Spring is here and we’re all ready to get out and do some hiking!
There’s still a bit of snow on the ground, but with all the spring sunshine it’ll be gone in a flash. To get in shape, get some elevation under your belt, and finally get some good color on that pasty white skin check out this hike!

Archangel Valley road is closed to vehicles until summer, but for now it’s a groomed hard packed snow trail perfect for skiers, snow machines, and hikers! We’re coming back this summer to do some serious hikes, and the Reed Lakes hike is top of the list! We’ll be overnighting there with a run up to bomber glacier. Can’t wait!

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Here’s how to get there from Anchorage:
- Take the Glenn Highway from Anchorage South to Palmer.
- Two miles past the city of Palmer turn left on Palmer-Fishhook Road
- Fishhook Road becomes the Hatcher Pass Road
- Travel on this road even as you enter the park area.
- Hatcher Pass Rd. is about 15 miles from Palmer.

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Park Fee: Free Parking

Hiking Time: Allow 3 hours roundtrip (taking your time..)
Elevation: Starting 2150 feet to Summit 2400 feet

That’s a Hike!
See our other hikes at: www.alaskapodshow.com/hikeoftheweek

Winter is a great opportunity to make an otherwise easy hike a lot of fun! Mt. Baldy is no exception… There are several different ways to access this mountain, but we find "The Farm" access to be the most enjoyable, less traffic, lots of wildlife and if it was a sunny day… well the views would be all the better ha!. If you’re going for a full burst cardiovascular workout - take the front face of the mountain.

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GET DRIVING DIRECTIONS HERE
SPECIAL NOTE: The drive is a lot of switchbacks up through a residential area on West Skyline. Keep on until crest the top of the hill, and you’ll see several parking options for the hike access. This hike started from Wallace Mountain Road. Pick a nice day, this hike will certainly offer more in views, but it’s grand anytime.

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Park Fee: Free Parking

GPS Trail Head:
Latitude: 61°20′9.89"N
Longitude: 149°31′9.72"W

GPS Nike Hike Summit:
- Latitude: 61°20′6.99"N
- Longitude: 149°29′16.43"W

Hiking Time: Allow 2 hours roundtrip (Exploring it all)
Elevation: Starting 1690 feet to Summit 3022 feet

GOOGLE EARTH - KMZ FILE Coming Soon

That’s a Hike!
Your Guides to Alaska!

The Nike missile site hike is in my opinion the new Flattop mountain hike when it comes to views. If you’re seeking a family friendly hike, good elevation, with amazing views beyond the popular Flattop Mountain in Anchorage, this gem of a hike is 30 minutes drive from downtown Anchorage.

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How to get there:

From Anchorage, take Alaska HWY 1 north
- Head east on E 5th Ave / Continue toward Orca St. - 5.8 mi
- Exit onto Arctic Valley Rd. - 3.2 mi
- Continue to follow signs, you’ll travel up a dirt road which will end at the ski area and trailhead.

SPECIAL NOTE: You’re hiking on part of the U.S. Army property. This is public access, but do not enter fenced in areas, which surround the older building structures as well the active radar site on the summit. Prepare for some amazing views - DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERAS!

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Park Fee:
$5.00 Parking Fee

GPS Trail Head:
Latitude: 61° 24′35.70 “N
Longitude: 149°54′23.50 “W

GPS Nike Hike Summit:
- Latitude: 61°15′28.51″N
- Longitude: 149°31′40.77″W

Hiking Time: Allow 3 hours roundtrip (Exploring it all)

Elevation: Starting 2636 feet to Summit 3860 feet

GOOGLE EARTH -
Download Nike Site Hike KMZ File

That’s a Hike!
Your Guides to Alaska!

Bear Mountain offers scenic views, while also offering a quick elevation gain. This hike is a bit strenuous in parts, and you’ll want to be sure the trail has been free of rain, or ice as melting makes these steep slopes a challenge. The views from the top are priceless, and if possible bring a tent and explore for a day or two! In the fall season you’ll also have the opportunity to see both Moose, Sheep, as well be aware of Bears. There are a few other late in the season perks on this hike, but we locals prefer you keep it to yourself once you make the discovery.

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How to get there:
From Anchorage, take Alaska HWY 1 north past Eagle River
- Take the exit toward Peters Creek - 0.2 mi
- Turn right at Ski Rd - 0.7 mi
- Turn left at Whaley Ave - 0.2 mi
- Whaley Ave turns slightly right and becomes Tulwar Dr - 0.1 mi
- Turn left at Seika Dr - 0.3 mi
- Turn left at Solleret Dr - 0.3 mi
- Solleret Dr turns right and becomes Thornton St - 0.2 mi
- Turn left at Malcolm Dr.
- End of the Road is the corner of Malcolm Dr. and Seirra Mesa Cir.

SPECIAL NOTE: The hiking trail is called Big Peters Creek “Chugach State Park”. You’ll travel down this trail about 50 yards give or take and you’ll see a small trail on your left heading into the woods. Bear mountain hike is not well published, but the trail is pretty well established up this hike.

Park Fee:
$0.00 No parking lot, park on the side of the road.

GPS Trail Head:
Latitude: 61° 6′14.21″N
Longitude: 149°24′45.46″W

GPS Bear Mountain Summit:
- Latitude: 61°24′58.98″N
- Longitude: 149°23′4.88″W

Hiking Time: Allow 4 hours (Trail Pending)

Elevation: Starting 1220 feet to Summit 3090 feet

GOOGLE EARTH -
Download Bear Mountain KMZ File

Music Credits:
- Null Device at: www.nulldevice.com

That’s a Hike!
Your Guides to Alaska!

Hike of the week takes you up into Hatcher Pass!
This mountainous area is infectious with its grand vistas, and historical artifacts that remain scattered throughout the mountain ranges. Today cabins are left from the Gold Rush, which some still rest on the summit of the highest peaks to the lowest areas of the valley. The range of visitors to Hatcher Pass vary from families to professional mountaineers, it’s truly a place for everyone. Todays show we take you up one mountain.

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Location: Hatcher Pass, Alaska
The Hike: Mine Cabin Hike
Elevation: 3817 ft.

How to get there:
To Independence Mine in Hatcher Pass
- Take the Glenn Highway from Anchorage South to Palmer.
- Two miles past the city of Palmer turn left on Palmer-Fishhook Road
- Fishhook Road becomes the Hatcher Pass Road
- Travel on this road even as you enter the park area.
- Independence Mine is 18 miles from Palmer.

GPS:
Latitude: 61°46′59.29″N
Longitude: 149°16′45.01″W

Google Maps: Driving Directions

Cheers!
Hike of the Week Crew!