Take a Hike

Hiking along the Glenn Highway is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Alaska. There are extensive trail systems ranging from easy to challenging, and there are always plenty of photo opportunities and possible wildlife sightings.

Arctic Valley

Arctic Valley Road is at Mile 6.2 of the Glenn. Just past the Muldoon exit, you will take the Arctic Valley Road exit and head east until you reach the parking area ($5 parking fee). There is easy hiking and berry picking in the immediate area, and a more challenging trail to Rendezvous Peak.

Eagle River Nature Center

This is an excellent, family-friendly hiking spot, and guided tours of the area are available. Head north on the Glenn and take the Eagle River exit at Mile 13.4, then drive east on Eagle River Road. The Nature Center is at the end of the road, which is 12 miles away. Here you will find trails of varying lengths and difficulty, including Crow Pass Trail and Dew Creek Trail. Go to www.ernc.org for more information.

Peters Creek Community Park

Located off the Old Glenn just outside of Eagle River, this park has easy hiking trails and a picnic area. Take the North Birchwood exit off the Glenn at Mile 20.9, and then take a left onto the Old Glenn. The Park is less than a mile down the road on the right.

Eklutna Lake

Thunderbird Falls can be found along the Glenn at Mile 25.2. Take the marked exit and drive about one mile to the parking area, and hike up to the viewing platform to see the falls, which is an easy, one-mile walk. This area provides exceptional photo opportunities, and the trail to the viewing platform is open year-round.

Hatcher Pass

The Hatcher Pass/Independence Mine exit is located at Mile 49.5 of the Glenn. Turning onto Fishhook Road and driving to the mine, you will have access to several great hiking and walking trails. Explore the mine area itself, or take the Gold Cord Lake trail from Independence Mine to Gold Cord Lake. This hike is roughly three quarters of a mile. There is also a short hike around Summit Lake, or a more extensive eight-mile hike on the Gold Mint Trail from the Motherlode Lodge. More information on the mine and surrounding areas can be found at www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/indmine.htm or http://www.alaskaone.com/asp/inmi.htm

Purinton Creek Trail

The Purinton Creek Trailhead is on the Glenn at Mile 89 and starts off fairly steep. It levels out into a pleasant hike and takes you about 10 miles into the wilderness and ultimately drops into Boulder Creek Valley.