The direction reverses every year. Bring shoes for water crossing (it’s super cold). At one point we were following very fresh cow/ calf tracks. Suvi Hiker / AllTrails This trail isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those that want a more relaxed pace, the hike can be broken up into two days. 2.7k. Very over grown areas after pass and before river crossing. Be aware that many of the parks, forests, and refuges in Alaska have closed their visitor centers in light of these events. The first section of the hike is uphill with a relatively gentle incline. Reservations can be made through the Forest Service. Your dog should be used to hiking long distances in tough terrain and be able to ford rivers. share. Discover Pass 5. There may be times the river is too high to cross safely. Crow Pass is the highest point on the Historic Iditarod Trail. To start this journey, park at the Crow Creek Trailhead (Girdwood). We believe that those who scout the trail and train on it deserve the reward of learning routes that may save them a few seconds as well as keep them from losing the trail. The cabin sits just 500 feet off of the main trail upon reaching the pass. Crossed the river at 2pm, water was low/mid thigh (I'm 6'). Oval Pass and Eagle Pass–Trails and Climbs - MAP-Oval Peak. About 12 hours total moving time. Elitists need not apply – Snow Lake is the most visited lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness…and rightly so. Flats, tall grass, mud, rocks and boulders, ups and downs but seriously one of the best hikes I’ve ever been on! They were able to effect a successful companion rescue with minor injuries sustained by the person that was fully buried. It was reopened for hiking in … This trail was difficult, but the views were absolutely worth it. One hat that probably fell off someone's pack but the toilet paper markers at rest spots was an eye sore. The Cabin is ~3 miles from tthe Girdwood Traihead. 1 Reviews. 9/4-9/5 hike. There is a x-country trail set up, so be mindful where you step. I would highly recommend snowshoes. Website. In the winter, there is a high avalanche risk at Crow Pass and the Girdwood side of the trail. Crossing the rivers without shoes is some of the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. Weather couldn't be better, and the river crossing wasn't bad at all (I'm 5'9" and it was barely to my knees). Backcountry chefs should plan to bring a portable camp stove. Order Online Tickets Tickets See Availability Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. Hiking the Crow Pass Trail is a great way to do that! The elevation gain sits at about 3,290 feet total. The direction reverses every year. Travelers coming off the trail in early June reported plenty of snow remained at the trail’s upper elevations, Kruger and Panarese said. You must have good command of your animal and keep them close, as dogs can surprise wild animals or lead aggravated animals back to you. Fantastic views of high peaks, thundering waterfalls and the Raven Glacier surround you in the approach to the Pass, although the area is exposed to any weather that might be moving through. The trail doesn’t go right up to the glacier so you have to go off trail to see it up close. Checking trail conditions before heading out is always a good idea, the experts said. A roadhouse for the weary travelers once existed just below the current ford site after Raven Gorge. I had some close run ins with a Moose and fell through some ice on the pass, it was a great big adventure. Trail Description: Trail ascends from the Crow Creek Trailhead through talus fields and mine ruins on its way to Crow Pass. hide. From Crow Pass, the trail begins a long descent toward the Eagle River Valley. The husky completes the trail with strangers so much, about ten times a year, that Nanook's owner engraved his collar with the title "Crow Pass Guide Dog." Some of the incredible and varied sights that await you on this hike include mine ruins from long ago, a rock chasm waterfall, Crystal Lake, Raven Gorge, and awesome Raven Glacier and its massive cascades. Presently, Crow Pass Trail is widel… For more information, call the Anchorage office at 907-644-3661 or the Fairbanks office at 907-459-3730. Bird Valley Trail System Chugach Bike Map Crow Pass Trail Eagle River Nature Center Trail System Eklutna Lake Trail System Falls Creek Trail Flattop Mountain Trail Guide. How do you get from one trailhead to the other? Best camping was about 17 miles. That will not change under Healthy Futures’ directorship. Chelan Ranger District 428 W. Woodin Avenue 1. I haven't done the tasty middle-bit, not yet. Recommendations for those going: bring poles as they help with snow and water crossings. Crow Pass Trail. The Eagle River Nature Center offers a $10 three-day parking pass, which you can pick up during business hours or by using the after-hours fee box located near the front door. Waiting for you at Crystal Lake is the quaint A-frame Forest Service Cabin, along with an amazing view of Crystal Lake. Generally, you can hike Crow Pass Trail between Memorial Day to the first snowfall. How long should I take to hike the trail? The Eagle River and Raven Creek valleys are major habitats for moose and bears. “There’s never a dull moment on … The first parking area is the Fifes Peak Viewpoint and the second parking area is the Crow Lake Way Trailhead with parking for about 4 cars. It is so beautiful going through so many different types of terrain. Backcountry chefs should bring a portable camp stove. This trail can be accessed from the Eagle River Nature Center (the end-point on this route). The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. This Trail has two starting/ending points: - Eagle River Nature Center Trail Head (Eagle River, AK) - Crow Creek Trailhead (Girdwood, AK) I've done about 4 miles in, from each side. The Crow Pass Crossing has for 35 years followed an unmarked trail, which is part of its charm and challenge. Reservations can be made through the Forest Service. All in all loved every bit of this hike. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. Plan to download maps beforehand, carry a GPS navigational device, and carry a satellite phone or communication device such as InReach or Spot. Tip: On the Eagle River side of the trail, users should prioritize camping on the open gravel along the river. Walking or riding single file in the middle of the trail helps reduce impacts to the trail and the surrounding environment. Bring water shoes. Hikers should bring bear-resistant containers to store food. Stick to the line in the trees if you are not as sure footed. Crow Pass in the summer has an abundance of wildflowers and mountain goats. Saw total of 5 bears. Description: Hilly POINT-TO-POINT trail run. Is there any public transportation? There is no public transportation provided between trailheads. You are hiking over lots of rock slide areas during parts so wear sturdy soled shoes/boots or your feet will hurt when you’re done. Bring trekking poles and do not attempt to cross barefoot. Trail description: Crow pass is often considered one of the best hikes in the chugach mountains. Would also recommend downloading the map prior. The group was on splitboards and had heavy packs (~40lbs) with overnight gear; they were headed to the Crow Pass cabin. The weather and view were phenomenal. This section of trail was abandoned when the railway was completed 1918. If you pack it in, pack it out! Crossing is anywhere from 150-200 feet across, and the river depth can range from just below the knees to over waist high. Early season backpackers (May – mid-June) should be prepared to encounter snow through Crow Pass. Camp sites at Twin Falls have soft ground and beautiful views! At certain points in the trail it will seem like there is no no trail so look for the best beaten path and that’s probably it. The ER side starts in the woods and is decently brushy. The Potomac Heritage Trail, also known as the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail or the PHT, is a designated National Scenic Trail corridor spanning parts of the mid-Atlantic and upper southeastern regions of the United States that will connect various trails and historic sites in the states of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. Start your crossing at the kiosk and aim for at the white posts until you reach the other side. This was our first hike on the Kenai Peninsula during the first week of August. The Crow Pass Trail is a picturesque 24-mile section (Girdwood to Eagle River) of the Iditarod National Historic Trail offering alpine hiking, trail running and sightseeing opportunities. Type of Pass 2. LOTS of bear scat and sign so bring your spray and a bear box for food. The Crow Pass Trail travels along a small section of this historic trail. To start this journey, park at the Crow Creek Trailhead (Girdwood). Historic Iditarod (Crow Pass) Trail to Dew Mound is a 18.4 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Eagle River, Alaska that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Historic Iditarod (Crow Pass) Trail to Dew Mound is a 18.4 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Eagle River, Alaska that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Some of the incredible and varied sights that await you on this hike include mine ruins from long ago, a rock chasm waterfall, Crystal Lake, Raven Gorge, and awesome Raven Glacier and its massive cascades. Consider your fitness level and backpacking experience when planning how much time it will take to hike the entire trail. Closest one travelled parallel with us and we were 200 yards apart but we all minded our own. From Girdwood to Eagle River is probably the preferred way. Crow Pass, an iconic Alaskan footrace In 1984, the Crow Pass Crossing began as a “28”-mile adventure from above Girdwood to the Eagle River Nature Center. The Crow Pass Trail travels along a small section of this historic trail. Brush and forest characterize the trail … Crow Pass Trail 32750 Eagle River Rd Eagle River AK 99577. Started on 11:30 on Saturday ended. Tons of overgrown brush and spots where bears are frequent so make sure to bring bear bells and bear spray. This section of the trail was abandoned when the railway was completed in 1918. No matter how the weather looks, bring warm, waterproof gear. The husky completes the trail with strangers so much, about ten times a year, that Nanook's owner engraved his collar with the title "Crow Pass Guide Dog." The group hiked out to the trailhead. This section of the trail was abandoned when the railway was completed in 1918. What are the snow conditions up in the pass? Didn’t touch my bag (5’2”) I’d recommend having hiking poles. Open fires are prohibited in Chugach State Park unless in a metal fire ring provided at a designated campsite or on the gravel bars of Eagle River. Perfect weather. We hiked about 15 miles and set up camp. Many of the trails that crisscross the state’s backcountry are point-to-point hikes, which require a shuttle car to complete—and the Crow Pass Trail is no exception. The beginning 6 miles are the hardest due to the elevation gain and fall. Owyhee River Float. Most importantly enjoy a night of quiet solitude in the Crow Pass Cabin. A roadhouse for the weary travelers once existed just below the current ford site after Raven Gorge. Length 18.4 mi Elevation gain 2,582 ft Route type Point to Point You can make sure the conditions are safe by checking the Crow Pass Trail Facebook feed, calling the Eagle River Nature Center at (907) 694-2108, or calling Chugach National Forest at (907) 783-3242. When camping, know the safe way to cook and store your food to avoid attracting bears. For Basin Lake, continue south on the PCT wandering through the lush basin passing bubbling springs and creeks and lots of … Crow Pass Trail Stewardship Project Partner: Chugach State Park Citizen’s Advisory Board Project Goal: Improve trail conditions and the trail user’s experience through collaboration between land managers and community organizations. Thru-hikers should plan to leave a car at either end, or have a ride waiting on the other side. Large groups should disperse campsites to minimize impact, and try to camp where hikers will not see you. Crow Pass Trail Considered to be one of the best trails to hike in the Chugach mountain range, this epic 23 mile hike takes you from Girdwood to the Eagle River Nature Center. Never cut live trees -- use down, dead wood in the forest for your campfire. It travels all the way from the outskirts of Girdwood, along Turnagain Arm, to a finishing point near the city of Eagle River. Since then, the event has “shrunk” to its accurate length of about 22.5 miles. There is a maze of interesting trails in and around Girdwood near Alyeska Resort, including the famous Crow Pass Trail.But the Upper Winner Creek Trail to Berry Pass is one of those rare gems that promises to sparkle in your memory. Contact Information. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. The trail … Location Cabin is near Crow Pass in the Chugach Mountains, 3 miles from the Crow Pass Trailhead and is located 500 yards East of the Trail at the old cabin site. Thunder gorge is where we camped for the night, about the 15mi point. Close. This can include hip-deep snow for up to a mile. Suvi Hiker / AllTrails This trail isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those that want a more relaxed pace, the hike can be broken up into two days. The removal of artifacts or destruction of historic sites on public lands is prohibited by law. Trail was great up to crows pass. The Crow Pass trail leads from the Girdwood Valley to Eagle River. Alaska. The trail is blocked about a half mile back from the trailhead. Waiting for you at Crystal Lake is the quaint A-frame Forest Service Cabin, along with an amazing view of Crystal Lake. From Crow Pass, the trail begins a long descent toward the Eagle River Valley. We believe that those who scout the trail and train on it deserve the reward of learning routes that may save them a few seconds as well as keep them from losing the trail. End to end, it’s a 21-mile trail, which most people do in 2 days, but just the first 4 miles will lead you past some breathtaking scenery. Crow Pass is the highest point on the Historic Iditarod Trail. Trails cleared up quite a bit after river. Waist deep (5’5”) but very doable with some poles. My fiancé and I broke the trail almost up to the mine (~1.6 miles), so it should be fairly nice going up to that point if it doesn’t dump more. Stay alert and make sure to announce your presence when hiking the trail, keep your distance and never feed any wildlife. For hikers with less time or stamina, plenty of excellent wildlife viewing occurs in the first 2 to 3 miles … Moose presence on the lower half of the valley and uses the trail also so be aware. We did that and saw several other hikers doing the same. Different agencies manage parts of the Crow Pass Trail and host their own websites with trail information and maps. Some can be quite challenging as water may be high, hip deep and extremely powerful. Went with a group of 7, Thursday to Friday 20/21AUG. Additional Horse Trails: This table includes those areas managed as horse trails within State Forests. 47 comments. Just after 2pm on Friday, January 10th, 2020 three snowboarders and a dog headed up the Crow Pass Trail from the end of the Crow Creek Road just outside of Girdwood, AK. The Iditarod National Historic Trail, which runs from Seward to Nome, was formerly used as a transportation and mail route for early Alaskan settlers. We also brought a dog with us. It offers three kilometres of forest-floor trails, along with a connection to the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail. Although doing the entire Crow Pass hike is somewhat a rite of passage up here, many people who’ve done the entire trek say this first part is the best portion of the entire trail. Please call ahead if planning to visit and continue to check back for updated information. The Crow Pass Trail is a visually captivating 22 mile hike through one of the most gorgeous mountain ranges in Alaska, the Chugach Mountain Range. Important COVID-19 Update [as of August 3, 2020]. Went with a big group. Connnecting Girdwood to the Eagle River Nature Center, this 23-mile (37 km) trail offers an exquisite thru-hiking experience, but also presents a number of challenges. The elevation gain sits at about 3,290 feet total. For hikers with less time or stamina, plenty of excellent wildlife viewing occurs in the first 2 to 3 miles of the trail from the Crow Creek trailhead … Sno-Park PassPasses and permits are a reality of hiking in Washington, and though they serve two different purposes, in the end they both attempt to ensure a quality experience when hiking and recreating in the outdoors.Below, we list all of the various recreation passes for national parks, forests and state lands -- from the Northwest Forest Pass to the Washington's Discover Pass. As it descends from Crow Pass, the trail meanders through snowfields until the Clear Creek ford (no bridge). Please note that starting from there is much more strenuous as the extreme uphill will be in the last 10 miles of the hike. The cabin requires reservations, so make sure you reserve it before going up there. Morning frost is starting to come in but didn’t last long. America the Beautiful 3. Plenty of places to grab water if you have a life straw. It travels all the way from the outskirts of Girdwood, along Turnagain Arm, to a finishing point near the city of Eagle River. Following part of the Historic Iditarod Trail, this trail offers diverse scenic sights including glaciers, alpine lakes, waterfalls. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 only because there were a few hikes we did later that I enjoyed even more (Lost Lake Trail and Slaughter Gulch), so I couldn’t give it the same rating, but this is a great 4.5 star hike. Climb 3 miles from the parking lot at the Crow Creek Trailhead to Crow Pass. When you first reach Eagle River from the Girdwood side, do not cross at this spot! From the Chugach National Forest Crow Pass trailhead parking lot, the trail climbs 2200 ft. on a wide, earth and rock trail over the next 3 miles to Crow Pass. Crow Pass Trail. Due to COVID-19, Alaska Public Lands Information Centers have reduced hours and programming for 2020. Uneaten food and personal hygiene products should never be left on the trail or at a campsite, so bring the proper supplies to carry these items back to your car. If you ever get a chance, get out and explore Alaska! I haven't done the tasty middle-bit, not yet. What was once part of the historic Iditarod Trail, this ranks as some of the best scenery in the area. River Crossing was cold, almost to the hip( for me), and not easy for a 5’2 female. Climb 3 miles from the parking lot at the Crow Creek Trailhead to Crow Pass. Well marked. This Trail has two starting/ending points: - Eagle River Nature Center Trail Head (Eagle River, AK) - Crow Creek Trailhead (Girdwood, AK) I've done about 4 miles in, from each side. I saw people taking a dog over that rock and I felt sorry for the dog—the size of rock would make it difficult to navigate with paws smaller than a human foot, although the dog seemed to make it. Learned a lot and will be changing my packing list! It was reopened for hiking in 1975 after Girl Scout Troop 83 rebuilt the trail. Set up your tent at least 200 feet away from any water source, on a durable surface like rock, bare ground, sand, or gravel -- this avoids damaging any fragile landscape. There is a few miles after the water crossing thatthe trail gets confusing so keep an eye on your map. The Crow Pass trail spans distance between Girdwood (45 miles south of Anchorage) and the Eagle River Nature Center (26 miles northeast). We saw Dall Sheep and Ptarmigan; tons of fresh moose/bear scat and prints but didn't see them. Mountain Lake Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.The wilderness area is located next to privately owned Mountain Lake, and consists of 8,314 acres (3,365 ha) in Virginia and 2,721 acres (1,101 ha) in West Virginia.. The hike to Raven Glacier, which sits in Crow Pass, is the first portion of the famous 24-mile Crow Pass trail that runs from Girdwood to Eagle River. Most importantly, all hikers must know how to Leave No Trace and be prepared to cross Eagle River safely. 8-mile goes from Rainbow Trailhead to Potter Trailhead. You can also find wild berries, especially blueberries & raspberries! After the first snowfall, the trail becomes more dangerous and difficult to traverse, and the avalanche risk rises to extreme, especially on the Girdwood side. Snow conditions vary dramatically year to year. Crow Pass National Historic Trail, Anchorage: Address, Crow Pass National Historic Trail Reviews: 5/5 Super glad I did this, looking foward to one or two trips next summer. save. There is a maze of interesting trails in and around Girdwood near Alyeska Resort, including the famous Crow Pass Trail.But the Upper Winner Creek Trail to Berry Pass is one of those rare gems that promises to sparkle in your memory. Two group members were caught, one person was fully buried and one was partially buried. Keep in mind that if your dog gets injured, you may have to carry them out. Is there cell phone service along the trail? Crossed late afternoon. It is 22.6 miles long and ends at the Eagle River Nature Center. Picture. Travelers coming off the trail in early June reported plenty of snow remained at the trail’s upper elevations, Kruger and Panarese said. The 23-mile Crow Pass Trail is a popular backpacking location, and many complete the whole trail. The section to the Cabin is a popular trail for families, but does have steep switchbacks in places. Presently, Crow Pass Trail is widely considered to be one of the best hikes in the Anchorage area. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . This point-to-point trek follows the Crow Pass Trail for 22.6 miles as it cuts across the Chugach Mountains, passing glaciers, meadows speckled with bluebells and larkspur, and prime Dall sheep, moose, bear, and wolf habitat. 4:30 pm on Sunday. If stopping at cabin sites, make sure to clean out the woodstoves of any extra ash or trash. Saw a moose and plenty of bear scat. Finally can cross it off my bucket list. From Chinook Pass, drive east on State Route 410 for 12.2 miles to the Fifes Peak Viewpoint and Crow Lake Way trailhead on the north side of the road. A roadhouse for the weary travelers once existed just below the current ford site after Raven Gorge. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Headquarters 215 Melody Lane Wenatchee, WA 98801 (509) 664-9200. Order Online Tickets Tickets See Availability Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. The Crow’s Pass trail loops up and down through mixed forest, sunny ridges, and deep dark lowland forest with year-round pools. TAKE SHOES TO CROSS THE RIVERS IN. Length 18.4 mi Elevation gain 2,582 ft Route type Point to Point The Iditarod National Historic Trail, which runs from Seward to Nome, was formerly used as a transportation and mail route for early Alaskan settlers. This trail is extremely beautiful, but also extremely challenging. The cabin requires reservations, so make sure you reserve it before going up there. Think ahead about how your dog will cross Eagle River. Plan your hike to camp in designated areas as shown on the map. — The course starts at the Crow Pass Trailhead near Girdwood and follows extremely technical singletrack trail — plus a lengthy and frigid crossing of the Eagle River halfway. Small landslide on hillside after ladder. 4-mile goes from McHugh Trailhead to Potter Trailhead. The cabin sits just 500 feet off of the main trail upon reaching the pass. Three snowboarders traveling along the Crow Pass Trail triggered a hard slab avalanche. wildlife, and … We passed a beautiful small glacier lake and public cabin and the glacier wasn’t far beyond that. As the map shows, the Oak Ridges Trail runs along it for awhile. Hikers must drive 70 miles (roughly three hours) from the shuttle drop-off at the Eagle River Nature Center to reach the Crow Creek trailhead. This popular 28-mile trail connecting Eagle River and Girdwood traverses the Chugach Mountains and provides incredible views and wildlife viewing opportunities. Checking trail conditions before heading out is always a good idea, the experts said. The waterfalls along the way are breathtaking & refreshing. Interesting points between the trailhead and the cabin include the Monarch Mine ruins and several waterfalls. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Absolutely beautiful hike and trail. Arctic ground squirrels, marmots, and mountain goats inhabit the high country near Crow Pass, and bears, moose, and Dall sheep are frequently spotted too. Open fires are allowed only in a metal fire ring provided at a designated campsite, or on the gravel bars of Eagle River below tree line of the Crow Pass Trail in the State Park.