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10 Destinations
- back
to Alaska Hiking
 1)
Sheep Horn Lake
2) Moonshadow
at Bald Mountain
3) Curry
Ridge
4) Windy
Pass Tarn
5) Berry
Point
6) Shadow
Lake
7) Spink
Lake
8) Swimming
Bear Lake
9) Yellow
Jacket
10) Bear
Creek
1) Sheep Horn Lake
(top)
At 4000', this jumping off point is the highest we use for the start
of a cross-country trek. Day trips are also a possibility here offering
unique adventure in every direction. Hiking into three different drainages
is possible. Great opportunities to observe Dall Sheep, Black Bear and
the majestic Grizzly. Even in August traversing snowbands is likely
and you'll be camping on the doorsteps of mini-glaciers. The scenery
is nothing less than spectacular, jagged peaks, hanging blue ice, chaotic
boulder-covered moraine, alluvial fans of scree, all sitting atop deep,
tundra-lined valleys.
2) Moonshadow at Bald Mountain (top)
Baldy is a prominent landmark in the eastern skyline in Talkeetna and
Moonshadow Lake sits just behind it. The views of Denali from here are
awesome to behold. Caribou wander all around the tundra here as well
as many Bears. Moose can be seen coursing through the tiny alpine spruce
trees right at timberline. Quite a few smaller lakes dot the tundra
in this area and are home to many different specie of ducks, beaver
and a few families of swans. The broad valley of the confluence of the
Talkeetna and Sheep Rivers sits a thousand feet below adding a dramatic
touch to the location.
3) Curry Ridge (top)
Access from the road system to four different starting points makes
Curry Ridge a viable option during any weather condition. Every trail
is well maintained in the lower country and once you reach the alpine
areas, hiking is done on game trails. The ridge is a long, narrow spur
of geography paralleling the Alaska Range and offers extraordinary vistas
of snow-white glaciers bordered by rugged mountains. In clear weather,
Curry Ridge offers the most spectacular views of Denali in the entire
area. Mountain Goats, Black Bears and Grizzlies can be observed here
as well as a dozen different varieties of wildflowers. For 1 to 5 day
trips; a superb destination!
4) Windy Pass Tarn (top)
This is another "cub" lake, located in a saddle-shaped pass sitting
500' above and between two swift-running, crystal clear creeks . Hiking
east into the rugged Talkeetna Mountains from this drop-off point will
set any adventurous spirit on fire. This is Dall Sheep and Grizzly Bear
country where you won't find much sign of man. A choice of hiking routes
can be selected to match your skill level and exploration desires. Lots
of wildflowers bloom in the long alpine valley of the Kashwitna River
drainage. This area is also noted for fossils, which have been found
scouring the craggy ramparts of the outer Talkeetna Mountains. Explorers,
adventurers and rock-hounds delight!
5) Berry Point (top)
Nestled in a notch overlooking the Talkeetna River, this gorgeous "cub"
lake is the southern terminus of our Talkeetna Mountain Trek. There
are many knobs in the immediate vicinity for scrambling up and drinking
in the views. Eleven Bears were spotted from one observation point last
summer. August berries are thick and lush. Wonderful vistas of the Middle
Talkeetna River riparian zone including the confluence with Iron Creek,
a swift-running glacial stream draining the central Talkeetna Mtns.
Berry Point is also noted for excellent birding opportunities, particularly
nesting warblers at timberline.
6) Shadow Lake (top)
A mountain gem overlooking the mighty Susitna River above the world
famous Devils Canyon. Many species of wildlife inhabit this alpine region
offering superior opportunities for viewing and photographing, both,
from a distance and "close-up". A cozy little cabin is located here
and day hikes can incorporate both tundra and tree line habitat. Views
of Curry Ridge backed by the Denali Massif make for impressive landscape
photography. Shadow Lake switch-hits as northern terminus for extended
treks spanning the girth of the Talkeetna Mountains.
7) Spink Lake (top)
Sitting at the base of the mountain, One That Roars (named by the Dena'ina
Indians who inhabited the area), Spink Lake is well protected by surrounding
mountains and a long sweeping ridge from the north. Very often the water
is calm and the reflections of the geography spellbinding. It takes
a bit of bushwhacking to get to the higher slopes but your efforts are
well rewarded. The views up the valley toward Denali reveal the magnitude
of the Denali Massif, it's simply ... breathtaking! Late July and August,
when the berries ripen the slopes are dotted with Black Bears and an
occasional Grizzly. Wildflowers, mushrooms and berries make slow-going
travels a delight.
8) Swimming Bear Lake (top)
Situated at the 3300 foot level and surrounded by tundra and high alpine
meadows, Swimming Bear provides a real hot jumping off point for a dynamite
back country adventure. Hiking into Dall Sheep country, following Caribou
trails, traversing wild, untamed lands inhabited by Grizzly Bears and
big Bull Moose, a 5-7 day trek for the experienced wanderer is a perfect
example of pure adventure in our arctic paradise. A few years ago, Wolf
dens were discovered here and shots of Wolf pups and families have been
taken with telephoto lenses; a very unique experience. This area is
also nesting habitat for Long-tailed Jaegers, Golden Plovers and Peregrine
Falcons.
9) Yellow Jacket (top)
You'll land on a gravel sandbar near the headwaters of the glacial Talkeetna
River. Dall Sheep, Caribou and Black Bear can be seen feeding along
the mountainside as you hike game trails beside the river. Options include
exploring any one of a number of miniature valleys draining into the
Talkeetna River. There are many mineral deposits in the Talkeetna Mountains
which cast a wide array of pastel-like colors along the rock outcroppings.
Wonderful photographs are made in early morning and the soft, evening
light. Particularly bright are the reds and green caused by iron and
copper veins. Trails are fairly well defined and access to the alpine
regions are good.
10) Bear Creek (top)
Tucked up high and away over the Tokositna River, Bear Creek is a gorgeous
spot to base a several day exploring party or just taking a one day
jaunt in the mountains. Grizzly Bear diggings for Parka Squirrels are
scattered over the steep carpeted sides of the Dutch Hills. Black Bears,
Moose and Wolverine have been seen cruising through this natural corridor
connecting the Kahiltna Glacier with the Tokositna drainage. Many different
day-long hikes are possible out of this valley and range in difficulty
from "child easy" to fairly rugged. Stunning views of Denali and four
separate glaciers can be observed and photographed from here.
Book
your trip today!
Phone:
(907) 733-2566
Email:
info@alaskahiking.com
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