Alaska Trails is excited about trails — which is right in our name. That’s why we were so delighted with Bill Sherwonit’s recent piece about our work in partnership with the Chugach Park Fund on the Hidden Lake trail. There is indeed much to celebrate with that project, and we are already busy planning for next summer with the Chugach Park Fund for more projects on other great trails in Chugach State Park.
I wanted to take some time to highlight a few other exciting trail projects, so that you can be sure to check them out this fall, or perhaps put them on your 2025 list. Through funding from the Alaska Legislature, we have hired a contractor, Happy Trails, for two big projects in Chugach State Park. Happy Trails is nearly done with its work on the Eklutna Lakeside Trail. This popular trail is one of my fall favorites. In recent years, weather and water have combined to erode large sections of the trail making it nearly impassable, especially for people with small children. Happy Trails has addressed those issues, and we are eager for trail users to check them out and report back.
Indian Valley is next on the list for Happy Trails. Even though the trail is popular, it is in very poor condition. The challenging terrain, large trees and many creeks to cross will mean that work will continue into 2025. This trail is an important connection, linking the Anchorage front range via the Ship Lake Pass Trail and Arctic Valley via the Arctic Valley to Indian Creek Pass Ski Traverse. It is a popular destination for hikers, Nordic skiers and horseback riders. The final outcome of the project will be a sustainably designed and built trail that connects the Turnagain Arm to the alpine of Chugach State Park.
Looking to the north and the Mat-Su Valley, we are proud to be partnering with the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation (MSTPF) on some great trail improvements. Our Alaska Trails crew just finished work on upgrades to Pioneer Peak Trail, managed by the Mat-Su Borough. With unparalleled views of the Knik glacier and the mountains around it, the Pioneer Peak trail is a unique gem. It also provides the only access to the northern tip of Chugach State Park. Trail users will be thrilled with the improvements that will safely get them up to the alpine and awesome adventures.
Next, our crew will turn their attention to a couple of the more popular trails in Hatcher Pass. I promise they won’t pick all the blueberries. The Reed Lakes Trail is one of the most appealing hiking trails in the area. It sees a ton of traffic, especially once the berries get ripe. Regrettably, its popularity has taken a toll on the trail, subjecting it to more erosion and degradation. The Reed Lakes Trail also has many social trails that are unsustainable and undermine the integrity of the main hiking path. Elevating this trail to a sustainable standard through brushing, closing off social trails, and tread improvements, such as stone retaining structures and stairs, not only ensures its longevity with minimal maintenance, but also encourages hikers to adhere to the designated path.
Further north, there is another new trail connection for you to check out. Interior Trails was contracted by the MSTPF to complete the connection from the K’esugi Ken campground to the Curry Ridge trail. The newly established Curry Connector Trail adds spectacular new day-hike and overnight trip options, and links up to the beloved 30-mile-long K’esugi Ridge Trail, creating a roughly 50-mile backcountry trail opportunity which is largely above treeline and offers spectacular views of Denali and the Alaska Range.
Alaska Trails is proud to be part of these and other trail enhancements that improve outdoor recreational opportunities, benefit public health and boost our economy.
Steve Cleary is executive director of Alaska Trails – more information and volunteer events are at: www.alaska-trails.org.
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