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| 123 |    Photos Map |
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| Last Updated:
July 07, 2010
Please help this site! Since I no longer live here, it is important that users verify the data. If this date is longer than a year ago please email me and let me know the information below is still valid. If I don't get verification on this trail, I may remove it from the site. |
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Difficulty |
Seward Highway trailhead - somewhat difficult-
half the hike is uphill with some pretty steep sections. One small
part of the trail is confusing on which direction to go. Plan on
at least 6
hours to complete this hike. DeArmoun Rd. trailhead - relatively easy. |
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Connects With |
McHugh Peak Ptarmigan Pass Turnagain Arm Trail Suicide Peaks |
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Miles One Way |
7 | |
Miles
from
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10 miles (off the Seward Highway) | |
General Vicinity |
Chugach State Park | |
Season |
Via Seward Highway - May to September (lots of snow past mile 2 in early season). DeArmoun Rd - All year but may need snowshoes or skis in winter depending on amount of snow. | |
Description |
This is probably one of Alaska's most
stunning glacially carved valleys. The elevation lines of
changing ecosystems is quite clear on this trail. Once you get above the
spruce forest, there are great views of Turnagain Arm. You'll then
wind through willow and scrub. As you head south, up the chute, there is
less and less vegetation and eventually it is just rocky tundra scrub. The
McHugh Creek runs down the middle and is quite dramatic in some
sections. At the end is Rabbit Lake as your final reward. There is
a good chance of seeing eagles, hawks, moose, and ptarmigan on this
trail. The trail heads steeply up for the first 3 miles and it seems like
forever just to get to this point but the views are so worth the effort,
especially Turnagain Arm. It's a tough hike, but I would put it on
my top 10 of possible day hikes if you are visiting. |
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Important Information |
There are 2 places of confusion on the trail
if you come by way of McHugh. The first happens just as you leave the spruce. The
trail splits straight and up. It seems more obvious to head
straight but you should head up. If you do head straight, the
trail will peter out shortly and then you'll know where you made your
mistake.
The second is to be aware when you go through the last grove of willow trees before the valley opens into tundra (just before the river), it looks very different on your return trip and many people get lost. When you're coming back, the trail looks like it's wrong as it goes into a small grove of willow. It isn't wrong; plug away to the other end and you'll see the trail. Don't let the two above hazards sway you. This is open land and
if you screw up, you may have to bushwhack but you won't be lost.
You will be able to pick up the trail again. |
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Etc. |
There is a picnic area at the McHugh trailhead that is really nice with
bathrooms, grills, a really nice view of Turnagain Arm, an interpretive
trail and a waterfall. The McHugh Recreation Area requires a $5 parking fee (bring exact change). The price for an annual parking pass is $40. You can purchase a pass at the Federal Building at 4th and F or the Atwood Building on 7th and E, 12th Floor. |
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