To start this journey, park at the Crow Creek Trailhead (Girdwood). Most people take two to three days to finish the 23-mile trail. Some can be quite challenging as water may be high, hip deep and extremely powerful. The trail continues past the cabin, revealing views of Raven Glacier and eve… — The Crow Pass Crossing is a … Moose presence on the lower half of the valley and uses the trail also so be aware. Important COVID-19 Update [as of August 3, 2020]. What is the river height at the ford site? There is no fee at the Forest Service trailhead out of Girdwood. There is a few miles after the water crossing thatthe trail gets confusing so keep an eye on your map. For current trail conditions, follow the Crow Pass Trail on Facebook or call the Eagle River Nature Center front desk, (907) 694-2108. 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. 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. Considered to be one of the best hikes in all of the Chugach Mountains, Crow Pass follows a portion of the original Iditarod Trail, including its highest point. 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. 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. 1 Reviews. 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. 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. Perfect weather. Be aware that many of the parks, forests, and refuges in Alaska have closed their visitor centers in light of these events. Additional Horse Trails: This table includes those areas managed as horse trails within State Forests. The cabin requires reservations, so make sure you reserve it before going up there. Crow Pass National Historic Trail, Anchorage: Address, Crow Pass National Historic Trail Reviews: 5/5 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. Stay alert and make sure to announce your presence when hiking the trail, keep your distance and never feed any wildlife. 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. In the summer, keep an eye on fire restrictions and wildfire threats. Closest one travelled parallel with us and we were 200 yards apart but we all minded our own. Join your naturalist guide as you enjoy glacier views, waterfalls, wildlife viewing, wildflowers, and mining ruins. — 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. Crossing the rivers without shoes is some of the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. Flats, tall grass, mud, rocks and boulders, ups and downs but seriously one of the best hikes I’ve ever been on! The removal of artifacts or destruction of historic sites on public lands is prohibited by law. There is no cell phone service along the trail. Also, these tend to be the most scenic campsites! Stick to the line in the trees if you are not as sure footed. Just be careful. Horses are allowed and a horse trail pass 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. 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. Weather changes quickly and there are many river crossings. It is 22.6 miles long and ends at the Eagle River Nature Center. 8-mile goes from Rainbow Trailhead to Potter Trailhead. 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. Crow Pass Trail 32750 Eagle River Rd Eagle River AK 99577. Its translucent depths, tucked underneath the uppermost 2,000 feet of Chair Peak, are removed from the highway crossing Snoqualmie Pass by just a short trail with minimal elevation gain. The direction reverses every year. The trail doesn’t go right up to the glacier so you have to go off trail to see it up close. We took the longer one. 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. The section to the Cabin is a popular trail for families, but does have steep switchbacks in places. You can also find wild berries, especially blueberries & raspberries! Crow Pass Trail 32750 Eagle River Rd Eagle River AK 99577. Crow Pass Trail. It is doable but for a fit healthy pup that you will have to carry at some points. If you are an experienced hiker and are looking for a full day, strenuous hike, this is the tour for you. The elevation gain sits at about 3,290 feet total. 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. Bring water shoes. Please call ahead if planning to visit and continue to check back for updated information. The river crossing went up to my mid thigh. I had good time. It is so beautiful going through so many different types of terrain. Type of Pass 2. It’s a great backpacking route, and also a historic portion of the Iditarod Trail … America the Beautiful 3. The Crow Pass Trail travels along a small section of this historic trail. It was reopened for hiking in … This section of trail was abandoned when the railway was completed 1918. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Headquarters 215 Melody Lane Wenatchee, WA 98801 (509) 664-9200. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. Reservations can be made through the Forest Service. The Cabin is ~3 miles from tthe Girdwood Traihead. The first section of the hike is uphill with a relatively gentle incline. 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. 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. Saw a moose and plenty of bear scat. Presently, Crow Pass Trail is widel… Northwest Forest Pass 4. If you pack it in, pack it out! 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. The ER side starts in the woods and is decently brushy. This trail can be accessed from the Eagle River Nature Center (the end-point on this route). Saw total of 5 bears. As it descends from Crow Pass, the trail meanders through snowfields until the Clear Creek ford (no bridge). How do you get from one trailhead to the other? That will not change under Healthy Futures’ directorship. 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. Website. There are two routes during part of the trail: a longer but less steep route along the side of the mountain, and a steeper shorter one (I think it was called miners camp). Morning frost is starting to come in but didn’t last long. “There’s never a dull moment on … hide. The first section of the hike is uphill with a relatively gentle incline. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . LOTS of bear scat and sign so bring your spray and a bear box for food. The Crow Pass trail leads from the Girdwood Valley to Eagle River. Presently, Crow Pass Trail is widely considered to be one of the best hikes in the Anchorage area. A roadhouse for the weary travelers once existed just below the current ford site after Raven Gorge. Scenic view from the Iditarod National Historic Trail … All in all, awesome! 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 went from Gird—>ER. Hiking the Crow Pass Trail is a great way to do that! The beginning 6 miles are the hardest due to the elevation gain and fall. What was once part of the historic Iditarod Trail, this ranks as some of the best scenery in the area. Contact Information. You can look at, but do not touch or take any cultural or historic structures and artifacts you might encounter on the trail. Owyhee River Float. 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. Started at Girdwood. 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. 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." Trail description: Crow pass is often considered one of the best hikes in the chugach mountains. 47 comments. Hiking the Crow Pass Trail is a great way to do that! Best camping was about 17 miles. 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. This section of the trail was abandoned when the railway was completed in 1918. Alaska. The ER side starts in the woods and is decently brushy. If stopping at cabin sites, make sure to clean out the woodstoves of any extra ash or trash. TAKE SHOES TO CROSS THE RIVERS IN. The Crow’s Pass trail loops up and down through mixed forest, sunny ridges, and deep dark lowland forest with year-round pools. Recommendations for those going: bring poles as they help with snow and water crossings. All in all loved every bit of this hike. Small landslide on hillside after ladder. What are the snow conditions up in the pass? Early season backpackers (May – mid-June) should be prepared to encounter snow through Crow Pass. 1. Trail description: Crow pass is often considered one of the best hikes in the chugach mountains. 9/4-9/5 hike. 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. I haven't done the tasty middle-bit, not yet. It was fun and explore new things. That will not change under Healthy Futures’ directorship. One hat that probably fell off someone's pack but the toilet paper markers at rest spots was an eye sore. This trail is extremely beautiful, but also extremely challenging. Start your crossing at the kiosk and aim for at the white posts until you reach the other side. The Ketchikan visitor center will be closed indefinitely for the health and safety of staff and visitors. Plenty of places to grab water if you have a life straw. The Iditarod National Historic Trail, which runs from Seward to Nome, was formerly used as a transportation and mail route for early Alaskan settlers. Picture. The group hiked out to the trailhead. This trail was difficult, but the views were absolutely worth it. We hiked about 15 miles and set up camp. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until August. For hikers with less time or stamina, plenty of excellent wildlife viewing occurs in the first 2 to 3 miles … The alpine areas around Crow Pass are often wet, foggy, and windy. Would also recommend downloading the map prior. 4-mile goes from McHugh Trailhead to Potter Trailhead. Follow the arrow sign taking you upstream to the crossing kiosk, which marks the safest spot to cross. Most importantly, all hikers must know how to Leave No Trace and be prepared to cross Eagle River safely. 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. Crossed the river at 2pm, water was low/mid thigh (I'm 6'). Hiking from the Girdwood side, as is recommended, the elevation gain is about 2,100 feet, most of which is covered in the first three miles. Started on 11:30 on Saturday ended. We did that and saw several other hikers doing the same. No matter how the weather looks, bring warm, waterproof gear. Posted by 4 months ago. Never cut live trees -- use down, dead wood in the forest for your campfire. Most importantly enjoy a night of quiet solitude in the Crow Pass Cabin. The direction reverses every year. 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. There is no public transportation provided between trailheads. Hikers should bring bear-resistant containers to store food. Crow Pass in the summer has an abundance of wildflowers and mountain goats. Tons of overgrown brush and spots where bears are frequent so make sure to bring bear bells and bear spray. Brush and forest characterize the trail … Length 18.4 mi Elevation gain 2,582 ft Route type Point to Point Thunder gorge is where we camped for the night, about the 15mi point. Chugach National Forest - Girdwood Ranger Station, Your guide to experiencing Alaska's Public Lands, Discover Alaska's Parks, Forests and Refuges, Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development, Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Stewardship of Public Lands: Do Your Part. We also brought a dog with us. report. This section can require snow crossings. Chelan Ranger District 428 W. Woodin Avenue It travels all the way from the outskirts of Girdwood, along Turnagain Arm, to a finishing point near the city of Eagle River. Saw 3 bears but most were far enough we just had to keep our voices up. 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. 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. An amazing trip for first the time to go backpacking for two days on June 12, 2020. 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. Trail Description: Trail ascends from the Crow Creek Trailhead through talus fields and mine ruins on its way to Crow Pass. There may be times the river is too high to cross safely. A roadhouse for the weary travelers once existed just below the current ford site after Raven Gorge. I haven't done the tasty middle-bit, not yet. The Fairbanks APLIC is open daily from 8 AM - 5 PM for visitor walk-ins and group reservations. Plan your hike to camp in designated areas as shown on the map. Is there cell phone service along the trail? Bring shoes for water crossing (it’s super cold). Trail was great and easy to read for my first time. When you first reach Eagle River from the Girdwood side, do not cross at this spot! I had some close run ins with a Moose and fell through some ice on the pass, it was a great big adventure. For more information, call the Anchorage office at 907-644-3661 or the Fairbanks office at 907-459-3730. Getting right up to the glacier made for great pictures. From Crow Pass, the trail begins a long descent toward the Eagle River Valley. Following part of the Historic Iditarod Trail, this trail offers diverse scenic sights including glaciers, alpine lakes, waterfalls. Trail was great up to crows pass. Travelers coming off the trail in early June reported plenty of snow remained at the trail’s upper elevations, Kruger and Panarese said. Travelers coming off the trail in early June reported plenty of snow remained at the trail’s upper elevations, Kruger and Panarese said. Backcountry chefs should plan to bring a portable camp stove. 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. 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. Take all the gear you brought in, back out! This was our first hike on the Kenai Peninsula during the first week of August. I would highly recommend snowshoes. Waist deep (5’5”) but very doable with some poles. 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). Two group members were caught, one person was fully buried and one was partially buried. 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. This has a significantly lower impact than camping in the forest. 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. Checking trail conditions before heading out is always a good idea, the experts said. The Crow Pass Crossing is now managed by Healthy Futures! The trail is blocked about a half mile back from the trailhead. Oval Pass and Eagle Pass–Trails and Climbs - MAP-Oval Peak. 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