Alaska Outdoor Reports

Flattop Trail from Canyon Rd Sunday 9AM by Dave and The Dogs

Anyone know the story behind the fresh "maintenance" on the trail up the southwest flank of Flattop from Canyon Road? This trail isn't prone to flooding, yet someone cut numerous diagonal drainage trenches across the section up through the alders. At best, these trenches will be ineffective, but at worst they are likely to promote gullying, especially where there was an attempt to drain the small bog near the upper limit of the alders. A rock causeway across the bog would have been a welcome improvement, but now there is just a muddy mess...

Government Peak Recreation Area Saturday 7AM by BLT

Reports of a black bear killed 100 meters west of the upper mtb trails on Saturday. Carcass remains and could bring in other bears. Use your judgement about riding/hiking there. May want to avoid altogether.

Glen Alps Wednesday Jul 12 by dario

Lost my key somewhere on the back side of flattop. If you see a lost key, please call 203 four one four 99 two one. Thanks!

Hatcher Pass Tuesday Jul 11 by George

Has anybody done the Bomber Traverse recently? I'd like to get an update on the status of the glaciers if possible (i.e. snow covered, bare ice, etc.). Trying to decide upon the best gear to bring.

Mirror Lake Coyote Trails Tuesday Jul 11 by red8wop

This is actually for the Mirror Lake Singletrack trails, but those trails aren't on the drop down menu
I went to check out these new trails - very well done! Chugach Mountain Bikers should be proud!
The best part is I saw nobody else riding today

Hillside Tuesday Jul 11 by LKytomaa Lane

Black Bear sow with one cub where the Lighted Loop is next to the bike path and the lower field gate at Service HS. I had my Karelian Bear Dog on leash, and bear spray. The bear ambled off down the ski trail toward "Why Not" corner. Please be careful, but I hope everyone continues to enjoy our trails. I felt pretty confident with the dog and the bear spray. I had the spray out, ready to go, but luckily did not have to use it.

Hillside Tuesday Jul 11 by LKytomaa Lane

Oops, slight correction, the corner is called Why Stop. I'll blame that on adrenaline.

Hillside Sunday Jul 9 by Julian Mason

Katie-Rabbit Lake Trail is open to biking.

Rabbit Creek Valley Sunday Jul 9 by Kyle

Rabbit Lake trail is open to bikes, but the McHugh side is not. See this brochure.
http://dnr.alaska.gov/Assets/uploads/DNRPublic/parks/maps/mchughrabbitlakeguide.pdf

Rabbit Lake Trail Saturday Jul 8 by Katie Hickey

Is the rabbit lake trail open to mountain biking?

BLM Campbell Tract Friday Jul 7 by Pere Davison

Took my German shorthair out for run. Started at Elmore trailhead. Got about 200 yds. Past creek and couple ladies with dogs told me black bear sow and cub on trail just ahead. I turnedaroumd and went up hill towards Service. It's wonderful having so many bears and moose I need town!

Kincaid Park Thursday Jul 6 by Marie

Explored a few trails right around the chalet and also went over to Point Woronzof and beach combed for a bit. Pretty windy but it was not cold and no bugs. Met momma moose and calf laying down in the middle of a trail, backed up and went a different route. Dry pleasant conditions.

Butte Sunday Jul 2 by Marie

Took the stair side up the Butte. Dry conditions although it was pretty humid. Quite a few mosquitoes when stopped for breaks. Met quite a few people going up and going back down.

Eklutna Lake Friday Jun 30 by Terri Pauls

Twin Peaks trail: Encountered black bear sow w/cub walking up trail when we were walking down. Mom didn't run away when she saw and heard us... she wanted to keep walking up the trail. So we backed up a ways and got off the trail, climbing uphill and waiting while they passed.

Independence Mine Thursday Jun 29 by Marie

Walked in from the parking lot by Hatcher Pass Lodge because the gate was closed. The Gold Cord trail was dry and we didn't see any other people. A lot of marmots came out to say hi. The lake at the top still had some ice on the surface but most of it was open. Very beautiful.

Hillside Wednesday Jun 28 by L.KytomaaLane

Regarding Clare's report from earlier today. I just talked to Fish & Game and the carcass has been removed from near Slana Dr. and Abbott Rd. Per Fish & Game, although the carcass has been removed, please use caution as the bear may return to the area. I would also like to say, Thank You to Fish & Game for their prompt response.

Hillside Wednesday Jun 28 by L.KytomaaLane

Just to be more specific about the previous report. The carcass was in the woods off of Abbott.

Hillside Wednesday Jun 28 by Clare

My husband just saw a brown bear kill a moose in our neighbor's yard. We think the bear might be hanging out near the multi-use trail between Service and Hillside.

Kincaid Park Tuesday Jun 27 by Celia

Nice weather, dry trails on bluff. Beautiful big Mama Moose with young looking calf in the trail on our way back to Jodhpur parking lot, so went back to a trail towards the single tracks. On way up, heard but did not see bear in bushes. Made lots of noise as always, and saw small black bear in meadow that we had gone through. She seemed to go east into the brush, so we went west. All of a sudden she was running happily behind us. We jumped off the trail seconds before she caught up with us. She continued on seemingly just on her merry way. Whew. We did have bear spray at the ready, had been making tons of noise the whole hike, were also clapping in addition to the bear bells. Be aware of those little scratchy noises! We saw a watch on a stick close to the Jodhpur
trailhead en route back.

Turnagain Arm Trail Monday Jun 26 by michal

On June 16, I left my glasses in a green case right before the 1 mile marker on the McHugh Creek trail. Can you please call three-five-zero 1285 if you found them. Thanks.

Johnson Pass Sunday Jun 25 by Sarah

Biked north to south, getting pretty brushy on parts of the trail, but overall great conditions! Didn't see any bear scat or wildlife other than fish in the lake.

Hillside Tuesday Jun 20 by alaskapanic

Trail running on the Besh Lighted Loop on the Hillside Trails and came up behind a large brown bear with 2 cubs. Luckily it was on a flat stretch and they did not see me. Be safe out there.

Johnson Pass Saturday Jun 17 by Jen Amstadter

10 feet of snow, south side is dryer than the north side, totally rideable, minimal sign of bears.

Bird to Gird Trail Saturday Jun 17 by SteveP

Rode Indian to Girdwood Sat morning. Counted 24 bear scat on the trail btwn Bird and Gird. Gives perspective on bear activity in the area.

Rabbit Creek Valley Friday Jun 16 by Andrew

Lost a Sony camera on the trail. If found, call two two three, 49 four 7.

Glen Alps Friday Jun 16 by jeanF

Ship Lake Pass - There is only one snow field to cross between the trail fork and the pass. most of the trail is dry, but melting snow is running on portions of the upper trail. No bear scat on the trail.

Government Peak Recreation Area Thursday Jun 15 by Ed Strabel

Lower section of the Blueberry Knoll Trail was weedwacked earlier today. (Took care of most of the cow parsnip.) Trail is in good condition. Looking for a few hardy souls to install three foot Carsonite poles along the South-East ridge of Government Peak from Blueberry Knoll to just short of the Summit.Call me if interested. 354-7524.

powerline Saturday Jun 10 by Emily

Heading SE on Powerline from Glen Alps lot, trail is a little wet about 3 miles in followed by a couple patches of snow (about 10-20ft long) that still cover the trail, turned around after 4 miles, so not sure how the trail gets after that. Rest was fairly dry.

Rabbit Creek Valley Saturday Jun 10 by BSkis

Hiked the Rabbit Lake trail to the lake. Lake is still well frozen with just a little break up around the edges. Trail was wet in several spots and there were a couple of well-packed short snow field crossings. Overall a great hike today!

Kincaid Park Singletrack Advocates (STA) Trails Friday Jun 9 by Russell Hood

Jay's warning below about moose (cows, calves, pregnant mothers, etc.) remains very pertinent. WARNING: There is a recent fallen birch tree on Bolling Alley a little ways clockwise from the west end junction in that loop. If you are biking counterclockwise (odd days) it is easy to come up on this very fast with minimal warning. The tree is large and at chest height - there is no way to avoid it. You must dismount to get past this. The next time I go to Kincaid I'll bring my saw and cut it out if nobody else does it first. (But if they do please make it public so I know!) Thanks.

Johnson Pass Thursday Jun 8 by John patton

See comments below re June 1 trip over pass
Vegetation not a problem. Yet.

Alaska Pacific University Tuesday Jun 6 by Marc Phillips

The damage at APU was done by vandalism. We are in the process of litigation against the person responsible and will be looking to get the damage fixed soon (I hope).

Johnson Pass Tuesday Jun 6 by Kirk Fisher

Does anyone have a current data regarding Johnson Pass trail for mtb? Snow? Mud? Vegetation?

Cooper Landing: Russian River Campground Sunday Jun 4 by Molly Bartel

Biked Russian Loop starting at end of Snug harbor Rd. Much drier than last year at this time, vegetation still quite low. No snow. Just a few mud areas. (one black bear on the trail, easily ran off). Really good trail right now.

Crow Creek Trailhead Sunday Jun 4 by Suzanne

Reached Raven Glacier from Girdwood side of Crow Pass, Crow Creek Trailhead, only crossing two fields of well packed snow, no sinking in. The first field 100 feet before the public use cabin, the second field 100 feet before the ascend to Raven Glacier. Just follow the footprints of this well used trail. Don't attempt to cross Crystal Lake which is completely under snow but full of water, skirt around the lake to the right. Fog obscured the view at times lifting then settling again but it did not rain or snow.

Resurrection Pass Sunday Jun 4 by Nate Bannish

Info request: how's the north side of Res looking for mountain biking? Any beta would be much appreciated! :D

Alaska Pacific University Saturday Jun 3 by Bobbo

Large portions of the trail closest to campus have been severely damaged by deep vehicle ruts. Does anyone know if this is the result of vandalism or is associated with a legitimate project still awaiting rehabilitation?

Hillside Singletrack Advocates (STA) Trails Saturday Jun 3 by Bear

Hillside trails are excellent, in case anyone was wondering, since the last report from the 21st commented on soft dirt or mud. Dirt was nice and dry, tacky without being dusty yet.

Kincaid Park Thursday Jun 1 by jayPeaboddy

Kincaid trails are in good shape - watch for moose with calves, and black bears with cubs. Let's give them their space - take a different trail when you encounter them. A request to fellow riders: please put a bell on your bike to eliminate the stealth encounters when flying around turns. And, best to leave the dog at home - the dog, another rider, or both are going to end up injured. Thank you.

Johnson Pass Thursday Jun 1 by John Patton

Went over north to south late last week with panniers and camped just before top. Lotsa pushing for old guys with luggage, but certainly navigable. Avalanche runout to cross near beginning and one patch of water to wade through, otherwise just some mud. No snow at top. South side perfect.

Middle Fork Loop Trail Tuesday May 30 by Wes

Has anybody hiked/biked Middlefork recently? If you have any insight about conditions I would be very grateful. Thanks!

Middle Fork Loop Trail Tuesday May 30 by Jason

Wes - Middle Fork Loop Trail is closed to all biking from April 1st to November 14th. It is only open to fat tire bikes in the winter and never open to regular mountain bikes with tires less than 3.7 inches wide.

Middle Fork Loop Trail Tuesday May 30 by Julian Mason

Responding to earlier request-Middle Fork Loop is fine for hiking but is not open for biking in the summer except for a very short piece. . http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/bikingchugach.htm

Kincaid Park Tuesday May 30 by Alison

Ran the Mize Loop. The low spot at Viola Swamp is still a 1/4 mile-long lake (ducks and everything) but it is possible to take a fairly dry route around the mess. Rest of the trail is tacky in the dirt spots but dry in the grass.

Johnson Pass Tuesday May 30 by Greg V

i was not on the Johnson Pass trail over the weekend. However, I drove past both ends over the weekend and have through hiked it previously. There was some fresh snow over the weekend at pass altitude (3"?) but both trail heads were well clear. I would plan for a few miles of slush/mud near the pass and the rest good riding. I hope this helps.

Johnson Pass Tuesday May 30 by John Patton

Any recent intelligence?
Likely to be bikeable?

Powerline Trail towards the pass. Monday May 29 by Dave

Started sunny, a front moved in and began a light snow with full cloud coverage. This after one hour out towards Pass. Fair amount of snow begins to accumulate on the trail after the hidden lake trail split. Mushy and deep at parts

McHugh/Rabbit Lakes Trail Saturday May 27 by Suzanne

Parking at the end if Canyon Road, I hiked to Rabbit Lake on up past McHugh Lake and on down to McHugh Creek with no postholing. The lower trail is mostly dry you'll skirt some water but not mud, then snow on the trail at most 6 inches deep. Up to McHugh Lake go left to skirt the snow, the trail down to McHugh Creek is dry. The burned area, void of vegetation, makes an open dusty trail. Spotted many Ptarmigan.

Hillside Friday May 26 by Terri Pauls

Please be aware that if you or your dogs bother moose and they run "away," they may run toward other people while upset, endangering the people. About halfway through Spencer Loop a cow and yearling calf came crashing through the woods with two dogs in hot pursuit, the cow coming down toward us and the calf contouring to the south. We ran and the cow, now separated from her calf, chased us until we ran off the trail. As she made her way up the hill looking for her calf, we noticed she was limping. We never saw the dog owners. If we hadn't been able to move fast, we could've been hurt. Please prevent your dogs (and yourself) from harassing moose or bears that can then threaten other people.

Government Peak Recreation Area Friday May 26 by Ed Strabel

The road up to the parking lot will be closed Friday AM (TODAY). A helicopter will be hauling bridge material to the equestrian bridge locations. Access the hiking trails (not bike trails,too soft) from Mountain Streams B&B.