Ostensibly, it was not adventurous since it’s a place you can drive a car to . . .  That said, interacting with Alaska, and in a Super Cub, is never NOT adventurous!  Also, everything is an adventure to me.  Plus, this is my website so I get to write about whatever moves me. And this experience moved me.

Seward Mobile Saunas was interested in figuring out wheel plane-accessed spots along water where they could set their sauna for some fly-in rejuvenation. I explored the area and determined that Resurrection River had a number of workable options, but would have to be figured out on the day-of because the location of other vehicles and tents is always changing. On the day-of my friend Cassie joined me and off we went to sauna on the river

Landing itself was really interesting because of the number of vehicles, fire rings, tents, and other obstacles along the river. Objects in motion! I felt like a number of times as I went to line up, a car would have moved to where I wanted to be – definitely an added complication!  As it was, I found a decent spot and taxied over to where they had the sauna set up, which was actually in an area that turned out to be the ideal landing spot.  We ultimately dismantled the few rock fire rings and moved the sauna out of the ideal runway, ultimately finding/preparing a perfect 600 ft strip with a great lineup and clear exit. So in the future, the spot can be more easily utilized because of the prep they can do on the ground and the way we figured out to position the sauna so you can literally taxi up to it. Seriously cool.

Red line is the landing area . . . paced off at a solid 600.’  The river is only about calf deep, so landing on the “island” across the stream likely would have worked too, and avoided car-based complications . . .

The experience of the sauna itself was heavenly. Perched right along the edge of the river, it felt like wilderness and was so stunning. With a cold plunge set up at the river’s edge, a lovely sunny deck to chill on, a warming room to change in, and a luxuriously hot sauna with a huge window… It’s hard to find words for how pleasant the combination is. Sitting in the sauna, we had a spectacular “eagle TV“ show across the river and a great mountain view. The sauna itself is really big as well which is great for a larger group, and really lovely for a group of three like we were.  And we gazed from the plunge toward the Harding Icefield, which made me laugh at so many memories that direction . . .

So many memories in that direction Across the spectrum of adventure!

A mesmerizing view to bake in

I had reached out to my friend Heather, who lives in Seward, to join us and she did! I didn’t give her much information, all I said was to come to Resurrection and meet us to go in the sauna, and I had to laugh because she figured that there would be something far more adventurous and was prepared to cross the river, go for a hike, and a sundry of other ambitious undertakings. I suppose I have somewhat of a reputation for hard things! But the reality is there very little effort involved in this sauna experience!  And it was so rejuvenating

We easily spent five hours between the sauna, plunge, and sitting on the deck. We had lovely conversation, especially because none of us had seen each other in a while, and the three of us had never even hung out collectively! It was such a special evening of being with two women I’ve known a long time, and who know each other by virtue of the Girdwood community, sharing something so cool and unique as this sauna experience along the river. It’s actually really difficult to put into words this experience, which is odd for somebody like me who loves words.

The sauna was so hot that this glacial cold plunge actually felt refreshing!

It would’ve been lovely to camp, and the company will even set up sleeping arrangements in the warming area, though we just did it as a day trip and that was lovely too. The flight home in the late summer light with calmer air than we’d found in the afternoon was really beautiful and the perfect cap, such an indulgent evening.

For days afterwards, the whole experience just felt surreal. I really love what these guys are up to with these mobile saunas, and there’s something really special about what they’ve built. Again, it’s funny to be someone who loves words like I do, and feel so wholeheartedly lacking in finding the ones that can do justice to this experience.

Ciao Seward!

Does summer light ever get old?!?

10/10 recommend

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Getting there: Located across Kachemak Bay from Homer, the trail is accessed by either plane or boat . . . I flew in, and the runway in Jakolof (4Z9) is long and in good shape, and has lots of space to pull to the side as well as fire rings and great camping options.

Once a road, and now a 4wheel trail, the ride from Jakolof Bay to Red Mountain is actually pretty fun and the trail is transport to a super rad area that can be explored more deeply once you’re there!    

The first 5.5 miles are in the woods and pretty overgrown – it’s screaming for someone to go up it with a pair of loppers to clear some alders back!  That said, it rides well and the surface is good, so that’s enough!  There are multiple sections where it’s washed out, but 4 wheelers have ridden a new trail in where necessary, and there’s some really narrow singletrack for those with the gusto to ride it with the exposure!  

This was late September growth . . . mid-summer might be rough!

This is narrower than it looks, and a bit unnerving to ride over the somewhat overhang, and also fun! There’s also a ride-around so this section can be avoided!

The old road is pretty washed out, but you don’t have to get your feet wet to cross!

Once the trail meets the Windy Creek, there’s also wash out sections with massive downed trees, also with 4-wheeler ride arounds that totally work!  They’re a little muddier than the “main” road, but not too bad.  

Wheeler trails offer ride-arounds of the washed out parts – a little muddy, but it works!!

At about 5.5 miles, the trail enters more alpine and the views of Red Mountain open up . . .at about 7.5 miles you reach a bridge over Windy Creek and a lovely valley with incredible views in every direction.  There’s many great camping options here, and a huge metal fire ring to augment any camping adventure!  It would be totally worthy to bike a camp up here and stay awhile to explore the upper valley.  

Trail opens up for the first views of the upper valley

And it keeps getting better!

FIre pit says it all . . . Red Mountain!

Cross the bridge and access the upper trail to the mine . . . it gets overgrown but if you get through that part, the access to the upper valley is good.

The color of the water didn’t get old . . .

The upper trail is just to the looker’s left of the shaded peak . . . the mine is up there too! Super cool valley

Such a rad place!

The trail then continues through some super thick alder, before switching back left and climbing steadily to the mine.  This section was snowed in when I rode in late September, but would be a worthy ride in mid-summer for sure!  Except for the alder section which I’d probably carry my bike uphill to avoid, honestly!  

I didn’t go explore up higher on account of the snow, but you can see the switchbacks up to the mine and pass! Worth a return trip for sure!

The ride down was super fun – the tech sections rode well and it was all pretty fast.  Even in late September I needed gloves to ease the hand-smashing of the alders!  

I rode a Specialized Turbo Levo SL e-bike for this trail – my first time ever riding one!  It was a perfect trail for it, in my opinion!  I made the 1200’ climb up over 7.5 miles in just over an hour, stopping plenty to take pictures!  And the way down was a super fun 30 minutes!  I loved having the power to make the flatter sections more fun, and the bike road super well through the tech!  I’m totally sold on battery-powered to add fun and speed things up!  As it was, I was worried about leaving the plane without a great tie-down, the bears in the area that could be feasting on my bushwheels, and the shorter days and impending cold!  So, I was happy to do the whole recon ride in 2 hours, including time spent lounging in the sun in the beautiful valley surrounded by red mountains  

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I rode from Ptarmigan Creek to Vagt Lake Trailhead (about 1.3 miles beyond Vagt Lake) and back and it would also be a great ride from Vagt Lake Trailhead to Ptarmigan Creek and back . . . perhaps better!  About 12 miles total riding, it took me about 2.5 hours (including the ride out Vagt Lake) and was a bit faster from Vagt to Ptarmigan than Ptarmigan to Vagt.

Staring at Vagt Lake: Trailhead is on the east side of the Seward Highway at mile 25.4 just south of Trail River bridge. Park outside of the railroad gate.  Trail starts near lakeshore.

Starting at Ptarmigan Creek: At Mile 23, Seward Highway, and turn east into Ptarmigan Creek Campground. Begins at the south end of the campground.

The best map of the trail is this one posted at a trail junction, with the INHT connector drawn in with Sharpie! It does give a good idea of the whole network, and supporting detail can be found at the Vagt and Ptarmigan NFS Recreational Opportunity Guides.

Ptarmigan Creek TH to Vagt Lake TH

The trail starts out from the campground and is wide and smooth.  There’s a junction to Falls Creek about ¾ mile in – turn left!  The trail has some moderate growth initially and then transitions to lovely open forest riding.  Some sort of punchy sections in the climb, it crosses a 4 wheel trail at about 1.9 miles (go straight) and then winds pretty gradually to the bridge across Falls Creek (about 2.8 miles in).  Constructed in summer 2021, it’s a pretty amazing bridge and the ticket to making this ride connect!  From the bridge, there’s 3 steep switchbacks that I was off the bike for, and then it’s about another 0.4 miles mostly up to the Crown Point ORV (4 wheel) trail.  Cross this trail and begin the descent to Vagt Lake.  At the junction, turn left to descend the final 1.3 miles to Trail Lake and the Seward Highway.  Never 100% up or down, the trail essentially climbs from Ptarmigan Creek to hte Crown Point ORV trail and essentially descends from there.  The descent to Vagt Lake and the Seward Highway are steep-ish at times with switchbacks, but it all rides well.  It’s definitely the more challenging downhill (and the more challenging uphill on the return!). 

Well built and super clear of brush! This is what Southcentral Alaska dreams are made of

After the Falls Creek ORV crossing, the trail continues to gradually wind up through the forest.

It’s a push up the switchbacks after the Falls Creek bridge! (photo: Chris Jung)

The Vagt Lake side of trail is a bit more greasy! Still fun tho

Vagt Lake TH to Ptarmigan Creek TH

The Vagt Lake trail starts with a mellow pedal along Trail Lake and then starts climbing!  The uphill is steep at times and I walked a bit of it as the trail ascends a creek.  The dirt is also greasier on this side (vs the Ptarmigan Creek side) so a bit harder to grip if it’s been raining recently!  A right at the lake itself (junction to INHT under construction – see below) and the climb continues with varying degrees of steepness – I walked another switchback, but it otherwise is pedal-able (for me).  Cross the Crown Point ORV, and descend to the Falls Creek bridge – the 3 switchbacks to teh bridge ride just fine!  A short uphill off the bridge and your reward is a wonderfully flowy and beautiful section of riding through the forest.  To me, this was the most fun part of the whole trail (and by this logic, worth an out/back to the bridge if you’re short on time or energy!).  Mostly downhill, there are a few short climbs too.  Right at the intersection with Ptarmigan Creek takes you to the trailhead along a very improved section of trail that still rides fun   

Climbing out of Trail Lake and the parking area, the trail is super lovely and mellow

The photo is a bit deceiving, but this section climbing along the creek was pretty steep and greasy – a push for me!

Lots of up and down . . .

With fun and flowy sections too!

Crossing Crown Point ORV – one more greasy section (it rides!) before transitioning back into the thicker forest canopy!

And then it’s a fun and flowy section on great dirt (drier under the forest canopy if it’s raining!), with great sight lines and no sharp turns that come and surprise you!

Ride Options 

1.  When I arrived at the Vagt Lake trail junction of the INHT with the trail to the Seward Highway, I took a ride out the new trail along Vagt Lake.  Currently being constructed (so far about 0.5 mi constructed), this section will continue to Grant Creek, and the ultimate construction of a bridge over Grant Creek will connect the INHT much closer to its destination at the Johnson Pass TH.  With the 4 bridges ultimately installed on Turnagain Pass INHT, that will bring connectivity from Moose Pass to Turnagain Arm!  I’m super thrilled with the continued progress on this amazing asset for Southcentral Alaska!
   

   Some of the prettiest riding, I’m super excited for this section to be complete!

    

   

Riding along Vagt Lake back toward the Seward Highway junction (photo: Chris Jung)

Currently the trail ends at the blue dot at the NW corner of Vagt Lake, and it will continue on to Grant Creek.

2.     Crown Point ORV – you can ride/push up this trail as far as you’d like to go!  It ultimately climbs like 3200’ well into the mountains.  Alternatively you can go up a bit for a view, or go down this trail and make a loop back to Vagt Lake TH.

Overlooking Trail Lake from the Crown Point trail (photo: Chris Jung)

3.   Falls Creek Rd – another 4 wheel trail, you can go up this one about 0.5 miles to a singletrack that will connect with the Ptarmigan Lake trail . . . ride it to the lake and come out Ptarmigan Creek all the way as an alternate ride to do with this section of trail!  The Ptarmigan Lake descent via Ptarmigan Creek rides super well and is similar to the Primrose descent in character, though a bit more tech than Primrose.  I definitely recommend it for those looking for a fun challenge!

Overall, mountain biking the 6 miles (12 miles round trip) of Iditarod National Historic Trail (INHT) between Ptarmigan Creek and Vagt Lake is a super worthy mountain bike ride!  At about 2.5 hours of riding, there’s a decent amount of variety and some nice views.  It’s not ever technical or overly challenging (except for a few sections of the climb), but a great ride to add to your list of Kenai Rides!

For more info on southcentral Alaska riding, check out www.AlaskaMTB.com!

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At 6 miles each way, the ride is a great out-n-back from Eddies or a nice shuttle assist one-way from Center Ridge.  The 12-mile out-n-back is about 2300 ft elevation gain/loss and about 2.5 hours total riding (1.5 hours Eddies to Center Ridge, and 1 hr Center Ridge to Eddies).  The trail is not at all technical (roots/rocks) so is accessible to all levels of riding with good fitness for climbing!  While smooth, it is quite fun and very scenic – a totally worthy ride!  The climbing isn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s all rideable and worth digging deep to clear it all if you’re into that sort of thing   The trail is in great shape and with the addition of 2 bridges in 2021 can finally be ridden without sketch river crossings!  With the bridge openings, the NFS has also cleared brush and improved drainage on the trail, so the whole ride is in great shape!

Eddies to Center Ridge: the “uphill” section of mountain biking the Turnagain Pass Iditarod National Historic Trail (INHT)

The trail starts out super nice and wide and stays in great shape all the way.  The first 3.5 miles is a steady uphill with consistently punchy sections that make the first hour a proper workout!  This section of trail stays in the woods so there aren’t many views.  At about 3.5 miles in, the trail emerges into the river valley south of Eddies Mountain and views of the Eddies south face and Tincan open up – it’s so lovely!  The next 2.5 miles to Center ridge start with a steep climb with 2 switchbacks (similar to the ones on lower Devil’s Creek) and then the terrain becomes rolling along the base of the Todd’s and the Tincan west face.  This section of riding is super enjoyable and lovely!  Finally, a quick descent to Center Ridge and you’re there!  The trail continues about 0.5 miles to Lyon Creek and essentially “ends” for all but the most adventurous!  

Eddies has never felt steep to me until pedaling up it! The forest is nice though! This section would probably stay decent in moderate rains

Yet another short punchy section – sooo fun on the way down though!

The new bridge over Ingram creek is a game changer for both summer and winter!

The trail from Eddies consistently winds uphill through the forest at the base of Eddies Mountain.

There are some decent recovery sections between steep sections!

Maybe Heather Johnson’s smile is because at this point she’s done most of the climbing . . . or maybe because she has no idea the steepest section is next up!  Or maybe she loves this new bridge!!!    Photo: Natsuko Ito

Center Ridge to Eddies: the “downhill” section of mountain biking the Turnagain Pass Iditarod National Historic Trail (INHT)

Starting out with a brief climb, including punchy sections the trail then transitions to rolling terrain at the base of Tincan.  Views of Turnagain Arm and upper 20 Mile River abound and this is one of the loveliest sections of trail.  About 2.5 miles in and the fun begins!  A descent to the bridge over Eddie’s Creek (on South side of Eddie’s Mountain) is followed by a short and steep climb out and then there’s a fast and fun downhill section to the new bridge across Ingram Creek through the forested section.  Rolling terrain follows this bridge to the parking lot.  Skiers may find this section of trail super fun (I sure did!) because we ski it all winter and it feels so similar while being so different – such a cool experience!  

The Tincan meadows are really pretty . . . and it’s fun to look up at Todd’s run

Heather Johnson making it look easy!   Photo: Natsuko Ito

Heather Johnson starts the descent to the Eddies Creek bridge . . . the final punchy climb is just off her left hip before the most continuous downhill section begins in the forest beyond. Photo: Natsuko Ito

Looking out Turnagain Arm and Upper 20 Mile River from the top of the switchbacks     Photo: Natsuko Ito

Heather Johnson crossing the Eddies Creek bridge . . . so fun to see the Eddies South Face in the summer!  Photo: Natsuko Ito

Overall, mountain biking the Turnagain Pass Iditarod National Historic Trail (INHT) is super worthy . . . it’s great to have a resource to enjoy Turnagain Pass in the summer!  In 2.5 hours, one could do an out-n-back or 2 shuttles from Center Ridge to Eddie’s . . . both are totally worthy!  While a net elevation loss from Center Ridge, it’s hardly a DH (decent pedaling required!) but the views are better and DH more plentiful!  In 2022, bridges will be built over Lyon and Taylor Creeks, but the bridges for Spokane and Bertha Creeks need ~$500k of funding that’s not currently in a budget.  Once those bridges are built, the trail will connect 12 miles from Eddies to Johnson Pass, and make for a nearly 40 mile through ride between Eddies and Moose Pass!  This trail is part of a larger effort to restore and  develop over 180 miles of the Southern Trek of the Iditarod National Historic Trail, connecting the communities of Seward and Girdwood, Alaska.

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Sixmile creek is one of the greatest whitewater runs in North America and is also a pristine natural waterway. Four of the five species of pacific salmon call Sixmile home, and wildlife abounds in the drainage – bears, moose, eagles and more!  Carving its way through the Chugach national forest, Sixmile creek is an amazing Class IV and V whitewater run!

While I’ve packrafted the first 2 canyons at low water levels, I’ve got to say running it in a big raft at big water was a whole different experience – full value!  The canyons are so tight and I’ve never been so glad to have an experienced guide to navigate through – and still plenty thrilling!

I highly recommend going for anyone who’s never been – and I definitely recommend going with Flow AK – they were so awesome!  Tons of stoke, skills that gave lots of confidence, and an overall great time!

The trip starts and ends in the adventurous town of Hope, Alaska so it’s easy to grab some great food afterwards, or plan to stay and combine the trip with some hiking, mountain biking (Hope Point, Gull Rock, and Resurrection are all right there!), and checking out one of the coolest towns around!  And at just 2 hours from Anchorage, it can be done in a day

Bonus points, they even picked us up at the airport – much nicer to fly in than drive!

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I’ve gone with AK-X the last 4 years and had a great experience each time.  The first year I went below the bridge in the personal use fishery, and the last 3 years we’ve gone above the bridge in the subsistence fishery.  While I haven’t used other charters so can’t offer a direct comparison, AK-X has been so great I’ve never felt the need to try something different!  They definitely put us in the fish, are super fun on the boat, entertain us with fun tunes, and make the whole experience super fun and easy!  Easy except for the part where my arms are always tired at the end of the trip from so much lifting fish out of the river!  Ha! 

Above the Bridge – subsistence fishery

Above the bridge is better earlier in the season, and essentially necessitates a boat/charter.  Individuals are allowed 5 kings, which is rad.  Fishing is done within sight of the bridge, so the boat ride is short – both good and bad: less scenic tour of the amazing Copper River . . . and less time spent in transit!

Does it get better than a big Chinook?!?!? Copper River kings have got to be one of my favorite foods!

Fishing above the bridge happens right here! Super easy to fillet right off the boat!

Dipnetting is hard work

Below the bridge – personal use fishery

Below the bridge opens later in the season and it’s possible to fish from shore or a boat.  Although more expensive to use a boat, it’s a time/money tradeoff and I personally love being able to catch all I need in a half day rather than spend a few days to achieve the same!  Below the bridge, fishing is generally done downriver of ‘the canyon’ and it’s really cool to see more of the river and fish in a more natural setting than above the bridge.

Motoring through the canyon below the bridge – so cool!

Oil railroad from the Kennecott Copper Mine days is super cool to see!

Where to camp, logistics planning

There are a few options for camping – both tent and RV.

• At the river:  Camp near the river so it’s easy access to hop on the charter in the morning.  There’s a campground just across the bridge that’s first come, first serve.  Basic sites but what more do you need?!?!
• In Chitina: AK-X now operates a campground right in Chitina.  Near the town bathrooms, it’s outfitted with fire rings, power, and is a fun and social environment.  They also rent Arctic Oven tents (pre setup) and 6-person tarps with cots and everything you need . . . definitely a good option if you want easy!  Getting to/from the charter is easy cuz you just ride down with them!  This is also a good option if you’re fishing on your own, or even if en route to McCarthy!

Or you could stay at a hotel in Chitina.  Gilpatrick’s Hotel Chitina is super central and cute/historic!

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At 7ish miles round trip, and about 2 hours (including time to chill at the lake), Ptarmigan Lake is a great short(er) mountain bike ride that delivers exciting trail, beautiful views, and a nice change from the standard Kenai mix of trails!  It’s a challenging ride both uphill (I had to walk plenty of it) and downhill (it’s on par with the Primrose descent of Lost Lake).  Trailforks ride log here, for the return/downhill only (and started just after leaving the lake).  We rode it June 15, and the brush wasn’t an issue – it seems like the upper section will get very overgrown and hiking reports confirm it does.     

Ptarmigan Lake itself is super stunning and worth the ride!

Ptarmigan Lake Trail starts from it’s namesake campground, between the Primrose end of Lost Lake and the South end of Johson Pass, making it a great trail to combine with a weekend riding either of the longer classics.  Directions can be found here.

It starts super chill and wide and there’s a right fork (left goes to a mine) that keeps you riding right along the river for awhile.  There are lots of roots in this section, and they continue as you begin to climb away from the river.  There’s just enough hike-a-bike to make you wonder if it’s worth continuing, but don’t give up!

The trail initially parallels the river, which is super lovely to ride!

The trail eventually transitions out of the roots to a far more pedal-able surface, except for the intermittent big root, narrow rocky corner, etc. that still had me off my bike and pushing plenty.  This section looks like it will get super overgrown as the summer progresses.

After about an hour we reached the lake – it is STUNNING and leaves one wondering why this trail isn’t better known . . . it’s as beautiful as any other lake in the area, maybe moreso with the glaciated 6210’ Andy Simons Mountain in the background.

Ptarmigan Lake is so cool!

Classic Kenai turquoise . . . my favorite color

This was 8:30 pm and we definitely had some bugs – otherwise could have stayed a very long time to enjoy this view.

The return is very rideable – we walked around one root on the downhill as it looked like it would grab and damage a tire, and I didn’t clear some uphill sections through big roots, but it’s otherwise a fun challenge that keeps you on your toes the whole time!  I’d say it’s very comparable to the Primrose descent from Lost Lake . . . the technical sections require similar bike skills.  The Ptarmigan descent is a bit more exciting in that it’s more unrelenting (Lost Lake has longer sections without challenge) and stays challenging to the very end (unlike Lost Lake that mellows considerably as you go).   

This root looked like it would grab a tire and not let go – we walked around!

Some hike-a-bike on the way out too – stunning area tho!

Rideable and techy roots

Coming out of one of the fun sections . . . lots to keep you paying attention!

Classic Kenai forest riding – super good dirt, 1000 types of green.

Overall this is a fabulous bike ride and I highly recommend mountain biking Ptarmigan Lake, especially if you like a technical trail and some challenges on the descent!  It’s so fun to ‘discover’ new trails after years of riding here!!!

If you like this one, you might also enjoy Summit Creek and for sure the Primrose side of Lost Lake 

For more mountain biking trail reports, check out the whole guide to Alaska biking!!!  Ride on and enjoy

Ride Essentials

Trail Snacks

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The Basics:

This ride is best done by riding up Devil’s and down Summit Creek, using the Resurrection trail for a bit to connect the two.  The Summit Creek trailhead is between Summit Lake and Devil’s Creek trailhead, about 5 miles before Devil’s.  It can be easily pedaled or easily shuttled.

Timing for this trail is the tricky part!  You need to go late enough for the snow to have melted from the pass, but early enough that the brush at the bottom isn’t too overgrown.  It can get gnarly and completely obscure the trail – an added hazard due to some tricky water bar rock sections that are super technical to ride when you can see them and would be a true hazard if you couldn’t.  

This ride report is from June 11, 2020 and is about as early as I’d want to be there given the snow.  Perhaps a good rule-of-thumb is that when ALL of the snow is clear from Devil’s-to-Res (there’s 3 patches still to walk through now), then Summit Creek is likely ready-ish.  I think it’s hard to nail perfectly.  The first time I did the route we had no snow, but the brush was more of a challenge . . . 

About 2 hours to Devil’s Creek intersection with Resurrection, another 1.5 hrs to pass above Resurrection, 2ish hours to the final pass – a solid 5.5 hr day if you’re moving . . . we took 6.5 hours total with stops, views, eating, etc.

Accessing the route:

The Summit Creek trail is best accessed by riding up Devil’s Creek and turning on Resurrection toward Hope. 

Devil’s climb . . . so wide and rideable in comparison to what comes! Enjoy this part

Get your feet wet on Devil’s so you don’t flinch later when crossing bogs and swamps!

Near Resurrection Pass, at the low point in the ridge to the East, there is a faint ‘unimproved’ trail to the ridge, at which point a more developed (though still primitive) trail emerges.  The switchbacks can be seen from the Resurrection Trail, coming into view across the flats just after you pass the small lake.  

The route climbs just looker’s left of the drainage to the low point in the center of the photo – taken from the spot on the Resurrection Trail where we departed and crossed the bog.

Look closely and you’ll see the trail to the looker’s left of the drainage

The primitive trail actually connects with the Resurrection Trail near Resurrection Pass (about 15′ south of the sign), we crossed the boggy flats to the base of the switchbacks off-trail.  Prepare for wet feet (if you don’t already have them from the ride up Devil’s)!  Once you navigate the brush to the actual climb, it’s a straightforward push to the top.  

The trail heads south from the Resurrection Pass sign

Crossing the flats – Res trail in the background.

Minor schwack, not bad with this amount of growth.

Once on the switchbacks, it’s a straightforward push to the ridge . . . Res Trail looking toward Hope in the background.

The top of the hike-a-bike section is a beautiful plateau on a nice ridgeline and has great views!  The trail is clear from here and goes down the creek, traversing around a mountain down to the lake on East Creek, which is also super pretty!  

The trail, though primitive, is quite obvious once you reach the top of the hike-a-bike

Eddie on the ‘pass’ after the first hike-a-bike section . . . the trail descends to teh valley off his right shoulder and up the drainage to the East (the final pass isn’t seen in this picture)

The descent to the lake is very rideable and fun because it makes you pay attention!  

Primitive trail, though super fun to ride!  Eddie in the initial descent to the lake in East Creek drainage

Perhaps the best part of this route is the big wilderness feel between the Resurrection Trail and Summit Creek drainage . . . big country out there.

This section is super fun and very rideable . . . though never a ‘gimme’

After the fun descent to the lake in East Creek drainage, the trail climbs up to the pass at the head of the creek, a gentle grade even if the trail isn’t all pedal-able due to narrowness, rocks, tussocks – definitely a primitive trail and will be varying degrees of walking your bike depending on skills.  

East Creek lake in the background . . . the trail came out of the drainage to the looker’s left of the lake.

Looking up the valley of the final climb . . . while not totally obvious from this point, there’s a low point in that ridge where the trail tops out.

Eddie climbing, low point more visible . . . snow of June 11, 2020 in the route made for a spicy final ascent!

We did the ride on June 11, 2020 and there was a decent amount of snow on the final climb to the pass.  It was navigable by piecing together dry patches with hike-a-bike bootpacking through the snow, though this was about as much snow as I’d want to deal with.  We started in the sunshine, and by this point in the  day it felt like a ‘real’ Alaska summer – cold, wet, buggy and a little miserable!  I was super glad to have layers in my pack, and was certainly reminded to always be prepared! 

This was the only real ‘dicey’ section – bootpacking with a bike . . . kick steps, lift bike, kick more steps . . . fun!

The final snow field was an easy cross to the pass

The fun part: Summit Creek Descent

From the final pass, the trail drops into the Summit Creek drainage and is essentially all downhill.  There are short punchy climb sections, though no additional sustained climbing.  It starts super alpine and rocky, then transitions to brushy and kind of narrow and enters a section of super tricky small stream crossings.  These ‘water bars’ typically have rocks on both sides and are front tire grabbers and tire slicers – most, if not all, can be ridden with expert bike skills, though it’s worth being sure you can repair a tire if needed.  Also, beware if the brush is overgrown because these can get you easily if you can’t see them coming (this was the case the first time I did this ride).  After the water bar section, it’s some fun forest-y riding to the power lines and parking lot. 

Down we go! With this amount of snow, we had very minor crossings as the trail takes the rider’s left wall of the creek

It’s worth noting that the day started sunny . . . not an ideal trail to be on with wet rocks, but still rode ok.

More technical than your average Kenai trail

And maybe more fun, too!

The final descent is so scenic – to watch the trail or the views?!?!? Trail!

Lovely, lovely green on a super fun descent!

Descending through the final section – Summit Lake in the background

Wrap-up:

The whole trail is about 10 miles but it’s not a fast 10 miles, especially with the snow crossings and rain we had . . . it took us 2 hours to get to the Resurrection ‘departure’ and another 4 hours to get to the car . . . I bet the snow added an extra hour.  So, I’d say the whole route is a solid 5 hours.  That said, it’s such cool country that if rain and snow don’t slow you down, it’s worth making a day of it for the views and experience anyhow.  

While not well-known as a bike trail, I do think this is one of the classic Kenai rides.  There is sensitive tundra and perhaps that’s why it’s ‘not recommended’ for bikes.  Or maybe the hikers want to keep it bike free.  To that end, I feel a bit conflicted in posting this info . . . though I’m a biker who believes in access and spreading people out across trails, and I think this is a great ride that many will enjoy   So please enjoy it ethically and with trail etiquette to hikers!

Because it’s a lesser traveled route and the section from Resurrection to Summit Creek is really remote, this ride has a big wilderness feel to it and riders should definitely be prepared for wilderness travel – navigation capability, wildlife preparation, wilderness medical, communication, etc.

Since it essentially ends at Summit Lake, it’s an easy stop for a post-ride meal or ice cream at Summit Lake Lodge – win!  While I don’t generally think to stop there, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with their food and ambiance when I have!

For more mountain biking trail reports, check out the whole guide to Alaska biking!!!  Ride on and enjoy

Ride Essentials

Trail Snacks

The post Devil’s to Summit Creek Mountain Biking – Alaska appeared first on Kellie Okonek.

Perched between Bristol Bay/Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska sits a 6-mile wide crater formed 3500 years ago in a violent eruption, after which the mountain caved in on itself and formed a huge crater. Initially water-filled after the first eruption, the damn ultimately broke and created a rift in the crater through which the Aniakchak River flows today: “the gates.” Subsequent eruptions, the most recent occurring in 1931, have formed multiple craters-within-the-crater and a very unique volcanic landscape ripe for exploration.

I have long wanted to explore the Aniakchak Volcano and its namesake river, and took the opportunity in July of 2012 to hike in with Paul, Erin, Chrissy, and Ray to meet up with Phil, Toni, Jeremy, Jamie, and Chris who would arrive a day later and continue their trip on to Chignik while the rest of us had to go back to work.

The trip started as many great trips do: quality time in bush Alaska. In this case, it was a PenAir flight to Port Heiden where we would pickup the fuel we’d called in to reserve and be on our merry way. Of course it didn’t go as smoothly as we would have hoped, but ultimately fuel was obtained for our Jetboil stove and we had a very entertaining few hours hanging out in downtown. Nothing like lonely rural Alaskan men to make a girl feel like a “10” – suffice it to say our group drew a crowd

When we finally got started, day 1 was a hike up ATV trails toward the crater wall . . . a long slow climb We made it into the tundra and had a nice camp, thankful that the wind and rain had been kind to us (unlike friends who’d gone last year and hiked in wearing drysuits).

Erin and Chrissy slogging up the side of a volcano

On day two, we continued up to the crater and then descended into the caldera for a ~6ish mile walk across the center of the earth over to Surprise Lake, where we setup camp . . .

It’s a big world out there – looking toward the Bering Sea

Did I mention it was Chrissy and Ray’s honeymoon?

Nearing the crater . . . Erin, Chrissy, and Ray

Ray, Port Heiden, and the Bering Sea

And then the world started steaming . . . guess we ARE walking up a volcano!!

Erin making it look easy . . . more volcano steam

Our first look into the Caldera – Surprise Lake in the distance, the 1931 crater in the foreground – what a sight!!

Another crater view from the top . . . such cool terrain!

Paul on the caldera edge . . . should we have brought skis?!?!?

The 1931 crater

So, we made it to camp, setup along the lakeshore with a nice open view to the caldera and spent the next (rainy) day running the Class IV rapids of the gates and generally enjoying our new home. The next group of 5 showed up that evening, and so we had a nice snack of Paul’s freshly caught fish and our otherwise tasty freeze dried meals

Me & Phil, what a stunning day!

View of Aniakchack River from partway up Black Nose

Chrissy May . . . love the volcano action for creating nice walking surfaces!

Me, Phil, and an ever-improving view!

Cmay coming up to the crater’s edge . . . in the wind!

Looking down on Surprise Lake and home . . . helluva view even with the clouds in the crater!

Vent Mountain – nothing like a volcano within a volcano to let you know you’re in the raddest place ever.

Phil and me . . . view didn’t get old

Windy, cold, still going up Rad terrain and colors though . . . kind of wondering at this point if we’d lost our minds.

Cold, windy, foggy, happy

Phil glad to be back in vestiges of sun!

Did I mention the wind?!?

And then back down . . . snowy crater walls in the distance.

Yeah for getting out of the wind and back into the sun!

From there, we ended up running the gates again and then doing a 2-day float down the river to Aniakchak bay. Thank goodness Katmai Air was reliable and made it over the cloudy pass to get us!!!

The post Aniakchak: from the Bering Sea to the Gulf of Alaska . . . via the Aniakchak Volcano crater. appeared first on Kellie Okonek.

The story . . .

As I started looking closer at the maps and seeing the weather forecast for Southcentral Alaska (“first storm moving away from southcentral with a more powerful second storm on the way”), the doubts over our trip started creeping in.  Sherrie and I planned to hike from the Eureka Roadhouse on the Glenn Highway, 60 miles overland to the headwaters of the Talkeetna River.  From the small roadside town, we’d walk for 2.5 days (most off-trail wilderness travel), over a 4800′ and 6000′ pass, before rafting 40 miles of the Talkeetna River.  At the confluence with Prairie Creek, we would meet friends who’d flown in with a cataraft and raft the famous class IV Talkeetna River canyon (“the longest stretch of continuous whitewater in Alaska” and one of the state’s most classic river trips) to the town of Talkeenta.

As I really started thinking about the logistics, the thoughts of all that could go wrong rushed in with a vengeance.  I haven’t been nervous for a trip in awhile, but I have to admit in many ways it felt good to try something I wasn’t sure I could do.  We made contingency bailout plans for the inability to cross high passes due to weather, packed a little extra food in case we had to hike out without the cataraft to travel the high-volume canyon, and left a good communication plan in case we didn’t make it out.

Leaving the road at 5:30 pm, we made it to Caribou Creek and camped along its banks.

Starting out with termination dust on Gunsight Mountain behind us . . . all smiles for the journey ahead!

Surprised and ecstatic, our first full day of hiking up Caribou Creek was graced with sunshine!!  Given the multiple thigh-deep river crossings of this glacial stream, and blessed with peak fall colors, the bright skies made our day super enjoyable as we covered ground.

Did I mention that we were thankful for the sun?  Sherrie shares her joy!

Sherrie making progress toward Chitna Creek confluence with Caribou Creek, one of the day’s major milestones

Me headed into the upper Caribou drainage – foreboding skies ahead, but sunny for now!

Me loving the tank top weather and peak fall colors – all the gorgeous mountains made us want to come back with more time to scramble up them!

Caribou Creek shrinking as we neared the headwaters – just upstream is it’s super dramatic canyon

We made it to our goal of a lake just below the final climb to our first big pass, arriving at camp in a mix of rain and snow.  We awoke to a white world, and a super cold morning, but were thankful that the conditions still looked okay for travel.

Awaking to a snowy morning at camp 2 . . . brr!!

My shoes were so frozen after all the river crossings the day prior that I had to use pliers to get the laces free . . . I finally thawed them in the icy cold river to be able to get my feet in – now there’s a way to start a morning!

We hiked out of the Caribou Creek drainage and over a gentle pass to the high country in the upper Oshetna River valley.  Opting to “cut the corner,” we walked the caribou trails of the grassy hills instead of travelling the creek, rewarded with panoramic mountain views and serene lakes to walk by.

Heading into the high country – leaving the final trickle of Caribou Creek

Rounding the corner into the upper Oshetna River valley

Me passing one of three lakes as we traveled to the Oshetna River . . . peaceful and stunning country

Sherrie adds a splash of color to the Talkeetnas!

Making progress – our route was just around the backside of the peak in the foreground . . . caribou trails made our travels so nice!!

Caribou kept us company much of the morning . . . should we have brought skis?!?

We had great travel conditions for the morning, the frozen ground creating a nice walking surface, cushioned with a covering of snow . . . greeted by caribou, beautiful lakes, and changing scenery, we were super stoked!  Lurking in the back of my mind, however, was a wonder of what we’d find as we approached the pass – the mountains around us were pretty snow-covered and the wind was picking up – thoughts of avalanches started creeping into my mind.  As a skier, I should know better than to get caught in a windslab, and we had approximately zero appropriate tools (i.e. shovel!) to respond if we did.  But, you never know til you go, so on we went, knowing that we could always come back and raft out Caribou Creek if we had to.  One thing was readily apparent: we were definitely going to be pushing the limits of tennis shoes!!!

Our first pass at 4800′ finally in view . . . what’s next?

Headed up the pass, looking down to the Oshetna . . .

The landscape got stark, but no less beautiful

On the backside of pass #1, with 6000′ pass #2 around the corner – starting to look more like a headwall than a pass!

Sherrie with the outline of switchbacks above her . . . looks like we can probably make it over!!

Standing on the headwall – I have to admit I was hoping to see a little less white than this . . .

Travelling the moraine-from-hell . . . this kind of travel is hard enough without 6″ of snow obscuring the appropriate places to step!

Uggh, the moraine goes on . . .

Finally off the rocky moraine and back into snow-covered tundra . . . a much appreciated reprieve of wondering if I was going to break an ankle every step!

Thankfully, Alaska let us through and we were able to safely navigate our way over the headwall (after going over it, I am no longer calling it a pass!) . . . I had hoped for a gentle slope off the backside, but instead I found myself plunge stepping into thigh deep snow down its steep flanks.  Spirits plummeted as we walked across the glacial moraine on the backside.  Comprised of rocks, their interstitial spaces filled with snow, it felt like a broken ankle (or femur!) was a threat on every step.  Sherrie characterized our friendship as “old love” as we walked in irritated silence, mentally preparing ourselves to be in snow for the duration of our overland travel.  The Talkeetna side of the mountains is the wet side, but this was more snow than we’d really expected!  We were DEFINITELY pushing the limits of tennis shoes!

Not shockingly, we awoke to more new snow on our third morning, but with only 11 miles remaining until packrafting time, and knowing it would only get better as we lost elevation, we were off!

Another cold morning – a good chance to multitask with stretching hips, warming toes on my hot bottle, and drinking coffee all at once!!

Our river walk transitioned to a game trail as we headed away from the creek and onto a gently sloping flank to the river . . . back in peak fall colors, the tundra reds burst into our gray landscape.  As we descended, the sun came out and graced us with warmth and views of the Talkeetna Glacier and big mountains surrounding us.  As the river came into view, we were pscyched to start making progress off our feet!!

Good travel, out of the snow, making progress = happy Kellie!

Looking back at the white world we’d come from!

And looking down to the river we were headed to!

Sherrie in peak fall colors yet again, checking out the potential for rapids in the upper river

Still not sure if it was going to fully break, the clouds added surreal feel to the big open country we were in

The Talkeetna Glacier and upper river

We made it to the river just after noon and took a breather in bare feet on the sand, appreciating the moments of sunshine as we prepared for the next section of the adventure.  We had 40 river miles to cover, with beta that it started class III and then mellowed out . . . lured by the sunshine, we did not put on nearly enough layers and spent most of the day super cold until we finally gave into putting puff coats on under our drysuits!  It’s been awhile since I’ve been this persistently cold, and I started to accept that winter is definitely on its way!!

The upper river was splashy and fun!

So wonderful to enjoy the views off of our feet!  Packrafts and river gear are heavy and cumbersome to carry, but sooooo worth it!

By some combination of good fortune and perseverance, Sherrie and I made it 40 miles downriver in about 6.5 hours, meeting our friends according exactly to plan A.  They had flown in that morning as planned, rafted Prairie Creek, and setup a luxurious camp.  With a dutch oven, coolers, big raft, and cotton clothes our lives were about to change!

All smiles in the morning as we headed toward the Talkeetna Canyon!

At the ~8000 cfs level we had, the Talkeetna was considered “low,” but the toilet bowl entry rapid and the 14 mile long “sluice box” were exciting all the same, and still much bigger water than I’d want with a packraft!!

Under sunny skies, Denali and the Alaska Range greeted us in Talkeetna!!

Overall, the trip was awesome.  At no point “in the bag,” the adventure continued with every step and wave along our journey.  It was definitely an experience that re-energized me for big Alaskan traverses and throwing it to the wind every now and again

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