Alaska Outdoor Reports

Independence Mine Yesterday 3PM by Ed Strabel

Dan Renshaw, who owns the mine above the Independence Mine State Parks had to drive up the road to bring in winter supplies. (He lives most of the time up there in his cabin.) He will be taking his vehicle out Thursday AM. He apologizes for damaging the groomed road. That really is not necessary as he has year round legal access to his property but he wants to be a good neighbor and support skiing. He also allows the Mat-Su Ski Club to groom a portion of his road and allows the public to ski on his land. With the minimal snow on the road the tracks of his vehicle are shallow. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Independence Mine Monday 11PM by Ed Strabel

Mat-Su Ski Club groomed the trails at Independence Mine for classic and skating. Road in good shape. Some rocks on the trail through the mine buildings. Outhouse loop in excellent shape. We do not recommend skiers go on the Sochi/Kimchi Hill (thin snow and rocks). the 2-way section is also in good shape although the snow at the "teardrop" 180 degree turn will get pushed off the pavement pretty quickly. Recommend rock skis. Think SNOW! Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Glen Alps Monday 7PM by Dave & Daisy

Thin coverage/rock skis required but mostly pretty nice skiing with good glide! The first downhill is the worst part. It got better as we went up valley. One open water portage shortly before the German bridge, a few others you can step over. Lots of well behaved moose.
The first day back on skis is so much fun!

Archangel Road Sunday 4PM by Breast Stonehole

Biked from Snowbird townsite junction to Reed Lakes TH to Archangel TH on the road. 3" of light snow on ice. Quick and stable biking on 3" tires, walking looked slippery

Independence Mine Sunday 10AM by redwop

An inch of fresh and still coming down, much improved skiing. The road hasn't been plowed

Independence Mine Friday 9AM by Ed Strabel

State Parks will be driving the road a few more times today and tomorrow (They got a fuel delivery yesterday). Probably not a good skiing option until the next snow storm hits. Mat-Su Ski Club is ready to groom. We know you are ready to ski. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Hatcher Pass Thursday Oct 15 by Ed Strabel

Hatcher Pass received approximately 3-4" of light snow. Not enough to groom, but should be enough to ski on. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Independence Mine Thursday Oct 15 by Kruser

A few inches, enough to XC on classic/touring skis through the mine. Sochi hill has risk of rocks so didn't attempt. Not sure if skating would be good, definitely hit the pavement on pole plants. Hope it keeps coming, I didn't bottom out on touring skis, even did a few turns.
Winter driving conditions

Glen Alps Tuesday Oct 13 by devo

Found nice pair black/white Swix gloves - Glen Alps - road between original parking lot and newer lot. Placed on Fee Station Box.

Powerline Pass was nice - new snow on higher slopes. 8 moose, mostly bulls seen on way to German Bridge. 5 sheep?/goats? on upper flank of O'Malley.

BLM Campbell Tract Tuesday Oct 6 by Meg

Found Toyota key on the Tour Trail. I left it on a hook on the sign post across from the Birch Meadow Trail near the west end of the bridge over the creek. This is the junction of the Coyote Trail and Birch Meadow Trail.

Hatcher Pass Saturday Oct 3 by Kruser

A couple inches. Skied a few km before the rangers decided to close the road, probably a good call based on the number of cars struggling over the last switchback.

Hatcher Pass Tuesday Sep 29 by Kruser

Skied a few km on the meadow at the actual pass, on an inch of fresh. Thanks DOT and Alaska State Parks for keeping the road open. Nice classic skiing using waxable touring skis, Don't know how long it will last but it felt good!

Crow Pass Trailhead Sunday Sep 27 by Gavin Kentch

Skied on fresh snow today, so calling this the first report of winter 2020-21. Snowing hard above Crow Pass Sunday afternoon. At least 1.5 inches fresh snow on the snowfields below Jewel Glacier. I skied in (admittedly small) circles for nearly an hour, and was very content. Pictures attached to the FB version of this post if you're curious.

Chugach State Park Thursday Sep 10 by Larry Rundquist

In response to questions about lower end of North Fork Campbell valley trail that connects to Dome Trail and Basher trailhead... I hiked down the lowest 1.2 miles in about 35 minutes today. Grass is overgrown, but can be pushed aside with a hiking pole to get a glimpse of the trail. There is one section about 20 yds long where creek follows trail, but you can stay dry hiking off trail. Needs work but can be used.

Old Seward rd. Monday Sep 7 by Olesya

Found a bicycle on a side of Old Seward rd. If you have lost one please contact me.

Old Seward rd Monday Sep 7 by Olesya

Found a bicycle on the side Old Seward rd. Please contact with the description 907-32two-68four8

Glen Alps Wednesday Aug 26 by J Littell

This morning on the north side of Blueberry Knoll on the way up to the old Flattop trail, a coyote barked and yip-howled at several hikers with dogs and children. When it barked at me, I was about 20 yards downwind with a small child and I saw it just before it saw us. It showed no signs of getting closer, but also showed no signs of fear and was definitely not moving away. Seemed like odd behavior for a lone coyote. Possibly defending pups (I didn't see any, and wasn't able to tell whether it was male or female), but possibly also too used to people. Fair warning for small dogs and small people.

The Dome Trailhead Saturday Aug 22 by Thomas Pease

Found: Water bottle on the Dome. Please describe to claim. Two 7 7- four 3 5 one.

Middle Fork Loop Trail Friday Aug 21 by katesteve

Lost. Canon SX 629 powershot camera in soft blue case. Call 907-929-36threethree if found. Thanks.

Chugach State Park Sunday Aug 16 by Dave

Found Ultraflask water bottle on the trail to Long Lake. Text 907-242-0775.

Nancy Lake State Recreation Area Saturday Aug 15 by Portaging paddler

Does anyone know if there are bear-resistant food lockers at the campsites along the Lynx Lake canoe loop? I'm specifically wondering about the site on Skeetna Lake.

Kincaid Park Monday Aug 10 by Alex

Black Bear, average size, encountered on mize loop while running around 11:30 this morning. Was sitting in the middle of the trail where the trail curves to the right just after the downhill following puffin climb. Came around the corner about 20ft from the bear, it took off into the woods when it saw me. I stopped running and waited about 15-20 seconds, it came back out of the woods, didn't charge me but seemed curious and started moving towards me. I slowly backed up to create distance then turned around and continued my run back the other way. Fair amount of scat around the mize cutoff as well (hole 6 of the frisbee golf course). I had bear spray with me.

Girdwood Ski Trails Wednesday Aug 5 by Bear

Has anyone paddled Glacier Creek in Girdwood this season?

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail Wednesday Aug 5 by Alison

Found a phone with no emergency info in the treatment center parking lot on the Coastal Trail. Email a description to alison_mccarrey at yahoo dot com if itâs yours- would love to get it back to its owner.

Hillside Tuesday Aug 4 by Tundrapaddy

Spencer Loop - the first half of Spencer is SATURATED in bear scat. PLEASE do not use this trail without precautions (companions, noise makers, spray).

Long Lake Sunday Aug 2 by outdoor user

I've always gone over or by Near Point to access that valley to Long Lake. Or Williwaw Lakes from the other side.

Chugach State Park Saturday Aug 1 by Larry Rundquist

Response to Stephen regarding the valley trail along the North Fork of Campbell Creek leading to Long Lake... I only saw the lower end of the trail en route to the Dome a couple of weeks ago. It was overgrown enough at the junction with the Dome trail that I was not sure that it was the main trail. It has me doubtful about doing a loop hike up Knoya or Tikishla.

Bird to Gird Trail Friday Jul 31 by devo

Biked from Indian ballfield to Alyeska Hotel. Trail in good shape, except some damage from road construction project ~3 miles south of Indian - hopefully to be repaired soon. No bear activity/scat on trail this time.

Kincaid Park Thursday Jul 30 by Shelly

Found a cell phone near the start of Hanging Chad on Kincaid STA trailers. Call to id. 907-248-3291-

Chugach State Park Monday Jul 27 by Stephen O McKeever

Looking for a recent trail report on the trail up Campbell Creek Canyon towards Long Lake, i.e. the trail off the Dome trail from Basher Rd. How tall is the grass on the first couple of miles? Is the trail still visible under foot? I hiked it in the middle of August last year and the grass was over my head & obscured the trail. We had to creep along by feel!

Campbell Creek Trail Tuesday Jul 14 by MaineiAK

Paddled Campbell creek from Piper to Dimond, solo in a 16â canoe. The caveat to this report is that this is my first time paddling Campbell, so have no previous frame of reference for my observations. Water level was showing about 18.5â on the Dimond NWS gauge, and it was excellent. Though my craft of choice is a little long for some of those corners, I never bottomed out and never had any real difficulty bouncing my way around and through. There is no deadfall or debris that extends all the way across the creek. Where there is deadfall extending into sections, I never had a problem finding a way through, rarely with much trouble at all (even in my unwieldy behemoth!). I saw several schools of bright red sockeye and kings in the upper half, the sun was out, and it was great fun!

Cooper Landing: Russian River Campground Sunday Jul 12 by karen loeffler

Anyone biked the Johnson pass trail recently. Looking to go this week

Bird to Gird Trail Friday Jul 10 by devo

Biked from Indian Ballfields to Girdwood town. Parking lot at Indian is open, but note new entrance ~75' SE from old one. Trail is open all the way. Some gravel in places on trail left from construction projects. Saw a momma black bear with 2 cubs at top of big hill. Enjoy, but be careful.

Flattop Thursday Jul 9 by B Fontana

Know itâs a long shot, but lost an earring on the backside of Flattop tonight. Round stud earring, light pink/peachy stone (morganite) in a rose gold setting. If anyone happens to find it, or know somebody who happened to find an earring?? 907-947-0620

JBER Sunday Jul 5 by outdoor user

You only just noticed? The new tank trail scar is the most prominent manmade thing that you can see looking at the Chugach from the middle of Anchorage.

Basher Road Trailhead Friday Jul 3 by Steve McKeever

Hiking Knoya yesterday I noticed a big wide swath of a new road, going up the drainage between the Dome and Kanchee (S. Fork of Chester Creek) and over the low saddle one would take if hiking into Snowhawk valley and up to Temptation. Bulldozers were parked on the road, and I'm guessing it comes off the Tank Trails between Basher Rd and Arctic Valley. Does anyone have more information on this road? What is the military doing?

Tour of Anchorage Trail Thursday Jul 2 by C homestead

Biking down behind service high school dog broke out in front of me flip my bike broken collarbone hip issues dogs need to be on leash this dog was not on a leash and Iâm paying the price

Tour of Anchorage Trail Thursday Jul 2 by Randal Bladel

I agree with the previous report. So many dogs are left to run free. The worldâs smartest dog is only as smart as a two year old. Would you let your two year old run free? And what is with the bags of dog crap left on the trails? Do dog owners think the feces fairy will come and pick them up? Câmon dog owners.

Archangel Road Tuesday Jun 30 by Bobbo

When I asked the Division of Parks yesterday I was told that Archangel Road is now open.

Archangel Road Tuesday Jun 30 by Gary n molly

Is archangel road open yet?

Tanx

Bird to Gird Trail Monday Jun 29 by devo

Tried to ride trail today - got ~3miles past Indian and came to trail closure - tape with handwritten sign said "This sedtion closed June29-July3 for maintenance". No idea how far the "section" extends.
Note: Parking at Indian Ballfield is now open - driveway entrance to parking has changed.

Hillside Saturday Jun 27 by DaveM

Lost my glasses, wire frame bifocal in a soft cloth black case. On the besh loop or connector to Abbot parking lot. If found call 906-632-3333.

Eagle River Nature Center Tuesday Jun 23 by Barbara Weil

I left a collapsible SWIX ski pole on or near the Eagle River Nature Center Trail to the Perch. It is black and blue and for a shorter person. I believe it was left between Echo Bend and the Perch. My cell is 971-344-8829.

Kesugi Saturday Jun 13 by Lucas Parker

Went from Little Coal Ck to Ermine, 7:30 am-1 pm. Trail in great shape. Crossed a total of about 3/4 mile of snow. Soft, but only post holed a handful of times. Lots of snow last winter=lots of water everywhere. Passed a couple of campers (sorry if we woke you up!) Bike tracks up on the ridge-who drug their bike up there?! Must have been a fun ride between boulder fields and water crossings. FOUND- pocket knife. If you lost one, message me three54-6oo5

Bird to Gird Trail Friday Jun 5 by devo

Biked Bird to Gird trail. Ran into small black bear close to Indian. Also talked to people reporting bear with cubs on big hill between Bird Pt. and Girdwood. Didn't see them myself, but lots of scat on trail.
Note: parking at Indian Ballfield is closed due to construction.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail Friday Jun 5 by Patrick Carnahan

Black bear sighted and scared from the trail this morning between Postmark dr. and Pt. Woronzof.

Independence Mine Thursday Jun 4 by redwop

Still skiable, you can ski 10 feet from the gate. The road is getting soupy, best skiing was above the mine toward Friendship Pass

Hillside Wednesday Jun 3 by Michael Malvick

Lost-Subaru key on multi-use trail between Abbott Parking lot, Gasline to Campbell Creek, and Double Bubble. If found, please contact Sandy at 907-529-9283.

Independence Mine Saturday May 30 by Gavin Kentch

Skiing still remarkably possible on the (historically) groomed trails around the mine buildings. The road up from the lower parking lot is getting pretty soupy, and there is a truly staggering amount of slowly liquifying dog poop within the first 50 feet of the trailhead, but the actual skiing around the standard mine loop was surprisingly good for May 30. I still had my standard midwinter small race baskets on my classic poles, which I realized only at trailhead and thought was a horrible idea, but I didn't even sink in that much, and it felt like real skiing. I'll post a picture on the FB version of this post, showing that I sunk in about an inch total while on the mine loops.

Government Peak Recreation Area Thursday May 28 by Lindsey

Blueberry Knoll trail is good to go! Dry and hard packed. A few short-cuts/work-arounds have been made that have widened the trail or created newly trodden paths, probably since when it was more muddy. Right now it's perfect though.