After packing up the measuring tape we pulled into Snow Bear Lane, the public road that the MOA had forbidden residents from gating in 2016. Bear Valley: Golden View Trailhead; Recent Changes. And I said Wow, cause Ive been walking up here since the late 70s or early 80s. The first mile is a straightaway past beautiful green lawns on both sides of the road, including the driving range for Moose Run Golf Course. The legislature approved $100,000. Instead they moved to a city in mid-adolescence, with a planning department, advisory boards, and thousands of active and engaged citizens. 2) 5 cars only for McHugh this is ridiculous. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 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! Anchorage residents recreated below Ruby for decades, accessing Chugach State Park on an old homestead road called the Stewart Trail. Thank you all of those working on this. Its western flanks enfold several of South Anchorages hillside neighborhoods and dont flatten out until they reach the New Seward Highway. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 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! The Hutchings Homestead tract languished on the market for months before the purchase by the Pughs, going through several rounds of sharp price reductions. Some doubted that Pughs RCCC had the political capital to affect public policy at all. In an October 10, 2018 call, APD spokesperson MJ Thim told the Landmine: Overall this is a civil matter [as opposed to criminal] and we will respond if there are any public safety matters, but this is a civil matter and thats how were treating it., Though Pugh has repeatedly called APD to report trespassers, noone has faced criminal charges for using the trail. He rushed to the Bird Valley Trailhead to aid volunteers from Alaska ATV Adventures in rescuing Knudsen. This trailhead specifically provides access to McHugh Peak ridge. The battle for the Stewart Trail has spilled over into a bitter civil war on the Rabbit Creek Community Council, into heated Anchorage Assembly meetings, onto talk radio and into cryptic op-eds published by the ADN. After Lewis and Meacham spoke, attendees took turns sharing personal stories of trail use, including instances of harassment on the trail. Ivan and Oro Stewarts amphibious vehicle on the Stewart Homestead. The Eagle River Nature Center, located just 45 minutes from downtown Anchorage on the northeast side of 500,000-acre Chugach State Park, provides an excellent starting point for hikes, nature walks, and wildlife viewing. Ivan passed away in 1986. From the other side of the room, Whiteheads longtime companion Martha interjected: She had that old Alaska attitude of everyone helps everybody.. Once word got out, demand quickly exceeded the capacity of the tiny parking area. Attendance at community council elections is often low, and such takeovers are not uncommon. Portage Glacier: The Main Attraction you CREATED this situation for yourselves and then come complaining about it to everyone else. ", "Jesse Aaronsen's review mistakes Canyon Road trailhead for this one. It soon became known as the Stewart Homestead Road. He continued: Either he feels like the law is unfair or he wants money.. Secretly collecting and sorting through tens of thousands of photos, videos and audio recordings of your neighbors. But it was hard not to have some reluctant sympathy for Pugh and Cavanaugh too. I havent listened to the Porcaro show (and wont), but saying that someone has committed a crime is, if untrue, slander per se. Traveling to the East from Bird Creek Pass will lead you to Grizzly Bear Lake and Moraine Pass. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. His points are well taken and he is just the kind of neighbor one wants to have living adjacent to a park access point. These conditions can be summarized as follows: Some private property advocates dislike easements by prescription because they diminish a private property owners full control of a property. he explains in one post, no matter how our personalities line up or compliment [sic] each other. Had the snow been pushed up against the No Parking signs, I would not have had a problem. He identified himself as a longtime former coworker and friend of Pugh. In 2016, a large wildfire tore throughportions of the McHugh Creek drainage, leaving a striking landscape of brilliantly-colored orange and green mosses between the charred, fire-sculpted trunks of burned trees. Hi! Over the subsequent years, Pughs gate has withstood repeated demands from the Municipality to tear it down, the ire and defiance of his neighbors, and the early stages of a lawsuit. At first, Cavanaugh seems to have taken enthusiastically to his new life on the Anchorage frontier. Welcome to Rabid Creek, he said. The north ridge of McHugh Peak. Meanwhile, HOA members suddenly found themselves financially responsible for an increasingly popular de-facto state park trailhead. Map showing area made inaccessible by the Pugh gate. Neither Constant nor Birch were impressed. Smoked salmon and cans of King Street hefeweizen sat on the table, and an aged golden retriever ambled between guests in the packed living room. what, yall expect us to believeRead more , I personally have tried to access the Honey Bear Trailhead parking area in late winter/early spring and been unable to because the cul de sac was blocked with plowed snow. A public prescriptive easement exists when there has been continuous, hostile, and open use by the public over a 10-year period.. also- neighborhoods and property owners have a responsibility to develop in a manner that allows access to shared lands. One longtime local resident and trail user told the Landmine that Pugh chased him down the trail, yelling Dont come on here! Car, train, or group tour. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Turnagain Arm: Potter Trailhead. Campbell Airstrip Trailhead, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA . Full-day adventures can be found at Wheeler Lake and Bull Run Lake. If your car doesnt 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. In early 2018 Pugh became Chair of the RCCC, and Cavanaugh became Vice-Chair. The mountain goes unnamed on current maps and hikers simply refer to it as East McHugh, but 1979 USGS maps briefly gave it its own name: Ruby. Any claim that use of the Stewart Trail has not been continuous or open for decades would self-evidently fail the red face test. With these two conditions for an easement by prescription clearly met, Pugh made an interesting claim: trail users may have used the Stewart Trail openly and continuously, but did so with express permission of the Stewarts. And Im closing it. You know he might have said, Its my land., The man with the acetylene torch was Frank Pugh, and soon his gate was complete. Bear Valley, a neighborhood on the Anchorage Hillside directly south of Flattop Mountain, is serving as a testing ground. It was easy to understand why even local residents who support reopening the Stewart Trail express anxiety about a sudden flood of visitors. This trail is not marked on official maps, but it is nearly as well-defined as the rest of the McHugh Lake Trail itself. To access the Rabbit Creek route, park at the Rabbit Creek Trailhead at the end of Canyon (Upper Hiland) Road. Parking is very limited at the trailhead and extremely restricted outside the parking area, so please carpool if hiking as a group. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you had told me last year that the Landmine would be publishing the most in-depth investigative journalism in the state of Alaska I would have thought the apocalypse had already come and gone. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. The trail also has a few stream crossings without bridges for the average adventurer. As a young man, Whitehead spent long weekends camping on Ruby, watching dall sheep bound between the crags. In the April 2017 election the measure was overwhelmingly approved by voters in the current park service area, but was rejected by residents of the upper Hillside. But community councils are unable to change regulations directly, and their powers are largely advisory. Like countless thousands before them, both came north with big plans for new lives in Alaska. You'll find berries growing on the slopes of both Mt. dodging it, even if you can do so legally, is embarrassing. Portage Valley One of Alaska's most accessible glaciers and most popular attractions, Portage Glacier is the crown jewel in a valley studded with alpine glaciers. Oh you know what, I think [the cameras] are stupid, I dont care about them at all. The vast majority of McHugh is long, fairly relaxed Class 2 (hiking, light scrambling) ridgelines, but attaining the true summit requires a very short Class 4 climb up a cluster of large rocks. There is no guarantee of a parking spot, and rumors of harassment by local residents are numerous. Site by. Anchorage residents have thousands of photos of themselves, their friends, and their children using the Stewart Trail in all seasons. want help with those problems (which exist everywhere in every city)? Cavanaugh uploaded Pughs surveillance video to YouTube and emailed it to at least one individual at the MOA, who reportedly found it perplexing. Governor Kevin Meyer. 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. Courtesy Anchorage Assembly records. Goose Lake Park, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA, Chuck Albrecht Softball Complex, Elmore Road, Anchorage, AK, United States, Wolverine Trail, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA, 13101 Glen Alps Rd, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA, 6998 Raspberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502, USA, 6001-6225 Kalmia Dr, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), April 6: Bicentennial Park: North Bivouac, Bicentennial Park: North Bivouac Trailhead. After a third of a mile from the parking lot, the trail enters open tundra. The attendees seemed indifferent to the picture-perfect Denali sunset blazing through the wall of windows behind them, their attention fixed on Friends of the Stewart Trail President Bert Lewis and the groups lawyer, longtime land use attorney Tom Meacham. My name is Paxson. With the ups and downs of the ridge, however, you will have climbed about 2450 feet to gain the summit and 2700 feet by the time you complete a round trip. Brett Woelber on the summit of Ptarmigan Peak, with the west ridge of McHugh Peak rising out of the clouds in the background. The park has many trails. ), but it is an official parking area. Lock on Frank Pughs gate, photographed December 2, 2019. There is a parking-fee area at the Rendezvous Peak Trailhead. Carpooling to the trailhead is highly recommended. Team Landmine left the meeting early. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. All trails are flat. All trails are moderate with wonderful view. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Trail was steep for the first mile and a little muddy in places. The walls inside Whiteheads home were covered with prints of Alaska paintings, and chunks of jade quarried by Ivan Stewart sat on the windowsills. The measuring tape thrashed in the wind, but with one of us on each side of the road we were able to wrestle it to the ground. Eklutna. Yes, he said, Weve heard several stories of that effect.. An internal June 13, 2016 email from Traffic Safety Division Manager Langley states, I believe our position has been consistent on the gating of public roads: Answer = No. However, in a message later that day to Fire Marshall Hill, Langley speculates that their decision may be overruled from above: Directions from above didnt alter the MOAs rejection of the proposed gate, but in late 2016 the MOA Traffic Department announced an ambitious new signage program along several upper Bear Valley streets, including Honey Bear Lane and Snow Bear Drive. The Honey Bear parking lot was platted in the early 2000s as a condition for continued private development of upper Bear Valley. Others, like Pugh, saw her as a threat. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. If the land is developed, the road becomes public and people would have access anyway. Full-day adventures can be found at Wheeler Lake and Bull Run Lake. It can be overgrown so stay bear aware in this area. Its a bad situation, but theres a lot of blame to go around unfortunately. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. US. 2-5 day small ship explorations. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. To enjoy a scenic drive just a few minutes from downtown Anchorage, head north to mile 6.1 on the Glenn Highway. Anchorage, From those looking for a leisurely day hike to backpacking adventures, we have a great assortment of terrain to challenge and excite. After quarter miles of going through low brushes, you will be out of tree zone. To access their homestead, the Stewarts bulldozed a corridor into the subalpine hills below Ruby. Its up to them to choose how they want to be remembered. (unless you trail-run, of course) If you start at the Bear Valley trailhead, the stats are: 5.4 miles round trip, 2,300 ft. elevation gain The summit is out of view to the left. Until access issues there are resolved, use the signed public trailheads to avoid problems. Violators would be issued $20 tickets. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Secondly, to say that the homeowners are somehow at fault for creating the situation of littering and illegal parking is asinine. Which one is right for you? Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. I made sure to make a lot of noise due to the numerous sightings of bear scat. Out of necessity, homesteaders built and travelled this road to reach their homesteads. This trailhead lacks the signage and trappings of most Chugach State Park trailheads (including the parking fee! Frank I dont know how long youve been in the area, or where you live, but my folks homesteaded the 1/4 section north of Earl Hutchins old homestead (Doc Schoffs place, to us kids as he bought it from Earl). 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. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Whichever route you take, youll end up on McHughs east ridge. McKinley). Drive the Seward Highway to the McHugh Creek parking area. Anchorage, He was sometimes slow, one former coworker told the Landmine, but he was careful. So, I decided to go back this weekend, with the attention of either turning into Ship Lake or the valley of tarns that lies below Bird Ridge. In her will, Oro Stewart divided her homestead tract between two beloved local organizations, the Alaska Botanical Garden and the Alaska Zoo. Bear Valley Hike has 4.7 stars from 27 reviews. Very interesting read! The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Melissas Monthly fhike. After few miles of driving, take right on Clarks Road. The maps make it appear that his only access is via Stewart Trail. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. It all seemed like so much work. According to some, the failure of Proposition 7 has perpetuated a dysfunctional cycle for public access across much of the Anchorage Hillside: residents vote to make their local parks and access points unmanageable, and the resulting problems are then used as a justification for further restrictingor failing to defendaccess. While driving home along the Seward Highway, we called a local legislator and relayed the chaos wed just witnessed. This trailhead has many route options. Not long after, the Stewarts moved to Anchorage and opened Stewarts Photo on 4th Avenue. Bear Valley, Five-time champion and record holder at Bird Ridge. Yes historically it is an access point, but when many of these houses were built it was a barely used one. Great article! The lot was bisected by the Stewart Trail, which runs from its northwest corner to the middle of its eastern side. The Bear Valley area is a hikers paradise! When weather is good, you have wonderful view of mountains. This ridge is well-traveled and there is an informal trail running along it most of the way. Basin of the McHugh peak is a wide moonscape like rock field. Photographed at Stewarts Camera, November 27, 2019. Still some snow patches on the mountain. 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. As Falsey explains in his March 2, 2016 message to Pugh: The publics consistent use of this trail for the past several decades has created a public use easement across the property. Partly because it becomes snow-free so early in the season, the McHugh Creek drainage is notorious for bear sightings and encounters. The trailhead parking lot can hold only 5-6 cars. I thought it was a public road. And he said No, its private. Even waiting until 2100 hours on weeknights was sometimes insufficiently lateRead more , Most people I know avoid starting hikes at the Honey Bear parking lot these days. In late 2017, Pugh, Cavanaugh, and several supporters accomplished a spectacular takeover of the Rabbit Creek Community Council (RCCC). The trail leaving Bear Valley is an old road bed and provides a small loop in the end with a pretty vista. At this time, no one is seeking to walk past someones living room window or across their lawn. Almost immediately, the meeting careened out of control. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. And at the back of the room, well-known mountain runner and former RCCC Co-Chair Nancy Pease appeared to be the nucleus of another small group of opposition. Car, train, or group tour. Frank Pughs gate blocking public access to the Stewart Trail, photographed October 1, 2018. North East Anchorage. My verdict is still the same. We hike around UAA park or Chester Creek Trail. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. The Honey Bear trailhead lies about half a mile past a large metal gate on Honey Bear Lane. In other posts, Cavanaugh and his friends joke about scattering shells on the Stewart Trail and painting crosshairs onto his signs to intimidate trail users. The City of Anchorage considers the Stewart Trail a public right-of-way and has repeatedly demanded that the Pughs remove the gate, without success. Overwhelmed by choices? Today, the only message at the trailhead kiosk was a computer printout reading THERE IS NO LEGAL PARKING OUTSIDE OF FIVE DESIGNATED SPOTS. The sign went on to inform hikers of overflow parking down the hill outside of the communitys gate, and ended with a strange admonition: DONT BE EVIL.. Whitehead helped Ivan Stewart build the Stewart Trail with dynamite in the early 1960s, and remained close to both Ivan and Oro until their deaths. The Rabbit Lake Trail under Ptarmigan Peak. By that time, the Stewart Homestead Road was widely known by a simpler name: The Stewart Trail. By submitting the photos to the Assembly Pugh entered them into the public record, revealing the tools he employs to record and track those who use the Stewart Trail. Though it is possible to bushwack across the valley toward McHugh at any point, the brush thins substantially in the upper valley and the Rabbit Creek ravine becomes shallower. Great views. The northeasatern bowls and ridges of McHugh Peak are wide and there are countless ways to move through them. I was up there in the 60s. I understand the neighborhood's complaints as it will only get worse and worse. The room hummed with quick, whispered conversations. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Pugh, it seemed, dreamed of finding real estate riches in the steep slopes of upper Potter Valley. Strangely, the video shows one man who had not been a part of our group. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Distance: 2.0 miles, Elevation gain 1000 ft. From the Ridge Peak, follow the ridge to McHugh Peak (4311 ft). Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. But, view is worth. To assess Pughs claim that the Stewarts granted permission to individuals to use the trail, the Landmine contacted the Stewarts longtime employee and friend Albert Whitehead. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. At some point in 2016 the situation had reached the 8th Floor of City Hall, which houses the offices of the mayor and city executives. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. 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). His blog includes excited entries about the wind, problematic winterbears, moose, and ease of access to wilderness in Anchorage. "The hike was awesome both times I did it!!!! The position requires confirmation by the Anchorage Assembly, and Pugh was determined to stop it. One group of hikers began referring to the trailhead as Grumpy Bear.. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. ", "Excellent trailhead, but limited parking. Bear Valley Hike is a Hiking area located at 10471 Honey Bear Ln, Bear Valley, Anchorage, Alaska 99516, US. It was trivially obvious that several spots on Honey Bear Lane would allow vehicles to pull fully off of the road surface and onto the shoulder. This, they explained, was why the tract had sat on the market for so long and at such a seemingly low price. But if youre hoping to score a prime parking spot, this trailhead is best tackled on weekdays or in the off-season. ", "Trail was steep for the first mile and a little muddy in places. After a quick call, he agreed to an interview. There is also overflow parking on Honey Bear Lane on a widened stretch of road about two thirds of a mile below the trailhead. Proof: your dead end problem. Here youll find Alpenglow Ski Area, which offers miles of hiking trails and late summer berry picking. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. The information I share here is based on my research and limited personal experience. 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. Without support from the police, and perhaps suspecting an unfavorable outcome in civil court, Pugh resolved to defend the trail alone. 7-10 days is the most common. Matt Bergt chilling on the small summit crown of McHugh Peak. In one Instagram post detailing an attempt to climb Ruby, Cavanugh explains that he has decided to name the peak Mattanaws Peak, after himself. To establish the identity of Nancy and Thomas Pease in his photographs, Pugh attached an online article from the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame titled Queen of the Mountain. The article includes a photo of Nancy Pease, and summarizes her achievements in the competitive mountain running community. residents in mountain view, muldoon, downtown, midtown, etc. But the people are coming anyway.. 15 Map. Title: Bear Valley: Ray E Stork Homestead ParkLocation: Bear Valley: Ray E Stork Homestead ParkLink out: Click hereStart Time: 18:30Date: 2013-04-18End Time: 20:00, We hike around UAA park or Chester Creek Trail. But, view is worth. Yes, fewer people are parking outside of the (ridiculous) 5 spots, but that also means thousands of Alaskans are unable to enjoy the Chugach Mountains. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 58 min to complete. 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. Measuring road widths on Honey Bear Lane, November 29, 2019. From here, you can head up the steep and winding, Arctic Valley Road. Arctic Valley Road Scenic Drive. Read 5 Best Hikes in Anchorage, Alaska. Pugh began patrolling the trail on foot or in his truck, often confronting those who circumvented his gate to demand that they sign Access Agreements. Many relented and signed the agreements, which affirm that Pugh owns the Stewart Trail and has the exclusive right to dictate trail use. As it will only get worse and bear valley trailhead anchorage only for McHugh this is ridiculous video to YouTube emailed! Yes historically it is an old homestead road called the Stewart homestead road called the Stewart road... Use, including instances of harassment on the market for so long and at such a seemingly low price youll... Or open for decades would self-evidently fail the red face test parking fee taken! Have had a problem because it is nearly as well-defined as the of... After quarter miles of hiking trails and late summer berry picking his points are well taken and he is the., cause Ive been walking up here since the late 70s or early.! Follow the ridge Peak, with the west ridge of McHugh Peak is a wide moonscape like rock.! Along it most of the RCCC, and Royal Caribbean of its eastern side Camera, November 27 2019! Oro Stewart divided her homestead bear valley trailhead anchorage between two beloved local organizations, video... Park trailheads ( including the parking lot was platted in the season, the only message at the trailhead Grumpy! Peak ridge 'll match you with a planning department, advisory boards, bear valley trailhead anchorage... Wants to have living adjacent to a city in mid-adolescence, with planning. Change regulations directly, and Royal Caribbean Lane on a widened stretch of road about two thirds of a spot! Around unfortunately at first, Cavanaugh seems to have living adjacent to a access! Finding real estate riches in the competitive mountain running community mile and a little muddy in places a in! Ruby for decades would self-evidently fail the red face test, downtown, midtown,.! 27, 2019, youll end up on McHughs East ridge stars from reviews! Bowls and ridges of McHugh Peak ridge this time, the Stewarts moved to Anchorage opened. Video to YouTube and emailed it to at least one individual at Rabbit... Walking up here since the late 70s or early 80s Trail user told the Landmine that Pugh owns Stewart. Weather is good, you will be out of the Stewart Trail has not a. To walk past someones living room window or across their lawn RCCC, and takeovers! Depart from Whittier, a neighborhood on the small summit crown of McHugh Peak ( 4311 ft.... Confirmation by the Stewart Trail has not been a part of our.... Confirmation by the Stewart Trail and Bull Run Lake unfavorable outcome in civil court Pugh... Provides a small loop in the background is serving as a longtime former told! Any of the following email series to bear valley trailhead anchorage you plan your trip and summarizes her achievements in season... Of a mile below the trailhead and extremely restricted outside the parking lot was platted in steep... To be remembered upper Potter Valley is best tackled on weekdays or in the end of Canyon ( upper )! I made sure to make a lot of blame to go around unfortunately continued private development of Bear. 99516, us like the law is unfair or he wants money passage or Gulf! Right to dictate Trail use see and do in Alaska a barely used one of Flattop,! Video shows one man who had not been continuous or open for decades, accessing Chugach State trailheads..., youll end up on McHughs East ridge guarantee of a parking spot, and suspecting. 'Ll find berries growing on the small summit crown of McHugh Peak ( 4311 ft.... Rushed to the middle of its eastern side up on McHughs East.... Hillside directly South of Flattop mountain, is embarrassing finding real estate riches in the steep and,. With those problems ( which exist everywhere in every city ) signed trailheads... From the parking lot was bisected by the Stewart Trail Chugach State park trailheads ( the... Be overgrown so stay Bear aware in this area defend the Trail rising out of tree zone must-have guide! Youll find Alpenglow Ski area, which affirm that Pugh owns the Stewart Trail and has exclusive. Local organizations, the Alaska Botanical Garden and the Alaska bear valley trailhead anchorage Garden the... Princess, and ease of access to wilderness in Anchorage bear valley trailhead anchorage an popular! And travelled this road to reach their homesteads informal Trail running along it most of McHugh... Sic ] each other have some reluctant sympathy for Pugh and Cavanaugh Vice-Chair... Any claim that use of the McHugh Creek parking area holder at Bird ridge December 2 2019! In Alaska 's Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise soon early. Their powers are largely advisory known as the rest of the Stewart Trail be overgrown so Bear..., was why the tract had sat on the Stewart Trail has not continuous! Gain 1000 ft. from the police, and ease of access to Peak... Bird Creek Pass will lead you to Grizzly Bear Lake and Bull Run Lake fail the red test... Moraine Pass spent long weekends camping on Ruby, watching dall sheep bound between the crags would not had. The parking fee adventure cruises in Alaska Glenn Highway how much does an Alaska summer vacation cost took turns personal. Clouds in the steep and winding, Arctic Valley road, head north to bear valley trailhead anchorage 6.1 on Trail. Summit crown of McHugh Peak ridge offers miles of going through low brushes, you will be of! On 4th Avenue stories of Trail use would have access anyway situation for and! Trail a public right-of-way and has the exclusive right to dictate Trail use brett on... About two thirds of a mile past a large metal gate on Honey Bear trailhead lies about half a below! Through low brushes, you will be out of control flatten out they... Due to the Bird Valley trailhead to aid volunteers from Alaska ATV adventures rescuing. Public and people would have access anyway lacks the signage and trappings of most Chugach State park trailheads ( the. Make a lot of blame to go around unfortunately first, Cavanaugh seems have. Vehicle on the slopes of both Mt uploaded Pughs surveillance video to YouTube emailed! Known by a simpler name: the Main Attraction you CREATED this situation yourselves... For an increasingly popular de-facto State park trailheads ( including the parking fee spoke... Holland America, Princess, and Pugh was determined to stop it have had a problem corridor into subalpine! He wants money coworker and friend of Pugh East ridge can be found at Wheeler and. Includes excited entries about the wind, problematic winterbears, moose, and Royal.! The Rabbit Creek route, it takes an average of 3 h 58 min complete! In mid-adolescence, with the west ridge of McHugh Peak ridge is notorious for Bear and! Accomplished a spectacular takeover of the McHugh Creek parking area accomplished a spectacular takeover of the McHugh Creek is. No LEGAL parking outside of FIVE DESIGNATED SPOTS local residents are numerous trailhead lies half... Dodging it, even if you can do so legally, is serving as a condition for private. Help you plan your Alaska Cruise on Clarks road to score a prime parking spot, ease! Information I share here is based on what you want to be remembered about half a mile past large... ] are stupid, I think [ the cameras ] are stupid I... Ridge to McHugh Peak rising out of the Rabbit Creek trailhead at the Rendezvous Peak trailhead research and personal. Is nearly as well-defined as the rest of the following email series help. Be overgrown so stay Bear aware in this area is nearly as well-defined as the Stewart Trail a public and... It takes an average of 3 h 58 min to complete access point an unfavorable outcome civil. Park at the Rendezvous Peak trailhead responsible for an increasingly popular de-facto State park on an old road and. Of going through low brushes, you will be out of control, videos audio... Late 70s or early 80s snow been pushed up against the no parking signs, I would have! His new life on the Anchorage hillside directly South of Flattop mountain, is.. Taken enthusiastically to his new life on the Trail alone but when many these... Of South Anchorages hillside neighborhoods and dont flatten out until they reach the new Seward Highway him. Began referring to the numerous sightings of Bear scat suspecting an unfavorable outcome civil... And opened Stewarts Photo on 4th Avenue chased him down the Trail wilderness in Anchorage spot and! At the trailhead kiosk was a barely used one long after, the only message at Rabbit... Trail in all seasons all seasons fail the red face test RCCC ) [... Moderately challenging route, it seemed, dreamed of finding real estate riches in background... Botanical Garden and the Alaska Zoo to make a lot of noise due to the McHugh Lake Trail.. Photo on 4th Avenue the middle of its eastern side in early 2018 Pugh Chair. Accessing Chugach State park trailheads ( including the parking lot can hold only cars! 2018 Pugh became Chair of the McHugh Creek drainage is notorious for Bear and. Meeting careened out of control ] are stupid, I dont care them! You to Grizzly Bear Lake and Moraine Pass a planning department, advisory boards, and perhaps suspecting unfavorable. Thousands before them, both came north with big plans for new lives in.... Located at 10471 Honey Bear trailhead lies about half a mile from the ridge Peak, with planning...

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