Exit Glacier

     I had the privilege of visiting Exit Glacier during a natural resource management field class. We discussed how the Kenai Fjords National Park and wildlife are managed. One of the biggest issues the park faces is how to manage the disappearing Exit Glacier. People come to the park specifically to see the glacier. Yet it melts with each passing year, making access more difficult and viewing opportunities less than desirable for some park visitors.

     You can visit this link to learn more about melting glaciers. (Just don't let the chaos of climate change dampen your outlook on visiting glaciers despite how they are different from the past).
   
My experience at the park was wonderful. We hiked to Exit Glacier through the rain, which I thought added to the scenery. Below are some of the pictures I took. You can also learn more about visiting Exit Glacier here. Enjoy!

Instead of pavement, the park trails near the glacier are gravel. Because of the glacier’s movement, all structures near it including trails and viewing stations must be made portable at a low cost. Doing so ensures the structures can be moved and repaired easily when the glacier moves again. The trails are wide and not too steep until we got within a mile or so of Exit Glacier.

Along the trail we saw signs depicting where

the Glacier's terminus (ending point)

used to be. I can't imagine such a

huge glacier as Exit Glacier in 1926!

Here is the old viewing station and a prime example of why
permanent structures are not a good idea near a glacier. The
glacier receded so it is now very far from the viewing station.
The viewing station was built to last though, so it just sits
as a relic of when people didn't have to hike to see the ice.

Here you can see how Exit Glacier's size changes over time. I found this impressive and somewhat sad.

Be sure to watch for puddles on a rainy day!

Lots of neat plants live near Exit Glacier, even though
the whole area is covered in gravel.

I present to you...Exit Glacier! It was named Exit Glacier after some people exploring Harding Ice Field decided the glacier was a good place to exit. I didn't want to leave though.

We also saw Exit Glacier's moraine. You can learn more about them here.

 Maybe my pictures will inspire you to visit Exit Glacier or some other glacier on your next vacation. They are special to see, especially since they change so rapidly. I am certainly glad I got the opportunity to visit Exit Glacier and learn about resource management at the same time.

Let's Take a Tor!

How to Reach A Summit

Legs burning, but mind resolute, I submerse myself into a winter ridden earth. This place surpasses serenity with its boundless beauty, yet demands respect. Climbing its hills, my feet sink into the snow. I’m slipping back, but how high can I go? I question reasoning briefly, yet strength of thought never leaves me as I venture toward Granite Tors.

I ponder these plutons’ presence from afar, imagining their grandeur when I arrive at their base. But first I must break trail, doubt, and a sweat. I know what hard work truly is as I struggle towards the summit.

There’s harmonious peace to be found with a pack weighing me down as the wind claws my face and the sun sets too soon.

There is division between summit, illustrious exhaustion, and adventurous doom. But I’m safe at the tors, having made it this far.

In the snow blanketed high tundra, amidst endless mountain views and distinct granite monuments, I gaze in awe.

What is more glorious, the land or power of will?

How does a hiker reach a summit?

He must never abandon the thrill. It’s the thrill of accomplishment, raw power, and pride. It’s the thrill of looking on a subarctic wonderland, sitting as close as he can come to the sky.

View from the cabin at Granite Tors.

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In the Chena River State Recreation Area, only 39 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska, Granite Tors Trail begins. Easy access and beautiful scenery make this a great day or weekend destination. I had the opportunity to hike the 15 mile loop on October 11 and 12. My experience was phenomenal and something I would surly do again. 

Tors Trail is the 15 mile loop, branching off of the 3 mile loop.

The 15 mile loop presents obstacles which should be considered, but are not impossible. One such obstacle is the possibility of no trail. Because I hiked in October, the trail was covered in snow and had to be broken. This is strenuous work and hikers may question if they are travelling in the correct direction. However, a trail map is found on: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chena/granitetorsho.pdf and landscaping flags mark the path so the task can be accomplished by even novice navigators.

People and animals both break trails.

Breaking trail was just one element of  the hike. Another challenge is the three hills that must be surmounted before even getting close to the tors. A hiker must manage gaining 2,900 ft of altitude over the loop's first half. This is not too daunting in the warmer months, but gaining that elevation in slippery, thick snow can prove to be quite a feat. The last hill was especially steep and slick, so I was glad to be wearing snow shoes. Hiking poles also help with the terrain. Luckily, the view at the top of the hill makes the climb completely worthwhile.

A view from the second hill. I felt as if I was on top of the world because of how big the view was.

After a hiker summits the hills, the tors present themselves in their full glory. There are the Near Tors and Far Tors, both of which are seen from the 15 mile loop. They are randomly placed amidst the windswept tundra above treeline. Far reaching views of the Alaska Range and Chena River are also on display from the tors.

Various plutons from the Near Tors section.

Lizard's Eye Tor

The frigid tundra with Far Tors in the trees below.

Hiking even further, the trail descends into a black spruce and birch forest. This part is a nice, relaxing portion with more views and water. Chena River is the grand finale view from the hike before going back onto the 3 mile loop and reaching the trail head.

I suggest visiting Granite Tors one day or weekend. It can be a strenuous or casual hike depending on the season and loop choice. No matter what, one will be astounded by the beauty this place has to offer, all while being within reach of Fairbanks. I'm happy I was able to visit the tors and enjoy what I would call a true Alaska experience.

Until next time...

Maud S. Canyon

Maud S. is a fantastic trail system due to it's bird's eye views and versatility. Whether you hike Maud S. Loop up the inclined switchbacks or stick to the gently sloping "train tracks" (Maud S. Canyon), Maud S. offers a workout and scenery  you will be glad you came for. The trail I hiked today was the Loop, but both trails start at the parking lot just off the frontage road by Three Bears Alaska store.

Informative signs tell hikers about Butte and the trails.

After hiking up about five minutes, the train track  and Maud S. Loop allow hikers to make a decision. Going straight though the fence will lead up the switchbacks and turning to the right will lead down the train tracks. Both options are great for different reasons.

 The Maud S. Loop trail is steep enough to get a good workout in, but not too challenging to feel impossible.

The trail is surrounded by Aspens and willows.

 At the top of the Loop, hikers can continue on or go back to the parking lot. Don't forget to admire the views from the Vista. That's the best part!

Here you can see the views from the vista and the train track off at the base of the mountain on the left.

The Loop heads back to the parking lot by an easy, downhill trek. As you can see, Maud S. Canyon is a gorgeous trail perfect for a hike any day. The Loop's switchbacks or the train track's long, mildly inclined path provide anyone with a pleasurable outdoor experience. There are plenty of options for challenging yourself with hills or distance. Give Maud S. Canyon a try the next time you want to go take a hike!

P.S. Sorry about the misaligned formatting of this post. My computer was not cooperating well.

Easter on the Copperway

Happy Easter everyone! Today in Butte, Montana, we had sunny weather that was perfect for taking a walk. I headed up to the Copperway trail, one of my favorite trails in town due to the views and historical feel.

The trail is full of benches that offer great views and historical facts.

The first look of the trail. The Anselmo Mine is at the start of the trail.

To reach the very start of the trail, drive up Excelsior Street. Near the top, there is a parking lot and the Anselmo mine. From there, the trail continues. Parking lots near the Mountain Con Mine shorten the trail.

The trail is a bit bleak in the beginning, but after the first tunnel, the trail starts to display Butte from above as it climbs higher and higher towards the Mountain Con Mine.

There are 2 neat tunnels to walk under. 

Butte and the iconic "M".

The upper middle part of the trail features the Mountain Con Mine. People love this mine because the "mile high and a mile deep" is a geographical slogan of Butte.

Near the top of the trail is a rest area and a scenic lookout.

Seeing Butte from above on a sunny day makes me appreciate this town. It has such rich history that is still visible today.

The lookout is the "you are here" arrow. Butte looked like this picture in the past, yet many of those buildings and gallows frames are still visible today.

Mining damage still exists from Butte's past and is seen from the trail in places, but extensive restoration work has been done to clean up Butte.

If you ever want to take a walk through history on a nice day, try the Copperway Trail. This trail has pretty views, is paved, and is a unique example of past and present being incorporated together. I appreciate Butte when I enjoy its trails and remember Butte's history.