Eklutna

Trail up to the second bench is packed down anything past that during the winter isn’t. I was able to make my way up to the ridge line to get the great view of the valley and lake. about 90% of the way past the second bench I bear crawled my way up the mountain side to distribute the weight as I broke trail in deep snow (about to my mid thigh and waste) with crampons and idk if it would have been any better with snowshoes. The way down was fun though I just slid on my butt back to the second bench. The trail I took was more direct and avoided the spur as much as possible so I wouldn’t be hit by the wind. When I did get to the point where I stopped wind was tocold for me to consider going any further.

Hard packed to the first bench... not bad -but I packed down With Snowshoes between first and second bench. No trail from second bench- I tried in snowshoes for a bit but postholed 2-3feet, crawling out with each step. great day to be outside.

Well packed down, but also a layer of ice under the snow. Would recommend ice cleats. Amazing views, made it past the first bench easily. Hiking poles were helpful.

Oct 31 - came back and started earlier in the day 1pm and managed the peak - cold but clear day - gorgeous views - a bit of snow trudging but it actually helps the traction in some areas so don't let that stop you. bring an extra pair of dry socks for the trip down, you'll be glad you did! Awesome hike!

Took 10 Paratroopers out there this AM to honor some of our fallen. Great hike, 3rd time, and still as difficult as ever. Parked at the 4.75 mile mark and walked down to the trailhead (Speed Limit Sign). The trail was slick and slightly frozen toward the top, wonderful crow berries, but no termination dust yet! Was a beautiful day and you could see Denali way on the horizon from the second saddle turn. Only downside was the slickness on the way down.

Awesome trail! highly recommend if ever in the area. unfortunately I started too late and had to turn back with just 100m to go or I would have run out of daylight all alone. I will be back! Note the distance posted 3.9km does not include the 1km too and from parking area. Park at telephone pole #74, trailhead is at #85.

Waaayyyy steep. Do not bring young kids. But it’s amazing and awe inspiring looking at the memorials. An amazing tribute and the effort to get there, I think, is a demonstration of one’s love and respect for the immense sacrifice of our fallen soldiers and their families. A must-do hike in Alaska.

Route finding is important. Snow and ice made the footing near the top interesting even with microspikes.

Should I bring bear spray

Made it to the third bench but turned back because of high winds. Beautiful views!

The first bench is a good turnaround point if you’re short on time. It’s 1.6 miles in and has the first good view overlooking the lake. The trail beyond this point just takes you higher with the same amazing views. A lot of leaves have already started falling off the trees onto the trail, but the view looking down from the bench still has absolutely beautiful fall colors surrounding the lake.

So wonderful. Not easy by any means - the entire way up is uphill. Gorgeous nature though, you’ll get a ton of good photos. My boyfriend and I agreed that the views don’t get that different past the first lookout of the water. Still pretty at the top, just not much different. Bring layers and lots of water!

Seems more hard than moderate, but such an amazing hike! Definitely one of my favorites even with fog above the treeline so there were no views today. Also had the trail to myself after the second bench. Couldn’t ask for much more! Beautiful!

Beautiful trail and the view at the top is amazing!! Gets more steep as you get up but it’s worth the climb!

Very steep walk only up to the top... but nice views. The blueberries kept me going ;) Go a bit further than the second bench, where it is kind of flat and there you have a very nice view. No bears, no moose, just plenty of people and many cars on the weekend.