Bear Valley Mountain 2280 State Route 207 PO BOX 5038 Bear Valley, CA 95223 Phone: 1-209-753-2301 fun@bearvalley.com Some 50 miles north of Anchorage, this 1.5-mile trail makes for a fine family outing. Go off-trail as necessary or desired, but don’t get sidetracked by the many sheep trails cutting horizontally across the mountainside. Hike from the house up Bear Mountain. Summer is … I've had a couple inquires … Difficulty: Class 2+s4. The northeasatern bowls and ridges of McHugh Peak are wide and there are countless ways to move through them. The Rabbit Lake Trail is about as exciting as hiking on a road, which is exactly what it used to be. Traveling safely in the outdoors requires experience with routefinding, gear selection, emergency response, weather assessment, etc. But if you’re hoping to score a prime parking spot, this trailhead is best tackled on weekdays or in the off-season. My time: 5 hours, McHugh Creek route (West Ridge): 7.8 miles round trip, 4,300 ft. elevation gain. Follow the large-well-maintained trail about 400 feet until it intersects with the Turnagain Arm Trail. Bear Valley Road Runner. Bear Valley: Golden View Trailhead has great access to McHugh Peak, and view from ridge is one of the best view of Anchorage and Chugach mountains. The peak affords some fantastic views of the surrounding area. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Looking down the east ridge of McHugh Peak toward Rabbit Lake and the Suicide Peaks. Matt Bergt chilling on the small summit crown of McHugh Peak. Anchorage Hiking Trails Denali Hiking Trails Seward Hiking Trails Homer Hiking Trails ... Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. But there it is at #4–at least, if you’re going by land area alone. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. ... Anchorage. Those with experience at a rock gym might wonder what all the fuss is about, but caution would still be wise. My time: 6 hours. that go far beyond anything I can cover here. Well worth it to keep going to the very top so you can see turnagain arm. This trailhead lacks the signage and trappings of most Chugach State Park trailheads (including the parking fee! Bear Valley Route (North Ridge) The North Ridge Route, starting at the Honey Bear Trailhead at the top of Honey Bear Lane in Bear Valley, is a fun Class 2 ridge walk with 2,300 feet of elevation gain and excellent views over Anchorage and across the inlet. Take Clark’s Road off of Rabbit Lakes, then follow the Bear Valley switchbacks up to the trailhead. In fact, it is arguably the most reliable early-season hike in the Chugach, and is often snow-free long before traditional early-season hikes like Bird Ridge or Wolverine. From the trailhead it beelines up the valley, staying a few hundred feet below brush line and only wobbling slightly as it crosses avalanche runouts. 2: Upper O’Malley Trailhead 6: Chuck Albrecht Park 9: Basher Trailhead 13: Russian Jack Park 16: Glen Alps Trailhead 20: Bicentennial Park Smoke Jumper 23: Kincaid Park Chalet 27: Hilltop Ski Area 30: Bear Valley: Meet at Ray E Stork Park May The lake is … Eklutna, then follow the trail … If you asked people what the largest cities in the US are, few would guess Anchorage. The information I share here is based on my research and limited personal experience. My name is Paxson. Local favorites for half-day hikes include Bloods Ridge and Inspiration Point. From the top of Point 3,200, follow the crest of the ridge 1.9 miles to the summit of McHugh. The brush on the south side of McHugh is not at all bad by Chugach standards, though the tundra and grasses can be steep and slippery. The Rabbit Lake Trail under Ptarmigan Peak. Turn left (northwest) onto the Turnagain Arm Trail and follow it about a third of a mile to the signed cutoff for the McHugh Lake Trail. Zillow has 30 homes for sale in Bear Valley Anchorage. See Alaska's highlights by railroad or motorcoach in a group of up to 50, Travel in small groups, stay at exclusive wilderness lodges, and spend more time outdoors, All-inclusive multi-day vacation packages at a remote wilderness lodge, Travel with a professional photographer to the best photo locations around the state, Trips range from backpacking, rafting, to upscale remote lodge retreats, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Here is a little video I put together during my hike of Bear Valley. Hike to Rabbit Lake - 10 miles RT, 1,440 ft elevation gain. After reaching the summit, you can either come back down the way you came, or continue along the ridge to Mt. I hope that this site helps you plan exciting and safe trips, but please always keep the information here in context. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Bear Valley is a valley in Alaska and has an elevation of 128 feet. Make noise, carry bear spray, and follow other best practices for traveling in bear country. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. This is an amazing hike near Anchorage, that provides incredible views of the mountains and lakes without extreme effort. Stops include Seward (Kenai Fjords), Girdwood, Whittier & Spencer Glacier, Stops include Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park & Fairbanks. Follow the ridgeline 1.5 miles over the top of Ruby (the west summit of McHugh Peak) and then on to the summit of McHugh Peak itself. Just follow the ridge west to the summit of McHugh. Following the Glenn Highway north from Eagle River, take the Peters Creek exit, turning right onto Ski Road. Whichever route you take, you’ll end up on McHugh’s east ridge. Which one is right for you? By the same token, nobody would ever claim that McHugh Peak, which borders south Anchorage at the southwest corner of Chugach State Park, is the “largest” peak in the Chugach. Its western flanks enfold several of South Anchorage’s hillside neighborhoods and don’t flatten out until they reach the New Seward Highway. The McHugh Creek Route up the west ridge starts nearly at sea level and requires just over 4,300 feet of elevation gain to reach the summit–far more than any other route. If successful, the signs could be replicated for roads around the Upper South Fork Eagle River Trailhead. The summit is out of view to the left. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights, Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse!). This expansiveness and proximity to Anchorage make McHugh an excellent choice for easy day trips, afternoon berry-picking jaunts, long ridge walks, and rocky scrambles. Holding your right hand out in front of you, palm facing away, Anchorage is … Hotels near Bear Valley, Anchorage on Tripadvisor: Find 18,909 traveler reviews, 20,637 candid photos, and prices for 241 hotels near Bear Valley in Anchorage, AK. Great hike with a bit of rock scrambling at the end that provides great views at the highest point overlooking Anchorage at 5,184'. Pine Valley is situated 2 miles northeast of Bear Valley Trailhead… 2-5 day small ship explorations. Hi! Hike the Twin Peaks Trail. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Carpooling to the trailhead is highly recommended. P roblems with public access have proliferated across Chugach State Park, from the South Fork Eagle River Trailhead to Mt. Bear Valley, Anchorage, AK real estate … Trailhead: Eklutna Lake. If your car doesn’t have good clearance or if the road is in poor condition, park at the lower parking lot and walk the last few hundred feet to the gate. After about a mile, turn right on Whaley. Hikers determined to follow the crest of the ridge may find some adventurous Class 3 scrambling, but steeper sections are generally easily avoided by moving onto the north side of the ridgeline. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, Guides to the best locations around the state to view wildlife. The dispersed camping area has 6 picnic tables with fire rings, hand pump for drinking water and a vault toilet. Until access issues there are resolved, use the signed public trailheads to avoid problems. After about a mile and a half, the McHugh Lake Trail passes the base of a prominent rock and tundra gully with a small trail leading up it. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. 26: Bear Valley: Meet at Ray E Stork Park 30: Ruth Arcand Park. Follow the trail .7 miles straight uphill to the ridgeline. Bear Valley route (North Ridge): 5.4 miles round trip, 2,300 ft. elevation gain. It has a few outcrops that you may not want or need to climb over, but it’s generally easy to follow and fairly low-angle. Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Chugach National Forest Points of Interest. Scooting up the mountain from Bear Valley trailhead. Though McHugh peak is mostly an alpine walkup, negotiating the bundle of rocks on its summit can be tricky and feels more like rock climbing than hiking. Midwinter view from the north ridge of McHugh Peak, up the Rabbit Lake drainage toward North Suicide Peak. McHugh/Bear Valley: A relatively new trailhead in Bear Valley provides access to McHugh Peak’s long ridgelines without driving down to Turnagain Arm, and without climbing from sea level. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a fantastic opportunity to get excellent photographs of your favorite Alaska wild critters ... Girdwood is known for excellent restaurants … Baldy, Ram Valley, and Glen Alps, but perhaps no location exemplifies the difficulties providing park access as well as the “Honey Bear” trailhead in upper Bear Valley. On the other side, strike out across the open tundra and climb any of the slopes arcing upward toward McHugh Peak. The Alaska Railroad is your transportation method. Difficulty: Class 2s4. At the ridgeline, views open up north toward downtown Anchorage. The Anchorage Police Department does not consider use of the Stewart Trail to constitute criminal trespass and does not issue citations for use of the trail. More Information. When the road bends left after three miles, turn right onto Clarks Road and immediately right again, still following Clarks Road. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. The North Ridge Route, starting at the Honey Bear Trailhead at the top of Honey Bear Lane in Bear Valley, is a fun Class 2 ridge walk with 2,300 feet of elevation gain and excellent views over Anchorage and across the inlet. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Primary International airport. Where Alaskans may perceive Anchorage’s narrow, steep, and sometimes rocky trails to be just another day in paradise, newcomers to the state, especially those with little or no hiking experience, may find the trail … This ridge is well-traveled and there is an informal trail running along it most of the way. More…. Anchorage is Alaska largest city. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. It's free to go this far by car, and you'll get a picture-perfect shot of Portage Glacier. If you do decide to bypass the gate and are confronted on the Stewart Trail, do not feel pressured to sign any documents or agree to any demands. First part is pretty steep and tiring, but the ridge line is beautiful. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. About; Getting There; Share It's free to go this far by car, and you'll get a picture-perfect shot of Portage Glacier. The routes marked on my map are really just suggestions, and it’s up to you to find your way through this collection of shallow ridges, rocky outcrops, and tundra slopes. While the Bear Valley route up McHugh is just an adventurous Class 2, the final few feet to the true summit qualify as Class 4 (light rock climbing). The Snow Bear retreat boast the best views in Anchorage. At roughly the 2.5 mile mark, the Rabbit Lake trail reaches a high point below Ptarmigan Peak and then begins to descend slightly into the upper valley. After a third of a mile from the parking lot, the trail enters open tundra. There was a problem with your submission. This is the only part of the hike that can feel tedious, though the slogging is tempered by fantastic views up the Rabbit Creek drainage toward Ptarmigan and the Suicides. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. In the winter, experienced outdoorspeople hike its wind-blown ridges and ski on its mellow north and west-facing bowls. There are many unofficial trails, game trails, and old inholding trails in this area. Full-day adventures can be found at Wheeler Lake and Bull … This campground is along a scenic meadow near a babbling creek where hiking along the Bear Valley National Recreation Trail is a delightful side trip. The view looking towards Anchorage Alaska during a hike up Bear Valley on September 10th 2018. This less developed trail quickly gains elevation through alder thickets then emerges into the alpine which … … To access the Rabbit Creek route, park at the Rabbit Creek Trailhead at the end of Canyon (Upper Hiland) Road. But all this access can come with a price for visitors. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Drive the Seward Highway to the McHugh Creek parking area. Bear Valley staff and community remain true to the tradition of providing a solid, well-rounded program that combines the wisdom from our nation's educational past with knowledge of world we know. Because it is south-facing in a high-wind area next to the ocean, this route is often fully snow-free as soon as early May. Please pack out your trash since garbage collection services are not … The wind-swept tundra and rocky ridgeline is easy to follow and runs at a relatively shallow angle, though there are two prominent notches during which you’ll lose (and regain) about 150 feet of elevation each time. The creek is generally low and easy to cross. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. A little over 2 hours to get to the peak from the honey bear lane trailhead. Great Hike with lots of blueberries to pick! There is ample parking here year round for $5 (or an annual State Parks Pass), and the trailhead is located at the end of the uppermost parking lot. From the trailhead, the clearly-signed trail begins at the parking lot and switchbacks through dense alder toward the broad shoulder of McHugh’s north ridge. Add these trails to the abundance of incredible cross country and alpine options, and there’s something to satisfy everyone. Trail builders from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward, Soldnotna, Eagle River, Matsu Valley, and Girdwood have all been building flow trails through local forests and hills. The Anchorage Park Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity, to support local parks and trails in partnership with the Municipality of Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department. Exciting and safe trips, but please always keep the information I share here is based on my research limited. Little video I put together during my hike of Bear Valley Anchorage the Peter 's Creek area overlooking Anchorage 5,184! Turning right onto Clarks Road and immediately right again, still following Clarks Road below! 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