So there is a nature center at the end of the road up the Eagle River valley. This is about 12 miles from our house and is the trailhead for a one-way hike to Girdwood (down the Turnagain Arm). This hike is 24 miles long, and we just had to go do it.
Of course the hiking descriptions mention that most people make the crossing in 2-3 days but a one day trek is possible. Of course, we have to try it in one day.
We hiked it from Girdwood back to Eagle river. There is a few thousand feet of climbing in the first several miles to crest Crow Pass, and then (pretty much) all downhill. On the way up Crow Pass it is very dry and scree filled. The sun was coming up during this part and quite serene. The top is pretty flat and filled with small ponds. As you crest the pass, you get full frontal of Raven Glacier and then follow Raven Creek down to the confluence with the Eagle River. We were both amazed at the changing terrain - from bone dry scree fields, to open evergreen forests, young glacial moraines, head high brush (in bear country nonetheless), and very 'boggy' wetlands.
As you reach the Eagle River (just past the halfway point), you come into a huge view of the Eagle Glacier. At this point you have to ford the Eagle River. Several hundred feet wide and COLD. It is glacial melt about a mile below the glacier. We were lucky to have the water relatively low (not too much above my knee - remember I'm 6'4"). A quick dry out and bite to eat, then down the valley.
No wildlife sightings, but we were shooting for that. This is bear country so we were constantly making noise so as not to surprise them. Did see a lot of bear shit though, some pretty fresh.
On the drive up here dad remarked that one gets numb to scenery on the Alcan because its just this endless parade of amazing vistas - but a long drive nonetheless. I felt like this hike was the same. You just kept coming around corners and seeing more amazing river views, giant mountains, glaciers, etc... but Andi and I both reached our fill about the 20 mile point, so by the time we got to the car, we were ready to be done. Sore knees and beat up feet, but quite a nice day. Reccomended, maybe two days though.
Just to make sure we were not feeling too big for our britches after our big hike, we read about the guys who run this as a marathon. Here is one account of guys running it. We felt good about 12 hours. Good people run this in three.
Also, some photos on Shutterfly.
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