Outdoor Activities

Crow Pass Trail. This 26-mile backpacking trail begins outside Girdwood and ends at the Eagle River Nature Center. Part of the Historic Iditarod Trail, Crow Pass is a truly great hike. The first 3 miles are the most strenuous—after that the worst things hikers have to contend with are snow above the tree line and icy-cold river crossings. During summer in Alaska it's wise to cross through rivers only in the morning to avoid the rising waters throughout the day as snow and glaciers melt under the many hours of sunshine. In addition to offering splendid views, Crow Pass Trail winds around the front of the amazing Raven Glacier terminus. The glacier is ½ mile wide and more than 2 miles long, with many deep crevasses. You can camp anywhere along the trail, though it's important to know that camping near the glacier, even at the peak of summer, is a chilly endeavor. The one cabin along the trail sits above the tree line at 3,500 feet, just across from rich crystalline-blue Crystal Lake. The cabin is almost always booked at least six months in advance. Alaska. 877/444–6777; www.fs.usda.gov/chugach.

Resurrection Pass Trail. Its colorful summer wildflowers are the big draw of this 39-mile backpacking trail through the Chugach National Forest. There's also a chance to spot wildlife: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, mountain goats, black and brown bears, wolves, coyotes, and lynx all traverse the forest. The trail's northern leg starts south of the town of Hope, following an old mining trail through the Kenai Mountains to its end near Cooper Landing. The trail branches off at one point to the Devil's Pass trailhead along the Seward Highway. Besides cabins, the U.S. Forest Service has provided several "official" campsites along the trail, where you'll find a cleared patch of ground and a fire ring. You are free, however, to pitch your tent wherever you'd like to.

Resurrection Creek Rd, Alaska. www.fs.usda.gov/chugach. Free.