Alaska Outdoor Reports

Archangel Road Friday 7PM by Bobbo

According to the Mat-Su District Office of the Division of Parks, Archangel Road is open. As far as I know the road is not maintained past the bridge, but up to the bridge it is reportedly in good condition with a few soft spots.

Government Peak Recreation Area Friday 6PM by Dave

Weed whacked middle portion yesterday for you cow parsnip and nettle haters. May finish lower portion tomorrow.

Government Peak Recreation Area Thursday Jun 30 by jt

Is archangel road open and drivable now? If so, how far in?

Alyeska Resort Saturday Jun 25 by Gavin Kentch

FYI, when the resort website says that the North Face trail is now "open," it more precisely means that the standard North Face trail is open about 80 percent of the way up to the top, but then you have to traverse across on Spoonline (?), lose some elevation, and then come up a different trail up the main ski face. All of which is fine - I only really know the mountain from going uphill in the Climbathon, and I could find my way up easily enough - but added 10-15 minutes and some more climbing to the ascent. Keep that in mind if organizing your time or planning multiple laps.

A few small snow patches to walk through on North Face (before cutoff). Multiple long snow patches while going up Zugs (?) hiking trail. Air quality has been great most of the last two days, even when Anchorage was a smoky hellscape.

Falls Creek Trail Tuesday Jun 21 by Chris

Does anyone know if the lake below south Suicide (top of Falls creek) is relatively snow free?

Hillside Friday Jun 17 by Emily carroll

Lost thermarest sleeping pad between Smokejumper and Hilltop probably on the Homestead trail. Bike-packing attempt with not enough straps apparently. If found we would love to have it back!

Mount Marathon Wednesday Jun 15 by Hillsider

Does anyone have a recent report on Mount Marathon conditions?

Hillside Wednesday Jun 15 by L.KytomaaLane

Fresh bear & moose tracks on and around Coaches' Cutoff. Yes, there is old bear scat there, but these tracks are all fresh as of today. It sure seems like one of them is chasing the other one around on the Hillside trails, and it is not clear who is chasing whom.

Upper Huffman Sunday Jun 12 by Michael Malvick

Noted an Apple Air Pod case (no pods) in the lost and found basket located at the Silver Fern and Gasline junction. I dropped the case into a plastic bag last weekend to protect it from moisture.

Also saw an Apple Air Pod case with pods on a boulder in front of 11300 Stroganof Drive near the Upper O'Malley Trailhead. Monogram "M" or "W." House is apparently vacant due to "For Lease" sign in front and the dumped garbage can that has not been cleaned up since at least yesterday.

Silver Fern Trail and Gasline dry. New bike trail still has muddy and/or soft spots between snowmachine access trails and White Spruce/Powerline intersection. Dry the rest of the way down to Prospect Heights.

Hillside Wednesday Jun 8 by L.KytomaaLane

Large, fresh bear tracks on Randy's. Looks like it was chasing a moose, as there were fresh adult moose tracks also. The bear claws are a distance from the front pads so I'd say a grizzly, except I am not sure what bear tracks look like if they are running. We tried backtracking to Service, and running up the ski trails, but there were the same tracks in the dirt up the first small hill from Service.

Sand Lake Sunday Jun 5 by Gavin Kentch

Pleased to report that the massive amounts of loose sand and road grit have been swept away from the stop sign at the SW corner of Sand Lake Rd and Kincaid Rd in the last day or two, welcome news for all west side rollerskiers. Just in time for the big APU rollerskiathon day oh wait.

Turnagain Bike Trail Sunday Jun 5 by Greg V

I think it was reported earlier, but the avalanche debris in the section between Bird Point and Girdwood has been removed from the trail. There are several sections with water flowing across the path but easily negotiated on a bike. However, the loose sand & gravel on both sides of the tunnel just south of Bird Point is still there. It could be a safety issue for those riding fast down the long hill if coming from Girdwood. I’m not sure who is responsible for maintaining this trail?

Johnson Pass Sunday Jun 5 by CC

Out & back on the North 6.5 miles of Johnson Pass (to Bench creek falls overlook). Three old avalanche slides to cross and a few small snow patches in last mile. Some runoff on trail just N. of Groundhog cr., but otherwise trail is in good shape. Anyone know if the trail is relatively snow free at the lakes?

Kincaid Park Saturday Jun 4 by Gavin Kentch

FYI to park users, the large annual soccer tournament is being held on the Kincaid fields through tomorrow. I haven’t been out there today, but judging from traffic on Raspberry today, and my experience in previous years, I would expect that it is a madhouse and that parking anywhere near the stadium or chalet is impossible. Note well. (I begrudge this user group zero percent; they get to use the park, too. Just want to flag this for rollerskiers or mountain bikers.)

Government Peak Recreation Area Tuesday May 31 by Mark Strabel

Re: Government Peak trail, Gov peak race
This Saturday from 10:30-2pm the Government Peak Climb will be occurring.
Most of the trail is in great shape, a little dusty, there are a couple of snow patches on the route, but melting very quickly.

Government Peak Recreation Area Tuesday May 31 by Hiltopper

Question: What is the snow situation on Government Peak? I am wondering how this weekend's race will be affected by snow. Any reports are appreciated!

Susitna River Monday May 30 by ShoelessToddlerMom

Afternoon on Memorial Day, on the shore of the Susitna River, next to the bridge the highway crosses. My family left a couple small pairs of brown kids’ shoes. We checked a couple hours later and found no trace of them anywhere in sight. Posting here in case anyone happened to see them, or has good suggestions of where else to post about them. Already checked the lost and found groups, and Craigslist. Thanks in advance.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail Monday May 30 by Patrick Carnahan

Black bear on the trail this morning about 8:15 by the wastewater plant on the way to Kincaid. Was not disturbed by shouting, clapping, stomping. Eventually left trail of its own volition.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail Thursday May 26 by Randal Bladel

To the cyclist on the red Specialized road bike and jersey who passed me and many others at high speed without ever announcing his presence: Your cycling behavior is both very rude and dangerous, and does not adhere to accepted norms. You cast all other serious cyclists in a bad light. The coastal trail is used by many others, including casual cyclists, kids and tourists, who may suddenly dart in front of you if they don’t know you are there. A simple “Passing on your left” or “Heads up” is all that is needed. You may be surprised at how many reply “thank you”. And yes, if I encounter you behaving in the same manner again, I will again be a grumpy old man.

Bird to Gird Trail Friday May 20 by devo

Biked from Indian to Girdwood today - the trail is open the whole way, with some minor obstructions left. Counted 13 separate avalanche debris fields that had come over the trail. Thanks to the crews that cut thru, plowed out, chainsawed up the debris to make it passable - huge broken trees and tall snow banks remain beside the trail. A small stream and extended muddy watercourse covers a ~100 yd section of flat trail between Girdwood and the big hill - I was able to ride thru it. Also, where the trail goes thru an underpass under the Seward Hwy ~2mi. NW of Bird Point, a small stream appears to have jumped it's banks and flowed thru the underpass, leaving sand and gravel - slow down there.

Independence Mine Friday May 20 by Brian

Thank you to All the Mat-Su groomers for a excellent season

Independence Mine Thursday May 19 by Ed Strabel

Last Attempt to groom through the mine buildings. Snow had gone isothermal and the ATV tracks were sinking in deeper than the groomer. Probably not worth the trip. We will see you in the Fall. We should have skiable snow at the mine by 15 October. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Independence Mine Tuesday May 17 by Ed Strabel

Mat-Su Ski Club re-groomed the mine trails for classic and skating. Still a little rutty but lots of corduroy. Deep classic tracks. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Independence Mine Monday May 16 by Ed Strabel

Mat-Su Ski Club will re-groom the mine trails late Tuesday evening and, weather permitting, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Independence Mine Saturday May 14 by Ed Strabel

Mat-Su Ski Club re-groomed the mine trails for classic and skating. Pedestrians really chewed up the lower portion of the road. Did an extra lap trying to take out the post holes and ruts. It helped a bit. Should be pretty good skiing early Sunday. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Independence Mine Friday May 13 by Ed Strabel

Mat-Su Ski Club re-groomed the road and through the building area for classic and skating. The area got 2-3 inches of snow since last night. Tracks are deep and solid. Skate lane has ATV tracks deeper than the corduroy in many spots. The Hatcher Pass Rd was clear of snow, but damp. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Archangel Road Friday May 13 by Ashley Wise

Attempted to groom the road tonight. Trail had so much avalanche debris sticking out. That combined with the sub optimal warm snow, the decision was made to turn around and call it a season for Archangel Rd. Thanks all for the unforgettable winter. Likely still some good touring on the road for those willing to hit it early. Cheers! Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Archangel Road Friday May 13 by Ashley Wise

Independence Mine Thursday May 12 by Ed Strabel

Mat-Su Ski club re-groomed the mine trails for classic and skating. Classic tracks are full depth. Snowing while grooming about an inch in the building area. More coming down.
We will re-groom Friday and Saturday nights. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Independence Mine Wednesday May 11 by Ed Strabel

CORRECTION TO MY LAST POSTING. We will re-groom Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Should be good conditions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Independence Mine Wednesday May 11 by Ed Strabel

The Mat-Su Ski Club will tentatively re-groom the mine trails for classic and skating late Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Flattop Wednesday May 11 by Larry

Road to trail head is good other than normal roughness. Sunny side trail is mostly snow free other than traverse from top of switchbacks to the saddle. The traverse has deep rut for the trail. Lower trail gets very muddy by late morning.

Independence Mine Tuesday May 10 by Ed Strabel

Mat-Su Ski Club re-groomed the road and around the mine buildings for classic and skating. Colder temps and the little bit of fresh snow helped reduce the post holes and walker "trench" on the road. Crust skiing should be excellent Wed AM. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Kincaid Park Tuesday May 10 by ipickupmydogspoo

A reminder to folks that traditionally Kincaid is not open to bikes until June 1st. The giant ruts that a few selfish bikers have put into recently melted out ski trails is a reminder. Some sections of some trails are dry but all trails still have long soaking wet sections that are not ready for traffic. Soccer fields are dry.

Independence Mine Sunday May 8 by Chris

Crust totally dependable with a consistent corn surface. Skated 10 am to noon, still solid. Luscious.
(Groomed trail just hammered looking)

Hatcher Pass Sunday May 8 by Cathy

Crust skiing was great this morning- we started around 9:30 and by 11 it was still skiable but starting to get squishy. Went up the side opposite the mine and back down through the mine buildings and next to the groomed trail. Beautiful!

Independence Mine Saturday May 7 by Ed Strabel

Mat-Su Ski Club re-groomed Saturday evening for classic and skate. Still rough with post holes and tracks. Early morning crust skiing should be good. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Alaska Pacific University Saturday May 7 by Larry

Ski trails still pretty wet and muddy for foot or bike traffic without causing damage. Single track trails are fine with very few wet spots.

Independence Mine Saturday May 7 by Ed Strabel

Mat-Su Ski Club groomed/grooming this morning. Hard freeze. Skate lane through the Mine Buildings, Very thin classic tracks were put in where possible. Should be great crust skiing. Lots of walker’s misery post holds. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Independence Mine Saturday May 7 by Ed Strabel

Mat-Su Ski Club groomed this morning. There was a hard freeze. Skate lane through the Mine building area and very thin Classic tracks set where possible. Should be great crust skiing. Lots of walkers’ post holes. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Girdwood Ski Trails Saturday May 7 by SkiSpring

Girdwood's 5K loop is freshly groomed this morning for a record late-season groom! Thank you all supporters and APU for coming to ski the last two weeks for training.

Archangel Road Friday May 6 by Zack Steer

Groomed Archangel Road to the multi use intersection, skate lane and new classic tracks.
Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Bird to Gird Trail Friday May 6 by Greg V

AVOID!! The Bird to Gird bike path is covered in multiple piles of large trees and deep snow due to avalanches. It will take A LOT of work later in the summer to clear the trail. Indian to Bird is in good shape. If you want to ride south of Bird stay on the highway shoulder.

Independence Mine Friday May 6 by Ed Strabel

Mat-Su Ski Club groomed a skate lane up the road and through the mine buildings and the outhouse loop. Soft conditions, ATV tracks were not being taken out by the groomer. We plan on re-grooming early tomorrow AM. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

GPRA and Independence Mine Thursday May 5 by Ed Strabel

Black bear spotted near the Mat-Su junction Thursday afternoon. Please stay off the trails until they dry out.
Mat-Su Ski Club will attempt to groom the Independence Mine trails on Friday. We are not overly optimistic, but we will try. We will post results here. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Archangel Road Wednesday May 4 by Ed Strabel

BEAR SIGHTING! Just beyond the bridge on Archangel Rd. Earlier Wednesday. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Archangel Road Tuesday May 3 by Ed Strabel

Mat-Su Ski Club re-groomed the non-motorized section of the road for classic and skating. Some corduroy, some ruts, some woody avalanche debris. Next grooming session should be Friday night. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Government Peak Recreation Area Sunday May 1 by Carl

Matanuska and Susitna skated OK midday today. Not at all squishy or slushy. Icy patches were softened and edge-able. Fair amount of forest debris melting out. Multiple short grassy spots to ski walk across on the Su.

Girdwood Ski Trails Sunday May 1 by Ski spring

Girdwood 5K loop was groomed this week and still skiing great! Ski ONLY traffic on the Nordic 5K. All Meadows are no longer being groomed for the season.