Bike Ride on Coastal Trail

The Coastal Trail has one end that starts downtown, and the other Kincaid Park and runs along the coast (hence the name). This is one of those trails that everybody is Anchorage knows about and uses often for running, biking, dog walking, or other outdoor activities that require a path. It also runs along the Alaska Railroad, and adds to the scenery when a train happens to go by, which it did while we were there.

We went yesterday for a little bike ride, thinking the weather would be cooperative for the afternoon. After we pumped up Sam's tires, we started down the trail. Everything went smoothly until we started hitting hills, and as it turns out, Kelsey's bike isn't really made for anything with more than a 10º angle. Not to mention the bike is not really meant for long distances, and it didn't take long for the hard seat to leave its mark on her bum. Needless to say, Kelsey will probably have to invest in a trail bike of sorts when she's not doing social work anymore. Sam was patient though, and didn't leave her in the dust.

We stopped to take a break at Point Woronzof, when it started to rain. Neither of us was very prepared for rain, so we decided to turn around, so we only managed to get 5 miles into the trail (but I figure 10 miles total of bike riding is pretty good). By the time we got back we were thoroughly soaked, and Sam had to get to bed because he worked at 1 am (GROSS!). I will probably try to borrow somebody's bike for the next time we do the trail.

Hidden Lake Trail

Hidden Lake Trail has been a hike that I have been wanting to do for a while now, and finally got the opportunity yesterday afternoon.

Hidden Lake Trail is another trail in the Chugach State Park. It's located very close to the Flattop Mountain Hike. We had to hike about two miles into Power Line Pass to get to the Hidden Lake trailhead. Power Line Pass is a pretty easy hike that a lot of people use for many different types of activities: biking and running are pretty popular, and in the winter, cross country skiing and snowshoeing as well. In between Flattop Mountain and many other surrounding mountains, it has many beautiful sceneries. Hidden Lake Trail is a 2 mile hike.

Yesterday, when we hiked up the trail, it was very wet, and the rain didn't seem to want to let up. With all of the rain we got, the trail was very muddy. When we got to the Hidden Lake trailhead, to our advantage, the rain stopped. In order to get onto the trail, we had to cross the bridge over a stream in the pass. Immediately, the trail went up hill; longest and most intense 2 miles of our lives. The trail was muddy, slippery, and the wind was pushing us all over the trail.

We made it up the first hill, and for as far as we could see, the rest was very flat. We got over the mountain, and were pretty secluded in between a few other mountains which cut out most of the wind. We hit the bottom of a creek which was still covered in snow, and to our surprise, the trail started up hill again, for the rest of the hike.

We hiked up 3 more hills, 2 of which, to our dismay were covered in snow. They were fun coming down, well, for me, but Kelsey took them pretty slow. The hills were pretty steep, and after each one, we kept hoping we would see the lake. When we arrived at Hidden Lake (if you could really call it a lake), I insisted that we kept going because what we were looking at looked more like a puddle than anything. I called mom and dad to see if they could tell me if what we were looking at was really the lake. After much deliberation, and a picture sent to mom, she told me that was it (She told me "it was probably hidden for a reason"). We sat down for a bit, ate our pb&j's and apples before heading back.

Going back was much easier, as it was all downhill which only took us about a third of the time to get back to the parking lot. We're still pretty sore this afternoon, but the hike was totally worth it.

We give this hike ***- because the lake is really a puddle, but the hike is adventurous and fun.

Flattop Mountain Hike

Part of the Chugach State Park, Flattop Mountain is one of the most visible and recognizable mountains in Anchorage. The mountain as a whole reaches 3,550 ft, but during the hike, you gain 1,252 ft. The total hike, roundtrip, is 3 miles, and in theory should take about 3 hours, depending on your physic.

We hiked this trail on an overcast Friday afternoon. Hikers should be aware that this trail goes directly uphill most of the way. Needless to say we were thankful for the overcast weather. There have been stairs added to the trail, which saved us a lot of extra effort, but does give the affect of using a stair master for 3 miles. The trail itself is in pretty good condition, with only a few areas that are either still covered in snow, or needs somebody to clear the gravel/rocks out of the way.

The last saddle is the best part! It first begins with switchbacks, and the last stretch to the top of the mountain, the trail all but disappears, leaving hikers to find their own way up, as well as climb rocks. Only on your way down will you be able to see the orange dots, so elegantly placed with spray paint, to guide you. We should mention that this last part is not for the feint of heart or those who do not like heights (we ran into a group from Chicago that had to stop at this point because "it was too dangerous." Sam would like to interject that they didn't even know that the Blackhawks had won the Stanley Cup, so really, what could that say about their character ).

Though this hike is a pretty intense one, the final view makes it very worth it. There are epic sceneries all 360º, including a very epic view of the entire city of Anchorage.

We started in the afternoon, and in total it took us just under 3 hours. We were lucky that Sam had a camelback, because it was small enough that it didn't add too much weight, but it has enough room to carry our lunches, plus a camera, water bottle and his cell phone. Though the hike was tough, we really enjoyed the challenge as well as the great view at the top.

We give this hike **** stars- for difficulty, as well as great views at the end.