So, this is a great reminder to practice Leave No Trace in Alaska. This was also the same time we had our first bear sighting. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Juneau Creek Falls is the trails premier cataracta first-day or last-day spectacular! Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. The Resurrection Pass Trailhead South can be found in Cooper Landing, Alaska. connected to the .gov website. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and Many drainages saw such horse packing by-ways in the early 20th century, but exploration can be difficult in the present due to beetle-killed spruce trees toppling along the logical lowland routes and alders growing thick. Visitors should bring sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove, cooking gear and food. A splitting maul and saw are available. When it Rains, it Pours in Colorados Elk Mountains, A National Park Ranger Reveals the Secrets of the Job. Luckily, it only took 15 minutes for the rain to stop. If you choose to reserve one or more of the cabins, they typically cost $75 per night. On Resurrection Creek in spruce-birch forest with mountain views. (Some 85 miles from Anchorage.) https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/chugach/recarea/?recid=13397&actid=92, 10-04-30-22-12 Russian River Campground Area Closure. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/chugach/recarea/?recid=13398, 10-04-30-22-12 Russian River Campground Area Closure. The trail is closed to horse/pack stock from April 1 to June 30, and is open to over-snow motorized vehicles from Dec. 1 to April 30 every other winter season, beginning with the winter of 2007-2008. First, you will need to prep for a backcountry wilderness journey with suitable clothing, food and gear for the season and duration. Since the trail is completed one-way, you need to arrange a vehicle shuttle and its best if you have two vehicles to do this. It seemed like it would be a clear night and in hopes of seeing the Northern Lights (without knowing the forecast), I set an alarm for 1:00 a.m. to see if they were out. Car, train, or group tour. This trail is closed to motorized use for the2022-2023 winter season. He's the public . Anchorage, Alaska99501 Most people start biking from Hope or Devils Pass. Some technical terrain and limited alternate lines. Daily Miles: 9.5 miles; Total Time: 4 hours, 12 minutes. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. The cabins usually have an axe/saw. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area. Snow can remain at higher elevations until mid-June. It didnt feel too rushed or too long. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. But, the best part about staying in this cabin is that there are two canoes that you can use! Tip: First timers doing the loop might consider starting at Summit Creek Trailhead at Mile 44 and exiting at Devil's Creek Trailhead. Sleeps eight with bunks for six. 34.9 km The easy-to-follow, well-marked route rises from mixed spruce-birch forest near sea level through several ecological zones before breaking into open tundra as it traverses a 2,600-foot pass. Tucked away from the trail in ascattered spruce forest near the more open subalpine zone at 2,200feet.. It is equipped with counter space, a table, and benches. Very steep. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. We provide tools and tips to discover 4,097' Down Devils Pass Lake nestles in a dramatic alpine V-shaped valley less than one mile southwest down the Devils Creek Trail. With 20-plus hours of usable daylight near summer solstice, people do power through in three long days, or even less. Closedto motorized usewinter 2022- 2023 season. Designated backcountry campsites at Juneau Falls (mile 4.3), Shaft Creek (mile 6.9), Falls Creek (mile 8.4), Juneau Lake (mile 9.1), mile 10.3, Swan Lake (mile 12.6), mile 13.6, and mile 15.6. Devils Pass cabin takes kerosene. Resurrection North from mile 3 to East Creek Cabin at mile 14.5 has numerous difficult sections of trail due to narrow side hills between mile 3 and mile 6.5 that glaciate when snow cover is thin. 12-by-14 rustic cabin tucked away from the trail in ascattered spruce forest near the more open subalpine zone at 2,200feet. The hikers. However, the trail is open year-round and a lot of people ski or bike to the public use cabins during the winter. Well worth a look. Always be prepared for rain or foul conditions, but the Kenai Mountains can experience stretches of dry, sunny weather during summer. 4) the drainages between Caribou and East Creek Cabins can also be difficult. Park at highway pullout then followthis unplowed road2.4 miles. The best chance for extended dry conditions probably falls in early to mid July. They offer shuttle service to and from Resurrection Pass Trail at a group rate. Still, people traverse the trail in every month, often using skis, snowshoes, snow bikes and (when allowed) snowmobiles. Soon enough, we spotted a lot of bears up on the ridgeline across from us. Thank you, Andrea! It also gets most of the climbing out of the way by Mile 13, leaving you with a long mellow descent toward Hope. (907) 743-9500 Map Information. It is unlawful to use a public recreation cabin without a cabin permit, so make sure to book your reservation online. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. An official website of the 26.0 km Public use cabins are equipped with wooden bunks, wood or propane stoves, outhouses, and more. Distance: 39 miles (each direction) Extended Trail: Some combine this trail with Russian Lakes Trail for a 60-mile trip between Hope and Cooper Lake. There are 16 designated backcountry campsites along the trail. The further north we went, the more in fall season it seemed to be. 12 by 14 rustic cabin on Resurrection Creek in spruce-birch forest with mountain views. 2-5 day small ship explorations. You may still find patches of snow in June. While that might seem like a hassle, longtime Resurrection Pass Trail hikers say its worth it. A lot of people mountain bike Resurrection Pass Trail in one day. As you continue hiking, you will see some of the damage from the Swan Lake Fire that happened in 2019. Snow can remain in the pass until mid-June. Here is a list of cabins with mile markers and GPS coordinates. 20.0 km Check Availability (They also offer drop-offs and pick-ups for Kenai River boaters and transportation to and from other area trails.) Now Im 60 and planning to do it in the summer of 2022 with my other sister! They sell burgers and sandwiches and I highly recommend trying the Rally Burger. Give yourself at least two hours to complete the drop-off with time to reach to the opposite trailhead. The best time for a snow-season trip may be in March, when youre likely to find a firmly packed route beneath the long, sunny days of southern Alaskas (often) dry spring. Map showing recreational areas. Moose, black bears, brown bears roam the country. Starting in mixed spruce and birch forest, the trail gradually breaks out above treeline to reveal panoramas of wildflowers, rolling tundra, and sharp peaks connected by hogback ridges. The first four miles of this trail are not recommended due to steep, narrow sidehills. If the weather is clear, make the side trip up to the ridgeline due west of Resurrection Pass. The lower Hope side of the trail has some roots. The only wildlife we saw on the trail were the bears (at a far distance) and one marmot. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. We stopped at Caribou Creek Cabin for lunch and saw so many bears on the ridge across from us. South trailhead: mile 53.2 on Sterling Highway in Tablerock State Park. 160.19 m Up (907) 743-9500; fs.fed.us/r10/chugach. more. At mile 53.2 Sterling Highway turn north into trailhead parking area. This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. For more current travel conditions, call the district office. The morning light through the cabin windows was incredible. 1752.76 m Down, 9.4 mi It is surrounded by a spruce and birch forest, with views of nearby mountains and meadows. Atwo-story log cabin with aloft sleeps eight with bunk space for seven. WHERE: From Anchorage, its 85 miles to the trailhead in Hope; 106 miles to Cooper Landing. We woke up to frost covering the entire cabin and the steps were super slippery. The hike is a long, gradual rise from near sea level to the 2,600-foot pass and then a long, easy descent. On a July outing through the Kenai Mountains, however, you should expect temps to range from the 40s-50s at night to 60s or 70s in the day. If you dont have access to two vehicles or any vehicles, you can arrange a shuttle through Wildmans Store on the Sterling Highway. The last time I did Res Pass Trail was in 1982 or so. Cabin rentals come with use of a canoe or rowboat (depending upon the cabin. Visitors enjoy the alpine vistas, hiking and hunting, among other outdoor recreation opportunities. High elevation areas can hold snow until mid June. I Tried to Sew My Own Ultralight Tent. Office Hours:8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Some through-hikers rent a cabin only for a night or two, and tent the rest of the trip. 161 East 1st Ave., Door 8 The trail is well maintained and starts to gradually incline as you make your way through the forest. 3,013' Up With enough time, you would have the option to camp two nights in one spot and spend a full day exploring, fishing or just enjoying the scene. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ More Stats for Resurrection Pass Trail mountain bike trail trail Altitude change 9 ft Altitude min 397 ft Altitude max 2,617 ft Altitude start 397 ft Altitude end 407 ft Grade max -50% Grade min 22.2% Distance climb 19 miles Distance down 15 miles Distance flat 3 miles Avg time 06:18:43 Avg reverse time 06:03:59 view trail stats Status: Its a great option for large groups. 420.3 m Up The Resurrection Pass Trail South in Cooper Landingis located 106 miles, a 2-hour drive, south of Anchorage, and is best used from June to October. The best times to visit this trail are June through September. Devil's Pass Cabin is a rustic cabin in a remote area of south-central Alaska along the popular Resurrection Pass Trail. Sleeps eight, with bunks for six. and reservations. Bring your fishing pole because there are a few spots to fish along Resurrection Pass Trail. 7-10 days is the most common. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Learn how your comment data is processed. 1,701' Down This cabin is situated along east shore of Juneau Lake. Designated backcountry campsites at mile 4, Wolf Creek (mile 5.3), Caribou Creek (mile 7), mile 9.6, mile 12.6, and East Creek (mile 14.6). Trail follows the narrow Resurrection Creek valley through spruce/birch forest, past gold mining areas,gradually climbing into an alpine valley after 17 miles. Were doing a 4 night, north to south trip in mid September this year and this info is very helpful. We had 4 days to hike the whole trail and I think it was the perfect amount of time. From the Resurrection Pass North Trailhead, at milepost 4 of Resurrection Creek Road, hike 11.5 miles to the . This trail is also popular with mountain bikers. You have two options for accommodations on multi-day trips: rent cabins or carry a tent. We had to drive back to Cooper Landing to pick up the other vehicle so we decided to stop by Cooper Landing Brewing for a rewarding beer and some food. 3,419' Up Creeks line the trail for much of the way, and cabins are situated within earshot of tumbling water, or beside trout-filled lakes. The view from the windows of the cabin is amazing since Juneau Lake sits below. In winter, add one extra mile of travel as Resurrection Creek Road is not plowed to the trailhead. 2,600) and descends to the north to another trailhead trailhead near Hope on Turnagain Arm. Bonus: Eight cabins dot the trail, making hut-to-hut itineraries possible ($5/night; recreation.gov). NOT OKAY! RATING: The main trail is easy to moderate, and side trails moderate to strenuous. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. You can take the time to hike to the cabin and check out Trout Lake, which cant be seen from the main trail. The middle portion of the trail above tree-line is great! Tent site with bear locker and outhouse. Theentrances and exits at all (appx. The lower Hope side of the trail has some roots. Other features include splitting maul and saw, outhouseand arowboat equipped with oars for exploring the lake. We made it to Devils Pass Cabin in 3 hours and 17 minutes. Located about 4.2miles from the south trailhead, the campsite is on top of one of the trails steeper climbs. Sleeps 6, with table, oil stove, and, 16-x-16 log cabin in an alpine valley nestled amid steep mountain slopes. 16-x-16 log cabin in an alpine valley nestled amid steep mountain slopes. Even though this trail is open year-round, its best to plan a multi-day backpacking trip from June to October. Cabins during the main hiking season between May 1 and Sept. 30 are usually taken as soon as they become available, beginning six months in advance of the arrival date. Devils Pass Cabin also has an outhouse with one of the best views on the trail. Big ship or small ship? This area of the trail was really beautiful because the valley opened up and the fall colors were so prominent. This 38 mile long USFS trail climbs Resurrection Pass (elev. Shortly after getting on the trail, we found tons of fresh blueberries. Tent site with bear locker and outhouse near the north end of Juneau Lake. This route is 10.2 miles and its commonly used by hikers, mountain bikers, and skiers, and can also be used to shorten the entire length of the trail. The south trailhead is at Mile 53.2 of the Sterling Highway (106 miles from Anchorage.) Other features include splitting maul and hand saw, an outhouseand arowboat with oars. 39 mile ride to north trailhead. Need help planning a trip? If you want to check current Resurrection Pass Trail conditions, contact theSeward Ranger District. Since the last day of our backpacking trip was also the longest, we were on the trail by 9:30 a.m. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock You can also access the cabin from Devils Pass Trail. The cabin can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing, horseback, snowmobile or floatplane. I and 2 friends are planning on hiking from Hope to Coopers Landing in mid July. Trail climbs gradually the first 3 miles through spruce/ birch forest above the Kenai River. Devils Creek Trail descends to a trailhead on the Seward Highway about 33 miles from the North trailhead and about 18 miles from the south trailhead. more. Often to the day. Access to Caribou, Fox and East Creek Cabins. It was chilly but I took my morning coffee outside to get some sun rays on my face. Be careful not to get too close to the edge as the rocks tend to be very slippery. This cabin sits at the south end of Juneau Lake. ), Contact the Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur (mile marker 23.5), Seward, AK 99664. Ideal for backpackers and mountain bikersand a great destination for skiers and snowshoers during snow seasonthe trail links historic gold mining areas near Hope with a trailhead near Cooper Landing close to the Kenai River. The cabin is located at the intersection of Devil's Creek Trail and Resurrection Pass Trail, in the Kenai Mountains of south-central Alaska. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Travel 4 miles to trailhead parking. There are eight public use cabins and 16 designated campsites along the trail. No bushwhacking required! Check with Recreation.gov by searching on cabin names. Lots of travelers spend an afternoon climbing 1,600 feet to the top of the ridge west of Resurrection Pass to experience a stunning panorama that includes Denali and the Alaska Range to the north and the Harding Ice Field to the southeast. I hope you catch something that would be one tasty and rewarding meal! No outhouse. We made it to Fox Creek Cabin at mile 27.5 in 4 hours and 45 minutes. Something else? Sleeps 6. Adding extra time also makes the shuttle easier. We had enough time to enjoy coffee in the morning, stop and spot wildlife, take lunch breaks, pick blueberries, and truly cherish everything the trail had to offer. on official, secure websites. Spam? Alternate winter access route is via West Juneau Road. The north trailhead is located four miles up Resurrection Creek Road from Mile 15 of the Hope Highway. 1,675' Down new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Trail can be muddy following spring/early summer melt off. 510.58 m Up People usually drop a vehicle, then ride the taxi or shuttle to the other trailhead and then backpack, hike or bike back to their vehicle. The cabin is along the popular Resurrection Pass trail -and sits just up from Fox Creek. 526' Up Explore this 44.9-mile point-to-point trail near Hope, Alaska. After 13 miles it climbs above the trees into an alpine valley. The way North trailhead: four miles south of Hope on Resurrection Creek Rd. On the north side of Juneau Lake, we finally set our eyes on Juneau Lake Cabin at mile 9.5. Resurrection Pass Trail is closed to pack/saddle stock from April 1- June 30. This is another benefit to hiking the trail during fall because that means its berry season. One of my favorite views, as I looked behind me, was the view of Swan Lake from above. Other features include asplitting maul and saw, an outhouseand acanoe with paddles for exploring thelake. Its a great place to freshen up and splash some cold water on your face, or soak your feet. 4,135' Up Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 19 h 5 min to complete. Spam? The cabin has an oil stove, visitors must bring #1 stove oil to heat the cabin; a minimum of one gallon of stove oil is recommended (one gallon will burn for approximately 10 hours on a medium heat setting). HOME BLOG ABOUT WORK WITH ME PRIVACY POLICY RETURN POLICY DISCLOSURE. Technical terrain with no alternate lines. 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. Near the edge of by spruce/birch forest with views of nearby mountains. Plus, the drive between the trailheads is one of the most scenic in the state, with many of its own attractions (wildlife viewing, fishing, lodge visits, gorges, hiking) along the route. The fire was ignited by lightning but a lot of fires in Alaska are human-caused. The trail connects Cooper Landing, AK to Hope, AK. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Resurrection Pass. For more information on access and regulations pertaining to this cabin, trail conditions, safety precautions and outdoor safety and ethics, please contact the Seward Ranger District. In the same alpine valley as the Devils PassCabin. This 39-mile long trail is well maintained and has several designated campsites and public use cabins to stay in along the way. If you need water, get water from the lake and make sure you filter the water before you drink it. Something else? Official websites use .gov A .gov Mile 29.2 Resurrection Pass Trail. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area. Resurrection North from mile 3 to East Creek Cabin at mile 14.5 has numerous difficult sections of trail due to narrow side hills between mile 3 and mile 6.5 that glaciate when snow cover is thin. If you start from Cooper Landing youll get most of your climbing out of the way early and youll get to enjoy a nice downhill into Hope. 1,701' Up The Hope trailhead lies at 300 feet above sea level. Camping and/ or occupying any one Public Recreation Use Cabin for a period longer than seven consecutive days by any person or group including but not limited to family members, members of the same household, and members of the same camping party within a 30 day period, and three consecutive days May 15 to August 31. Wildlife is abundant and includes moose, Dall sheep, mountain goats, a small but thriving caribou herd, two packs of wolves, and brown and black bears. Trail in good condition with some muddy sections. Elevation gain is only about 3000 feet in 15 miles (N to S) then a gradual descent. You'll gain and lose 2,000 feet in elevation along the way. Distance between the two trailheads is only 4.5 miles. This is one of my favorite cabins because it sits in the open valley and the views are amazing. The first state cabin on the trail is Trout Lake Cabin at mile 7.3. You must bring your own. Most sites have bear resistant food lockers and some sites have box toilets. McKinley 150 miles to the north. There are eight public use cabins along the trail. We left the cabin around 12:30 p.m. and headed out in the drizzling rain. There are many combinations possible. After checking out the waterfall, you will make your way across the first wooden bridge. (39 miles, 3-4 days) Grizzlies do it. It is unlawful to use a public recreation cabin without a valid cabin reservation. It is closed to motorized vehicles every other winter season beginning with the 2008-2009 winter season. This is a popular trail with visitors and locals alike. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Hitchhiking from Hope with 2 bikes was easy. The trail intersects the RPT at the entrance to Devils Pass about 21.5 trail miles from Hope and 16.7 trail miles from Cooper Landing. The Alaska Air National Guard rescued two hikers on Resurrection Pass trail early Wednesday morning after the hikers said they were unable to make it through snow and water in the pass. Good views. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 19 h 5 min to complete. Map showing recreational areas. Three lakes offer a decent shot at catching fresh fish for dinner. Sleeps 6, with table, wood stove, splitting maul, crosscut saw, and outhouse. In general, Alaska backpacking requires carrying a wider range of clothing than you might pack for a summer adventure in a more southern locale. Refer to USGS map Seward C8. It is a true classic, drawing hundreds of visitors over the entire year. A notable exception is the 38-mile Resurrection Pass Trail that connects the communities of Hope and Cooper Landing on the Kenai Peninsula south of Anchorage.