trail sees a steady stream of locals eager to visit the peak towering so dramatically above their community. P roblems with public access have proliferated across Chugach State Park, from the South Fork Eagle River Trailhead to Mt. When the road bends left after three miles, turn right onto Clarks Road and immediately right again, still following Clarks Road. Because it is south-facing in a high-wind area next to the ocean, this route is often fully snow-free as soon as early May. Make noise, carry bear spray, and follow other best practices for traveling in bear country. Black bear hunting was eliminated in the Eagle River valley, in the Anchorage Bowl (south of Tudor Road), and in adjacent portions of Chugach State Park in 1987. It remains easy to follow the northeasatern bowls and ridges of McHugh Peak out. Or opt to bunk with other guests entire boat for your family or group, or better, than from. Route ( north ridge of McHugh come back down the way you came, or to... Miles RT, 1,440 ft elevation gain fire rings, hand pump for drinking and. Probably be fastest to stay on the summit of Ptarmigan Peak, with north and Suicide... Strike out across the open tundra from Eagle River, take the Peters Creek exit, right! Is exactly what it used to be click here Cruise, offered by such as. 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Expert to help plan your Alaska trip for a cross-country downhill to the ocean, this route adventure...