Palmer, Alaska

My sister and I with her dog did this great adventure after completing a Star Wars marathon and being pretty lazy on the couch. We wanted to get up and move our bodies, so we decided to check out this summit hike that ironically was named Lazy Mountain. This is a great hike for those that want a ...

Starting at less than 200ft above sea level, the trail starts off steep and never lets up. It climbs through forest until you are at about 2000ft. The trail gets muddy as the ground thaws and becomes very slick. The vegetation thins out as the elevation increases and the trail begins to cut back ...

Start your adventure by driving 1.5 hours north of Anchorage to the Gold Mint Trailhead about 20 mins away from the town of Palmer. Pay for parking, there is a day fee and a camping (choose either depending on your ambitions).  This trail can be broken down in four (unequal) sections.  The easy s...

Hiking through this valley really shows off the amazing landscape of Alaska.The trailhead starts at mile 13.7 on Hatcher Pass Rd. There is a big parking lot ($5 for a day pass). The trail has mile markers for the first 5 miles and is fairly well groomed, although you do have to do a little bushwh...

This beautiful lake is fed by Eklutna Glacier.   There is so much to do here:  Rent bikes or kayaks (bring your own too).  Info about renting is here.   Relax around the lake. There is plenty of space here, walk along the lake and head to a more secluded area, or closer to the parking lot there...

The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains that host a variety of interesting wildlife. If you look closely, it is not uncommon to see a Dall's sheep or two on the mountain side. At the western edge of the lake, you will find the parking lot and trailhead. There are picnic tables and a bathh...

Thunderbird Falls is just 1 mile from the parking area off the Glenn Highway. The trail starts off with climb but quickly levels off. It skirts the Eklutna Canyon through a birch forest with viewing decks overlooking the cayon and falls. The trail splits near the end. If you stay to the right yo...

If you've only got time to do a few things when in Alaska, make sure you visit Independence Mine State Historical Park in Hatcher Pass. It is open year round, and beautiful no matter the season. You can easily spend the entire day exploring the mine and surrounding area.The winter months fill the...

The trail head starts at the small unpaved parking lot which is free, (it was very full though because of berry picking). The trail starts off wide and flat as you walk through a beautiful valley surrounded by trees and giant granite mountain peaks. The trail changes to an upward climb with lots...

Cooling temps and changing colors often prompt us to squeeze in one more trip. And in the mountains of Alaska, it really is a squeeze. The time from peak fall colors to the first snow cover can be as short as a week. This autumn we chose to expand on a popular trek in the Talkeetna Mountains nort...

Alaska's Knik Arm has an impressive tide. When out, the mudflats appear, and in the winter, massive, beautiful pieces of ice are left behind. The ice fields provide a great place for an easily accessible adventure. The ice chunks, coupled with the amazing views of the mountains to the east and th...

Nestled in the mountains behind Eagle River, AK is Mt. Baldy. The hike to the top is an excellent choice if your time in Alaska is limited. The trailhead begins at the end of a spacious parking lot, which also offers some impressive views if any members of you party cannot make the climb. The tra...

Starting at an elevation of 600 feet from the Eagle River Nature Center, the trail runs through the Eagle River Valley and climbs over Crow Pass to Girdwood.The trail follows the river for almost 12 miles before requiring a ford. Fords can be very dangerous and it is very important to understand ...

All trails start from the Eagle River Nature Center, located in the Chugach Forest. There are many different trails and loops (from less than a mile to 25 miles), so no matter your experience, there is a good trail for you. A trail map of the area is available here.There are cabins located about ...

The trail head starts out with a small climb but levels out shortly. The trail winds through forest at first, then opens up to beautiful Alaskan landscape. You cross a few bridges over small streams and rivers and hike by some turquoise ponds, then eventually come to a boulder field. It is about ...

This moderate to difficult climb starts at 2200 feet and gets progressively difficult as you get closer to the top. It will cost $5(cash or card) to park at the Glen Alps Trailhead where you will find a set of well maintained trails accessing different parts of the valley including O'mally Peak.F...