Hiking Matanuska Glacier

When I arrived in Alaska a little over a year ago I jumped right into my role as an intern. With VBS just a week after I arrived I was quickly introduced to the people of the congregation and region of Chugiak, Alaska.

 Pastor so graciously took me to all the typical tourist places and one of the first places I went to was Matanuska Glacier. At 27 miles long by 4 miles wide, it is the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States. Its terminus (snout) is the source of the Matanuska River. Pastor and I did not walk on it but seeing it from afar was amazing.

Fast forward two months and my fiancé Adam arrived. I took him to Matanuska Glacier to share with him my fascination as we paid the park fee to go hiking on the glacier.

Now, more than a year later I wanted to see the glacier one last time before I leave Alaska. The new DCE intern Ryan arrived here Friday. When Monday rolled around I offered to take Ryan to see it because, well it’s the Alaska experience and it's quite something to see.

Mile 49.9 of the Glenn Highway

The drive there is half the beauty. North, past Palmer is several scenic overlooks with spectacular views. Once on the glacier we hiked our way past the dirty, silt covered ice onto the beautiful white and glacier blue ice mound. As we hiked further onto the glacier we crossed more and more little streams of melting ice.

We reached an impasse at a wide stream of glacial water. We couldn’t jump over it so we had to backtrack. We discovered that we could not take the easy trail as it lead to the stream. So we did what any explorer would have—we broke out the crampons (ice cleats) and Yaktrax to gain traction and hike not on the flat easy trail but up and over a steep peak upon the glacier.

Crampons!

Each of those peaks are upwards of 50-100 feet tall. It's deceptive in the photo.

Walking on the glacier

Look at the people for perspective and comparison.

One foot in front of the other and we made it. We saw a little ways in front of us an ice waterfall. It seemed like a great site so we decided to hike over to it. The waterfall on its own was beautiful but the pool of glacial water below was stunning. The color combination from the reflection of the sky above and the ice around blended a mix of blue, gray, and green. I joked that all we needed was a polar bear and it would be an “All-in-one Alaska photo”.

We took pictures and Ryan lost one of his Yaktrax in the process. He was going to retrieve it too, but doing so would have meant a sharp decent down 7 foot of ice toward the icy water below. Even if he would have gotten down i'm not sure he could have reached it as it sank to the bottom.

Ryan's Yaktrax at the bottom of the icy pool of water.

Waterfall (look closely to the left it blends in with the ice)

Love the color of the water.

My shoes are not untied-those are the straps from my crampons

With our destination complete we made our way back to the car. As we jumped over the streams of ice water, and crevasses of ice my water bottle fell out of my side pouch and landed in the water below. It was rapidly rushed down stream before Ryan or I could grab it. I feel terrible and it was not my intention to "trash Alaska" but like Ryan's Yaktrax there was no way to retrieve it...not to mention it continued down stream and is probably halfway to Palmer via the Matanuska River.

We eventually made it back to the car and back safely to Chugiak. It was a great day and a perfect bookend to my Alaska internship. With a week left and my days numbered I take comfort in the fact that I have gotten to spend a year in this great state. I am ready to be reunited with my husband-to-be, but will still miss this place and these people. I love this place!

Climbing the Butte

Today I decided to take a hike. The place was another unexplored area for me called the Butte. The Butte is located just south of Palmer. I took the dog Jorge with. We left min-afternoon and drove north to the trail head.

The beginning of the trail is considerably steep. It is also covered with very fine glacial silt. The silt is so fine and so light that simply walking one cannot help but kick up dust. The silt combined with the pitch provides and added challenge as traction becomes more difficult. Nonetheless,  Jorge and I made it past the first part.

The steep beginnings (click for larger image)

After 200 or so feet of the steep silt portion one walks from under the shaded region into hot beaming sun as the terrain becomes more rocky preventing tree growth. This portion of the hike is juxtaposed with the grazing area for a nearby farm. Within 10 feet there is giant rocks and grassland quite the contrast.

You can see the edge of the graze-land pasture to the right (outlined with barbed wire fence)

Pioneer Peak, steep contrast with the pastures below.

The next portion of the trail was very tame—Rolling hills and grassland. The silt once again became the prominent trail covering. I appreciated the break but the sun was rather hot (yes it gets hot in Alaska).

We've come so far, but have farther still to go...

We marched on right up to the face of a rocky ledge. This was the most challenging part of the hike because my hiking turned into rock climbing. I had brought Jorge along with me and although he has four legs it is not easy for a dog to climb almost 100% vertically.

I was thoroughly impressed with how Jorge handled the climb. I unhooked him from his leash so he was able to maneuver up as well.  

This is the vertical rock-climbing I'm talking about

Jorge is doing the mountain goat pose. He took it like a champ.

After the strenuous rock climb there was a long plateau. It was well received as Jorge and I took a break amongst  a patch of daises. The view here was stunning. Pioneer Peak was directly in front of me and off to the left was Knik Glacier and the town of Palmer. I watched the reindeer at the reindeer farm below graze freely and the farmer move a round bale of hay with his John Deere Tractor. It was surreal with Pioneer Peak so prominent and the reindeer, cars, and buildings below so small. It was like looking into a snow globe (minus the snow, of course). I wonder if that what it's like for God to look down upon us.

You know Dasher, and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen...

“For the LORD your God has blessed you in everything you have done. He has watched your every step through this great wilderness. During these forty years, the LORD your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing.” (Deuteronomy 2:7)

God keeps careful watch over His People even those in pursuit of freedom who are struggling to find it. His Compassion and Mercy provides for you as you work your way through the wilderness (or mountainous hike) of life searching for something more or someone to satisfy your heart and soul.

God watches every step we take just as I was watching fellow travelers on the trail below. As I gazed upon those marching up the steep trail below I couldn't help but feel compassion for them. I had been in that exact spot just moments before. Sweating, and climbing in pursuit of the same destination.

Now I am not suggesting that I am God, but I believe this does paint a good image for what Christ did. I understood where the people where coming from (in a physical sense). With that said God knows what you are going through. Financial struggle, health problems, depression, He knows and understands the pain. Regardless of your current struggle God provides what you need to be successful. Success with God is not defined in attaining physical prizes or earthly glory but instead by learning to walk in righteousness, holiness and love to the Destiny that He has prepared for you.

There is the goal! The top of the Butte

With Jorge and I rested and re-hydrated we made the final push to the top. The last part was another steep and sometimes rock-climbing adventure. There was no stopping now so we acceded to the top of the Butte for the final 150 feet.

Final push

 Once on top there was a flat and rocky plateau awaiting our arrival and a million dollar view. I was surrounded 360˚s by mountains. Pioneer Peak, Lazy Mountain, Matanuska Peak, Mt. Susitna they were all accounted for. Additionally there was a stunning view of the town of Palmer and in the distance the Knik Glacier.

On top of the Butte--with the Knik glacier in the background

Panorama-click for larger view

On top of the Butte looking towards the valley

I made it--Pioneer Peak in the background

Some random guys I saw at the top-the pic. puts things in perspective

Palmer and the Knik Glacier

Knik Glacier

 Of course the journey was only half done as Jorge and I still needed to make our way back down. This is not as easy especially since we would have to climb back down the rock wall. Once again I was impressed with Jorge's ability to jump, climb, crawl down the rock wall.

I'm happy to report that we made it back just fine. My socks were solid brown with silt. It reminded me of my socks after rock picking back home. Dust and sweat made for a great tan, that sadly washed away when I arrived home. Ah well, it was still worth it.

Hiking Mt. Eklutna

This past Friday I decided to go for a hike. Pastor had given me a new place that is within 3 miles of church. That’s one of the things I love about Alaska. I’ve been here a year and there are still new places to explore within a five mile radius. The destination was the top of Mt. Eklutna. This is not to be confused with Lake Eklutna because to get to Mt. Eklutna one does not have to drive to Lake Eklutna.

Pastor told me that I would start at Big Peter’s Creek Trail and about two miles in on that trail there is a fork in the path and one can either continue straight on the easy going Big Peter’s Creek Path or deviate left up a very steep, more rocky and in this case carved out from water run-off trail.

I have been house/dog sitting for the Stoltenberg’s so I decided to take one of their dogs along. Kobe is his name and he is a little Puggle. Kobe, for the most part, is a spoiled indoor dog. He sleeps in his master’s bed, gets food handed to him on a platter and does not go outside save for potty break.

Kobe was BEYOND excited to go for a car ride to the trail and when we arrived he practically choked himself on the leash because for an indoor dog there was A LOT of nature around to smell, pee, and run on. I could almost hear him speak “AH! Nature! It’s everywhere!”

Kobe was pulling with all his might

Good thing its not avalanche season anymore

For the first two miles or so, while on the Big Peter’s Creek Trail Kobe was super excited and literally pulled me along. We stopped a time or two for water breaks. There were many little streams and waterfalls from the mountain snow melting up above.

Drink from the melted snow run off stream

We reached the Mt. Eklutna trail and started up the steep grade. We trekked for a good twenty or so minutes and then stopped at the perfect rock for a snack and water break. At this point there were no streams nearby so I poured Kobe a bowl of water.

More rocky, and narrower trail

Water break

As I enjoyed my rice crispy bar I couldn’t help but be taken back by what surrounded me. I was literally in a bowl surrounded 360˚ by mountains. I felt so small. Although sitting on the ground with grass on my left and right taller than me may have had something to do with it.

After a five minute break we pressed on. Kobe had gone from pulling me along to being drug behind. Poor little guy was getting tuckered out and we still had the steepest part to go.

See that "trail" it's all mud as the melting snow water runs on the path.

We continued to walk and then hit the tree line. The trees that had been a source of shade and protection disappeared with the peak of elevation. The terrain changed below my feet from flowers, grass, and greenery, to brown gravel, rocks, berry bushes, and thorny plants.

Just crossed the tree line

The void of trees did provide an alternate view as now the Anchorage Valley below was completely unobstructed as was the mountains that were still present around me.

Follow the trail

Checking for ground squirrels 

Kobe and I reached a high point only to come to a very sharp decline for about 100 feet. There was a nice plateau which was of great relief to my calves and legs as they were beginning to cramp from being angled to accommodate the steep accent.

Anchorage Valley

After the plateau,  the most difficult and final push to the peak of Mt. Eklutna became apparent. It was difficult for two reasons. First it was very steep I would say a 50˚ angle or so. Secondly I was tired and hot.

We reached the base of the peak (if that makes any sense) and with it came snow! Kobe rolled in the snow and ate some. We continued to walk on the snow and finally reached the top.

SNOW!

I now see the source of the melting snow water-i'm standing on it

Standing on the ridge felt great. On one side the whole Mat-Su valley looking down towards Palmer/Wasilla. The mountains seem infinite as they fade into the clouds. On the other side I have Bear Mountain and other peaks capped with snow.

It's a long way's down

Looking towards Palmer

After taking a breather and enjoying the view Kobe and I began our way back down. It was slippery! The snow was in the slushy melting stage so with the steep incline mixed with snow I had to go slow. I slipped twice which resulted in very wet pants but nothing that 10 minutes in the beaming hot sun couldn’t fix.

We made it off the snow potion of the mountain. Next was the very rocky steep path. After fifteen feet or so I realized that there was much better traction in the terrain of thorny plants, and weeds than on the hard packed, gravel trail where the run-off water had made a smooth slide. It was slow going but I was able to take it all in. The view going back down is entirely different than it was on the accent.

Kobe got distracted multiple times by the dozens of ground squirrels who would incessantly bark/cheep at him. There were a couple times I dropped the leash because Kobe would get excited and want to chase the squirrels. While that’s all fine and dandy I did not want to fall from the jerk of the leash for fear I would slip and result in a very long roll/slide/fall down to the bottom.

We made it back once again to the plateau and my knees were much relieved. It’s interesting, one would think that decent would be easy but it puts a lot of strain on your knees and quadriceps. We continued the push and made it back to tree line and eventually to the Big Peter’s Creek Trail.

Two miles more and we were back to the car. It was a great day for a hike with a great view.

Total Statistics for this hike:

Total Distance hiked: 6 Miles

Top Elevation 4,110 feet

Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet

Total time: 4 hours, 46 minutes