Alaska Outdoor Reports

Independence Mine Friday 5PM by Ed Strabel

3" heavy wet snow at the visitor center, light dusting at the gate. MSSC placed survey stakes along the road and moved our new groomer to the trail head. Forecast is for colder temps and snow shower for the next few days. Get those skis ready!

Westchester Lagoon Friday 2PM by John McCormick

Trail maintenance is in progress near the parking lot (NW side of lagoon) and on U Street, which complicates getting to the bypass established while the bridge was out. It doesn't look like they'll be at it long, but today, it's a hassle if you're approaching from the Chester Creek Trail.

Hatcher Pass Friday 11AM by Gavin Kentch

It begins. ca. 5 inches heavy wet snow up in the pass itself. I drove to the final pullout going up, then skied from there. I skied in a great classic loop around the pass and on the road above Summit Lake, which should last for a few days. Eminently skiable in my opinion.

(I'll put up pictures of here and looking toward the mine in the FB version of this post, fwiw.)

Basher Trailhead Wednesday 4PM by Loraine

Basher Trailhead is closed effective Sept. 20 due to a moose kill about 300 yards from the parking lot; a large brown bear has been reported in the neighborhood.

Lazy Mountain Trail Tuesday 6AM by ella embree

Early morning hike. Not too bad going up, but wish we had our microspikes coming down. Slick. Not frozen yet to picnic table. Soon.

Little Susitna Monday Sep 12 by Paul Schauer

We put on the river at approximately 5:30pm on 9/12/16 at the culverts and paddled down to the pull out just downstream of the Little Susitna bridge on Palmer Fishook.

There is a log in the lead in to Sluice Box (the one narrow pinch on the river). The log is on river right and spans half the channel from the river right shore to a boulder in the middle of the channel. Stay left in the lead in to Sluice Box. It could be hard to see the log while bombing down the easier right line.

There was a second log left of center just upstream of the bridge rapid. It was easy to see from the road and river.

A third tree fell into the river just down stream of the bridge on river right. It was not in play as of 7:30 pm 9/12/16.

Since running the creek the gage has spiked to 3,000 cfs! The position of these logs may not be current. Keep your eyes out!

Government Peak Recreation Area Saturday Sep 3 by Mark strabel

Came across a moose gut pile (not mine) on the appendix of the matanuska loop. Been there for a couple of days. About 100yds away from mt bike trails. There was also "something" moving the bushes nearby. I didn't stick around to find out what it was

Kincaid Park Friday Aug 26 by Helen

re cat...I've seen that cat along the Kincaid road for several years. Its a Bengal.

Kincaid Park Thursday Aug 25 by Gavin Kentch

Seen at the Kincaid biathlon range this afternoon: a house cat. (Yes, it was a domestic cat, and not a small lynx, or a fox, or some such. I assumed all those other things at first, too. But it had a collar with a tag (that I couldn't see closely). And said "meow.") Medium to large, for a cat; had leopard spots. It looked pretty well fed and not too miserable out there. It wasn't particularly skittish, but it wouldn't let me get too close to it, either. It skulked off toward target #30 on the biathlon range.

Kincaid Park Wednesday Aug 17 by Sus

Heads up: the little smash-and-grabbers are back in action at Kincaid. This morning between 8 am and 9:30 am at Raspberry parking lot someone broke my car window and grabbed a bag of clothes from my back seat. My valuables were safely locked in the trunk, but it was a good reminder that leaving anything in view on the seat is a temptation these losers apparently can't resist.

Glenn Highway Pathway Tuesday Aug 16 by John McCormick

There is an active squatter camp right next to multi-use trail through the forested area between the Glenn Hwy and Mountain View Dr. immediately west of Boniface. Anyone seeking access to the Glenn Highway Pathway from Boniface passes this point. It's been reported to APD.

Canyon creek Sunday Aug 7 by Zack fields

There is an angled log across Canyon Creek shortly below the two-step ledge that follows box car (so at the end of the largest rapids of the run). At 10.2 ft on the six mile gauge and 6inches on the new Canyon gauge (under the old hwy bridge that is now a trail near the canyon/six mile confluence), it was possible to duck under it on the left side of the channel. Looks like it might be less passable at 10.3-4 or higher. The water pushes you toward the part of the strainer that's at water level.

Turnagain Arm Trail Thursday Aug 4 by Malcolm

Several yellow jacket nests right next to trail in the burn area south of McHugh. In a few miles of running the pup and I received over a dozen stings. Otherwise the trail is in great shape with newly open views!

Rabbit Creek Valley Wednesday Aug 3 by Greg Balcao

Lost my Garmin Vio Fit "Fitbit" watch while riding bike along trail.

Hillside Sunday Jul 31 by Eric Skis

Jill, the possible intersection of winter frolphers and high speed skiers on the Spencer is dangerous. That's why no hiking is allowed on groomed ski only trails. Ski trails don't get much higher speed than Spencer Loop on the downhill by Hilltop ski area. As for permitting, I can only assume with high confidence that NSAA received the proper approval before upgrading the Spencer Loop last summer.

Government Peak Recreation Area Saturday Jul 30 by Ed Strabel

Volunteers removed rocks,roots and ruts from all the the ski trails on Friday. The Pioneer Loop was reseeded and all other trail will be reseeded later next week. The ski trails will be closed at that time to let the grass get started growing. The mountain bike trails, Blueberry Knoll trail (which will have the lower portion re-brushed today) and the Government Peak Race Trail all will remain open. Thank You Volunteers!

Hillside Friday Jul 29 by Jill

Interesting that so many are concerned about a disk golf course, when last year the Nordic club destroyed summer use of Spencer without asking or involving any other user group.

Hillside Friday Jul 29 by HC

I'd also noticed the crews clearing vegetation off of Spencer's last Sunday. However, I just "assumed" it had been reviewed and approved.
So, Joe Kurtak and Ben Arians, thank you for taking the initiative to: a) find out more about this project, b) call the Muni to bring it to their attention, and c) post your findings on this forum.

Hillside Wednesday Jul 27 by Ben Arians

I too encountered the disk golf expansion being perpetrated by Hilltop Ski Area through the Spencer Loop. On Joe Kurtak's advice, I called the Muni and left a message. They got back to me very quickly and assured me that the work was not approved and had been halted by the Muni. Otherwise, trails are in good shape, looks like some recent mowing done, which was nice.

Government Peak Recreation Area Wednesday Jul 27 by Ed Strabel

The lighting contractor is finishing up with the installation of the ski trail lighting on all loops. The three high school cross country running teams and other volunteers will be clearing rocks and roots and filling ruts starting Friday 29 July at 4 PM and continuing next week. The contractor will be re-seeding the entire trail system ASAP. Grab your gloves, rake or shovel and lend a hand. Any time on any loop. Thanks.

Hillside Tuesday Jul 26 by Joe Kurtak

Was running on the Hillside Spencer Loop this past Sunday and encountered a crew from the Hilltop Ski area clearing vegetation for a disk golf course expansion into that area. They apparently have started this work without approval of the Parks and Rec. Dept. no notice to the Nordic Ski Club, and no public input. If you're concerned about intrusions into one of our Hillside trail gems, go check it out. If you don't want it to continue without public input, contact Brad Muir at the Municipality of Anchorage (343-4287).

Winner Creek Trailhead Tuesday Jul 26 by Lincoln

Looking for conditions of upper 20 mile. Anyone hike Winner Creek trail and float out the 20 lately?

Alyeska Resort Monday Jul 18 by LCK

Lots of biting black flies on North Face hike up to the Tram.

Hillside Sunday Jul 17 by Terri Pauls

U.S. passport found. Call 907-632-1464 to claim.

Government Peak Recreation Area Saturday Jul 16 by Ed Strabel

No trolls under the bridges but we have wasps under several bridges on the ski/hiking trails and the mountain bike trails bridges. Tread lightly and/or move fast.

Glen Alps Thursday Jul 14 by G. Henn

Beautiful hike on Powerline trail this morning. LEFT black Vortex binoculars at the wooden bridge as we soaked our feet in the creek! Please, please call 382-8264 if found.

Hatcher Pass Tuesday Jul 12 by 2 dog hiker

Parks has located a fee station kiosk on Archangel road before the bridge. I'm assuming the station services the new parking area in same location. I'm wondering if driving beyond the bridge will be a no go in future.

Hillside Saturday Jul 9 by Terri Pauls

FOUND: Single key (looks like car key) on Spencer Loop, near intersection with trail going down to gas line. Call 632-1464 if you think it's yours.

Peak 3 Friday Jul 8 by Chugachhiker

Early this morning three cars broken into at the upper parking lot on Canyon Road. Multiple suspects were seen in a black extended cab pickup (no canopy). Hikers watched the entire episode from the backside trail, but were unable to get back down in time to stop it.

Hatcher Pass Saturday Jul 2 by red8wop

DOT did a great job redoing Hatcher Pass road on the Palmer side. Excellent surface right now, accessing good hiking and even some summer turns on the snow

Hillside Sunday Jun 26 by L. Kytomaa Lane

Please be aware, this weekend, Brown Bear with 2 cubs seen near Service HS and the bridge over Abbott Road, and also near the BLM Campbell Tract area. This is second hand information, but I though it was important enough to post. Be careful, make noise!

Willow Creek - Guardrail Sunday Jun 26 by William Koeppen

We put in at Red Gate and floated down to the Shirley Towne bridge, then went up and did Guardrail to Redgate. Water was 830 CFS, solid class III. Some of the rapids gained smaller side routes if you don’t want to take the big obvious rapids. Others there's still only one real choice. We didn’t find the water too pushy at this level, though there are a lot of oblique waves to avoid or hit straight on at this level.

Chester Creek Trail Friday Jun 24 by Cinnamon Bear

Charged by Moose. Headed North towards airport Heights road in Scotty Gómez park/tikishla park... Cornered in the narrow portion. Wasn't Mooses fault and wasn't my fault. I stopped, yielded space, he still came at me. Probably 2-3 years old. Dropped my bike and ran into the brush, hopped a fence and the Moose steamed past headed back towards the park / Chester Creek Trail.

South Suicide Peak Tuesday Jun 21 by Gabe

A quick post solstice hike was made by our group of adventures we choose the Falls Creek Trailhead approach. Trail conditions where dry, no wind in the falls creek drainage, very little to minimal breeze at the summit and the ridge was clear of snow. Falls lake was partially open, Rabbit and McHugh lakes are open.

Powerline Pass Monday Jun 20 by Nate

Anyone done Powerline pass (Glen alps to Indian) recently? Looking for a report!

Rabbit Creek Road Sunday Jun 19 by Skijoring Ladybugs

Found single Dodge Ram key on Dodge Ram key ring at corner of Rabbit Creek and Clarks Road coincidental(?) with departure of pack of road bikers. Contact ladybugs at geocachealaska.org to reclaim.

Summit Lake, Seward Hwy. Saturday Jun 18 by Rosco

the bartender at the Summit Lake Lodge is an APD police officer, be careful what you say and how much you drink......

johnson pass, russian, res pass, summit creek Friday Jun 17 by Mat

Johnson Pass in the best shape (driest) I've seen it in six years of riding the Kenai. The more vegetated parts are closing up fast, though. Need to get it the next dry window, or wait till autumn and the first frosts. Similar conditions on Russian.

Summit Creek trail still has a lot of snow in the alpine, which adds a lot of hike-a-bike. Lower down the trail is closing up fast with vegetation. Maybe good til July...

Hatcher Pass Friday Jun 17 by Amy Mae

Has anyone hiked Reed lakes? Would it be too early to camp there?

Rabbit Creek Valley Thursday Jun 16 by dave bass

There's plenty of good looking supportable snow in rabbit creek for summer nordic skiing in the front range (size A suncups and very little debris). Its easily accessed just below the rabbit lake trail at the wooden posts below ptarmigan pass.

Hatcher Pass Monday Jun 13 by 2 dog hiker

fern mine gate to below lane hut
ya might want to bring your xtra tuffs stead of your usual hiking shoes
lots of water and rotted snow from mine to hut
the usual slightly soggy go is way wetter now til spring conditions end in days/week.

gc

Johnson Pass Saturday Jun 11 by William Koeppen

Biked Johnson Pass from North to South. Snow from avalanche toes is nearly gone (just one patch at the top), the wildflowers are out, the trail is still visible, but the Devil's Club and Cow Parsnip is crowding in fast. There was one tree across the trail requiring a portage, and a few spots with re-directed streams or standing water on the trail, but all in the normal range of Alaska biking.

Tour of Anchorage Trail Saturday Jun 11 by TC

I encountered a black bear sow with two small cubs on the Tour of Anchorage trail this afternoon. I was headed WNW away from the Hillside ski trails on a mountain bike. Fortunately, I was calling out and making enough noise to alert her well in advance. Don't forget to make noise, carry bear spray, and avoid traveling solo if at all possible.

Crow Pass Friday Jun 10 by Nate

State Parks has closed the Crow Pass Trail from Heidi's Knob to the Eagle River due to a bear feeding on a moose carcass along the trail. This is the section of the trail that descends in to Eagle River valley from the Girdwood side. Closure is effective from today until further notice.

Archangel Road Wednesday Jun 8 by Ed Strabel

Archangel Road Gate is now OPEN today!

Hatcher Pass Tuesday Jun 7 by 2 dog hiker

i'll answer my own question

gate at archangel still closed as of today and vehicles parking across road.

the construction on gravel portion of road to pass has begun with gate closed.

beautiful dusting of new snow couple hundred feet down from peaks.

Hatcher Pass Monday Jun 6 by 2 dog hiker

does anyone know the status of Archangel Road?
is it driveable yet?

thanks

Russian Lakes Trail Sunday Jun 5 by Anson

Biked up and back on the Russian Lakes Trail from Cooper Landing to Snug Harbor. Trail is in good condition except a section of trail near the Resurrection River Trail junction has a bit of a stream coming directly down the trail. A few other wet and muddy spots, but nothing out of the ordinary.

The trail isn't over grown yet, go get it before the devils club takes over!

Canyon Creek (Manitoba to Hope Jct) Saturday Jun 4 by Ty-Dy

Canyon Creek from Manitoba cabin down to Hope junction circa 6 mile gauge 11.3 FT. ~8 road miles. Trip time - 4.5 hours for river and shuttle.

Absolutely phenomenal run at this level. Long continuous sections of Class 4 with class 2-3 boogie filling ALL of the gaps. Perhaps a class 4+ run should you consider consequence, due to very limited areas to pull a boat into an Eddy. Everything was boat scoutable, large groups are advised to keep their distance between each other, the 'blind' corners have particularly small eddys that are big enough for 2 boats comfortably. No dangerous wood or mining hazards to speak of, considering the general difficulty of the run, but everyone should be advised to keep your head on a swivel as the canyon is lined with spruce trees.

Portage trail (~5mile just after high alpine terrain) was marked on river right with two small weathered pink survey ribbons that are a good indication you are at the 'portage drainage' where the trail darts up the gorge. Running the sneak line at the portage rapid and/or scouting is not possible at this level and getting back up to the portage trail is a supreme pain in the ass.

Class 2-3 boogie water all the way from the portage to the bridge certainly made my day.

Just a general note: there is a tremendous amount of sharp rocks that point upstream I tend to avoid touching any of them (even in but boogie water) to avoid puncturing a hole in my plastic boat.

Packrafting is NOT recommended at this level.

Upper Upper Willow Creek Saturday Jun 4 by William Koeppen

1130 cfs on the Willow gauge. We put in just short of the Grubstake Road on Willow Fishhook Rd, at a large campground. Walked the boats down the hill, floated over a beaver pond, and put in there. At this level the top section seemed a little boney and there was a lot of maneuvering around boulders (Class 2+ to 3-). The middle section was calm but interesting (Class 2) and it spiced back up at the end (Class 3- to 3). We took out at “the old bridge”, where Willow Fishhook crossses Willow Creek for the first time (driving from the West). Swims would have been rocky, but it was shallow enough that there would be lots of places to get out of the water. There were just a few downed trees (one we portaged, others snuck around), and lines crossing the stream from miners. Really nice, 3-hour float.