Summer Valley & Forest Hike
Offered by Go Hike Alaska In Anchorage, Alaska
: $
About us
Our experienced guides are certified in wilderness first aid, CPR, and EPI-pen use. We are also trained in avalanche safety and large animal encounter. Your well-being and safety is our #1 priority.
What we'll do
• Experience hiking in Chugach State Park's Eagle River trail system and Barbara Falls!
• Perfect for solo travelers and couples.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of towering vistas. Amazing landscapes await!
• Learn about Alaska's boreal forests and glaciated valleys from a skilled naturalist.
• Opportunity for wildlife viewing including, salmon, bear, moose and birds.
• Provisions include a granola bar, apple, and cheese stick.
TOUR DESCRIPTION:
Experience the wonders found in one of the Chugach State Park's fondest, glaciated valleys. On this tour, we will take you to the glorious Eagle River trail system where boreal forests, and salmon spawning streams are found. This trail network also hosts the renowned "Crow Pass", which is part of the historic Iditarod trail system once used by dog sleds and mushers. The route is approximately 6 miles in length and is not too strenuous, which allows most people to participate.
Eagle River hosts amazing phenomena and a rich ecology that you will learn about from our skilled naturalists. You will see photogenic birch and aspen trees mixed with giant spruces, as well as smaller brushes like willows, alders, and devil's club. Imagine endless varieties of edible berries, and fascinating fungi. If they are in-season, we will try a few! We may see moose, Dall sheep, and even a bear on this tour. Plus, there are many species of small mammals and birds we could encounter, too. If you are looking for a moderate hike with beautiful Alaskan sights and sounds, this is your pick.
After you've had your fill of the Eagle River Valley, we head over to iconic Barbara Falls for some up-close waterfall action!
What are you waiting for? Book today!
What to expect / what's provided
TOUR SPECIFICS:
• Location: Chugach State Park - Eagle River Nature Center Trails, Barbara Falls
• Dates: May 1st - September 30th
• Tour #1: 8 am - 1 pm
• Tour #2: 2 pm - 7 pm
• Travel Time: 1.25 Hour (~40 minutes one-way)
• Hiking Time: 3.75 Hours
• Distance & Elevation Gain: ~6 miles and 700 feet (or 70 flights of stairs)
• Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ "Easy for some & moderate for others"
• Recommended for ages 15 - 70
TRANSPORTATION & MEETUP LOCATION:
Guests have the option of using our transportation or providing it for themselves. We encourage our guests to drive to the trailhead if they have the ability in order to mitigate the spread of COVID. However, if you need transportation we are more than happy to provide it for you. We will confirm your preference after you book.
If you DO need transportation, we will meetup, depart, and return at the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, located at 555 W. 5th Ave. in downtown Anchorage. Please arrive no later than 10 minutes prior to your tour. There are parking garages in the area if you need one.
If you need DO NOT need transportation, you will meet us at the trailhead or follow us from the meetup location. We will coordinate the location prior to your tour via text, phone, or email.
If you choose to ride with us, please anticipate being within close proximity to one another. We ask you kindly please sanitize your hands before entering the vehicle as well as wear a cloth/other type of face covering in accordance with local COVID-19 rules. We'll have a sanitizer available for all guests. We also ventilate the vehicle in an effort to reduce transmission of COVID.
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT:
All participants are required to complete a participation agreement. You will receive a link in your confirmation email to complete it once you finish booking.
WEATHER:
All of our hikes are rain or shine. However, if the weather is too severe (i.e. thunder, lightning, hail, blizzard, etc.) we'll issue you a full refund.
WILD ANIMALS:
Seeing wild animals is probably part of why you booked a hike in the first place, but we need to give animals the proper respect they deserve. We will provide you a safety briefing before your hike. Please listen to your guide during any encounter situation. We are happy to help you get some quality photos, but only if it is safe. While bears are commonly referred to as the aggressors, moose attacks are far more common in Alaska. Every guide is trained in large animal safety, and the use of bear spray.
EXPERIENCE SUGGESTIONS:
No experienced required, but you should be able to walk at least 7 miles on flat pavement, or 5 miles of uneven rolling terrain over the course of roughly 4 hours. Some parts of the trail are steep and hilly, placing additional stress on areas of the body not impacted by level terrain. Not recommended for those with cardiac or respiratory issues/illness. May be difficult for those with severe joint issues.
WHAT'S PROVIDED:
Provisions includes a granola bar, apple, and cheese stick. We also have trekking poles and daypacks available.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be received in writing at [email protected]
If you cancel any time before 2 weeks prior to your scheduled hike, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 48 hours to 2 weeks prior to your scheduled hike, you will receive 75% of your total service fee.
No refunds will be given for cancellations between 0 and 48 hours prior your hiking start time, or for any no shows.
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