Crow Pass Hike "Girdwood to Eagle River" Alaska - It took us 14.5 hours

When you can't fly a helicopter for various reasons here in ALASKA the next best alternative is hiking this beautiful land with your family

"Click on photos for a closer look"

Me, Crow Pass (3500 ft) (Mile 4) on our way down to the Eagle River valley in the back ground. Lessons learned: My back pack was too heavy for a 26 mile day hike. My right knee became irritated at 19 miles, too much weight due to the size of the water bladder. Next time I'll carry less water and resupply more often with the water filter. The SPOT is spotty when in the trees. It needs a clear view of the sky to transmit your current position. Next time I'll hold it straight up to the sky when I'm in a clearing to make sure the OK message gets out to my wife. She became a little concerned when she didn't get a message for a couple of hours while I was in the trees on the Eagle River side of the trail.

Laura (our daughter) at Raven Gorge (mile 7) it was a beautiful day for a hike. By that I mean a little sun but mostly clouds and no rain with a dry trail. Too much sun will sap the energy right out of you.

Laura (mile 10.5) what a trooper, her left knee gave out on her with about 9 miles to go, she persevered! Eagle Glacier and Lake behind her.

Me and my trusty .357 magnum, is that a bear over there? (mile 10.5). Eagle Glacier and Lake behind me pretty close to where we have to ford the river.

Raven Gorge (mile 7) Can you see the rock that looks like a bear?

Me and John (our son) (mile 5) John did a good job on this hike with plenty of energy to spare.

Laura and John on the way down after summiting Crow Pass (mile 5)

John enjoying the sun (mile 11ish). Is that a bear behind you?

Crow Pass (mile 4) - Elevation 3500 ft, Raven Glacier behind me. Do I look wet? It's because I just climbed 2000 ft from the trail head to this point. Probably the hardest part of the hike, the next hardest is crossing the Eagle River (ford site) at 13 miles. And overall just having the strength and endurance to hike all 26 miles. I really love this hike when everything goes well. It's a challenge to mind and body!

Laura

Raven Glacier (mile 4) This is what you see at the top of Crow Pass

Moose antler we found at Turbid Creek (more like a river) (mile 9.5) Notice where the porcupines gnawed on the horn? They eat the horns for the nutrients.

Raven Gorge (mile 7) This is an amazing site, the photo does it no justice. It's a very sharp, sudden, deep, rocky cavernous drop off. I'm guessing 75 to 100 feet. A hike to this gorge alone, and back to the Girdwood trail head would make an excellent day trip.

Raven Gorge (mile 7)

Raven Gorge with John standing and waiting; he's ready to move on and make some progress.

A Squirrel! This was the only wildlife we saw, oh and a couple of rock squirrels at the top of Crow Pass. This was near Yakedeyak Creek (mile 20) some of these so called creeks are actually little rivers. We don't have too many photos on the Eagle River side, mainly because my knee and Laura's knee were hurting, and we just wanted to make it to the Eagle River Nature Center (mile 26). Next time I'm traveling a lot lighter and the goal will be 10 to 12 hours. I guess I'm a glutton for punishment :). Overall this is a great hike, I love the challenge!

Over Alaska's Ranges

Over Alaska's Ranges

Want to see Alaska from the comfort of your home? Well, you’re crazy!

Here is Mary's blog she worked on a couple of years ago. It's about our hiking adventures. I know this has nothing to do with helicopters but I thought I would throw this in while I come up with the next topic. I will say on one of these hikes a significant event happened which inspired me to seriously think about flying helicopters again, which I’ll explain in one of my future postings. In the mean time what I should be doing is studying for the CFI - Rotorcraft exam. For some reason I keep stalling...

Upper Reed Lake

For those interested in hiking the Reed Lakes trail, and if you have enough energy, all the way to the B-29 bomber that rests on Bomber Glacier above upper Reed Lake, here's an excellent site with more information. The trail is out of Palmer Alaska on the way to Hatcher's Pass 56 miles from Anchorage. We've hiked a lot of trails in the area and this is by far one of our favorites!