Southcentral Alaska: A Comprehensive Guide to Hiking & Canoeing Trails & Public-Use Cabins

356 Pages·1997·3.29 MB·English

by  Alan Jubenville

Southcentral Alaska : A Comprehensive
title: Guide to Hiking & Canoeing Trails &
Public-use Cabins
author: Jubenville, Alan.
publisher: Hunter Publishing
isbn10 | asin: 155650781X
print isbn13: 9781556507816
ebook isbn13: 9780585042268
language: English
Hiking--Alaska--Guidebooks, Canoes and
subject canoeing--Alaska--Guidebooks, Alaska--
Guidebooks.
publication date: 1997
lcc: GV199.42.A4J82 1997eb
ddc: 796.5/1/09798
Hiking--Alaska--Guidebooks, Canoes and
subject: canoeing--Alaska--Guidebooks, Alaska--
Guidebooks.
Page i
Southcentral Alaska
A Comprehensive Guide to Hiking & Canoeing Trails &
Public-Use Cabins
Alan Jubenville
Hunter Publishing
Page ii
HUNTER PUBLISHING, INC.
130 Campus Drive
Edison NJ 08818-7816, USA
Tel [phone]; Fax [phone]
E-mail [email protected]
www.hunterpublishing.com
1220 Nicholson Road
Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 7V1, CANADA
Tel [phone]; Fax [phone]
ISBN 1-55650-781-X
© 1997 Hunter Publishing
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise,
without the written permission of the publisher.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this book
is correct, but the publisher and authors do not assume, and hereby
disclaim, all liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by
errors, omissions, misleading information or any potential problem
caused by information in this guide, even if these are a result of
negligence, accident or any other cause. All opinions expressed in this
book stem from the author's personal experience only or from those of
his contributors; consequently, neither he nor the contributors can be
held accountable for a reader's personal experience while traveling.
Maps by Scott Penwell
Cover photo by Bob Krist, Leo de Wys
all others by author unless noted otherwise.

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Alaska: The Land of Hiking
Alaska is viewed as the last frontier, the last oasis of wilderness, a
hiker's paradise. This book is for those who want to access these
pristine landscapes via trail. It is my hope that you find this book as
interesting and exciting in planning your own adventures as it was for
me compiling, verifying, and savoring each tiny piece of the puzzle.
The purpose of the book is to give information about trails that are
accessed by existing transportation systems. Aside from roads, which
form the core of the transportation system, Alaska also has the marine
highway in Southeast and Southcentral, allowing additional access to
even more trails. This book focuses on summer and fall hiking
opportunities, but there are many other trails strictly open to cross-
country skiers, ORV drivers and snowmobilers in winter. Simply
contact the controlling agency for information. The book attempts to
be as comprehensive as possible, covering everything from the half-
mile interpretive trail focusing on bog ecology to the 30-mile
wilderness mountain trail. After an initial comprehensive study of all
trails in the region, some trails were omitted from the guide for
various reasonsbecause they crossed private lands, were not
adequately maintained, or were not managed for the hiker.
Choosing the ''right" trail can mean many things to the same person. It
can be a spontaneous decision to take an afternoon out of doors. Or, it
can be a week-long trip into the high country to relax and take
pictures of wildflowers or wildlife. It might be an adventurous stay in
a public cabin, with walks radiating out to points of interest each day.
In any case, this book should give you sufficient information for the
stand-alone trip where hiking is the primary activity, as well as a trip
where hiking simply gets you to your destination, such as a lake or
public cabin.
Helping to choose the "right" setting for your hiking adventure is also
important. There are many varied geological and ecological
environments. Some are very exciting and attractive; others are less
stimulating. Still others are not very appealing at all. That said, most
designated trails typically lead through and to some of the most
stunning natural areas in the state. Trail profiles throughout this book
will give you an idea of the landscape and features you might
encounter en route. Potential constraints on trail usage, such as
season, presence of bears, steepness of the trail, etc., are also taken
into consideration.
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Safety is a constant concern when travelling these spectacular routes.
If a trail ends above timberline and it is possible to continue your hike,
this portion of the route is only recommended where it is easily
identifiable on the ground. There are a few trails included here which
are primarily used by ORV drivers. Those trails are the best access
into unique landscapes, and thus deserve a place in this book. In some
cases, the trails are poorly maintained. If the trail is safe and passable,
it is listed in the book and local conditions are noted, but you should
always check with local authorities about oncoming weather patterns.
Facilities along each trail are also shown, including public-use cabins.
Contact the responsible agency before venturing out. There is no good
substitute for current, accurate information.
Trails are a great way to enjoy Alaska. Bonne chance!
How to Use this Book
To find the beginning of a trail, I have included directionstypically
with a milepost number along the main road system. Keep in mind
that roads have been periodically rerouted such that a milepost may be
missing or not reflect the present mileage along the route. But most
mileposts are in place, and the major features along the road are given
to avoid confusion. Even if mileposts are missing, you should still be
able to find the trailhead. Local addresses and telephone numbers of
the responsible agencies are provided so you can seek specific local
conditions prior to your departure.
The Introduction deals with planning your hiking adventure. The
Basics chapter focuses on activities while out on the trail. The
remaining chapters describe the individual trails by region.
We Love to Get Mail
Hunter Publishing is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date travel
guides available. Please let us know of any omissions, corrections or
changes in trail conditions so that they may be incorporated into
future editions of this book. Your recommendations are appreciated.
We are
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also keen to hear of your travel experiences while in Alaska. Please
address all communication to:
Alan Jubenville
P.O. Box 82970
Fairbanks, AK 99708-2970