Trail Overview
The best hikes near Petersburg, Alaska, offer a mix of stunning mountain vistas, glaciers, and scenic coastal routes. Petersburg, a small town on Mitkof Island, is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, providing endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the most popular hikes in the area is the Petersburg Mountain Trail, a challenging out-and-back hike with breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and waters. What makes this trail special is its unique blend of alpine and coastal scenery, with hikers able to see glaciers, mountains, and the ocean from the summit. Key highlights of the trail include the stunning views from the top, the variety of wildlife, and the challenging but rewarding hike to the summit. Hikers love this trail for its remoteness, scenic beauty, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a difficult hike.
Trail Stats at a Glance
The following list provides a quick overview of the trail stats:
- Distance: 4.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,500 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Estimated Time: 4-6 hours
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Dog-Friendly?: Yes, but dogs must be on a leash
- Kid-Friendly?: No, due to the challenging terrain and steep drop-offs
Getting There
To get to the Petersburg Mountain Trail, follow these directions:
From Petersburg, drive north on Haugen Drive for 1.5 miles, then turn left onto Mitkof Highway. Continue on Mitkof Highway for 2.5 miles, then turn right onto a gravel road marked by a sign for the Petersburg Mountain Trail. The GPS coordinates for the trailhead are 56.8123, -132.9556. Parking is available in a small lot near the trailhead, and there is a day-use fee of $5 per vehicle. The trailhead has a picnic table, a toilet, and a map of the trail, but no potable water or other amenities.
Detailed Trail Description
The Petersburg Mountain Trail begins at the trailhead and immediately starts climbing uphill through a dense forest of spruce and hemlock trees. The trail is steep and rocky, with many switchbacks and creek crossings. At 0.5 miles, the trail crosses a small creek, then continues uphill through a meadow filled with wildflowers. At 1.5 miles, the trail enters a dense thicket of alder trees, then emerges into a scenic valley with views of the surrounding mountains. The trail continues to climb, with many steep switchbacks and rocky outcroppings. At 2.5 miles, the trail reaches a saddle, then drops down into a small valley before climbing again to the summit.
The summit of Petersburg Mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and waters, including the Tongass Narrows and the Stikine Icefield. On a clear day, hikers can see for miles in every direction, taking in the stunning scenery of the Tongass National Forest. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, but hikers should be prepared for challenging terrain and changing weather conditions.
At 3.5 miles, the trail reaches the summit, then begins its descent back down to the trailhead. The descent is steep and rocky, with many switchbacks and creek crossings. Hikers should be careful on the descent, as the trail can be slippery and uneven. At 4.5 miles, the trail returns to the trailhead, completing the out-and-back hike.
Best Time to Hike
The best time to hike the Petersburg Mountain Trail depends on the season and the weather. The following is a month-by-month breakdown of the best times to hike:
- May: The trail is usually snow-free by May, and the wildflowers are in bloom. However, the weather can be unpredictable, with rain and wind common.
- June: June is a great time to hike the trail, with warm weather and long days. The wildflowers are still in bloom, and the scenery is stunning.
- July: July is the peak tourist season, and the trail can be busy. However, the weather is usually warm and sunny, and the scenery is at its best.
- August: August is a great time to hike the trail, with warm weather and fewer crowds. The wildflowers are still in bloom, and the scenery is stunning.
- September: September is a great time to hike the trail, with cool weather and fewer crowds. The fall colors are starting to emerge, and the scenery is stunning.
- October: October is a great time to hike the trail, with cool weather and fewer crowds. The fall colors are at their peak, and the scenery is stunning.
- November: November is not a good time to hike the trail, as the weather is usually cold and snowy.
- December: December is not a good time to hike the trail, as the weather is usually cold and snowy.
- January: January is not a good time to hike the trail, as the weather is usually cold and snowy.
- February: February is not a good time to hike the trail, as the weather is usually cold and snowy.
- March: March is not a good time to hike the trail, as the weather is usually cold and snowy.
- April: April is not a good time to hike the trail, as the weather is usually cold and snowy.
What to Bring
When hiking the Petersburg Mountain Trail, it’s essential to bring the right gear and supplies. The following are the Ten Essentials adapted for Alaska:
- Navigation tools: map, compass, GPS device
- Headlamp or flashlight
- First aid kit
- Emergency shelter and warmth: tent, sleeping bag, warm hat and gloves
- Fire starter: matches, lighter, firestarters
- Repair kit and tools: duct tape, multi-tool, pocket knife
- Food and water: bring enough food and water for the duration of the hike, plus extra in case of emergencies
- Extra clothing: bring extra layers, including a warm hat and gloves, as well as a rain jacket and pants
- Bear spray: the trail is home to black bears and brown bears, so it’s essential to bring bear spray
- Trekking poles: the trail is steep and rocky, so trekking poles can be helpful for stability and balance
Additionally, hikers should bring layers, including a warm hat and gloves, as well as a rain jacket and pants. The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, and it’s essential to be prepared for changing conditions.
Wildlife & Safety
The Petersburg Mountain Trail is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, brown bears, moose, and mountain goats. Hikers should be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to avoid encounters with wildlife. The following are some tips for wildlife safety:
- Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears and other wildlife
- Stay on the trail and avoid wandering off into the woods
- Keep a clean campsite and store food and trash properly
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch for signs of wildlife, such as tracks and scat
In addition to wildlife, hikers should also be aware of other hazards, such as steep drop-offs, fast-moving rivers, and inclement weather. The trail can be slippery and uneven, especially when wet, so hikers should be careful and use trekking poles if necessary.
Photography Tips
The Petersburg Mountain Trail offers stunning scenery and photography opportunities. The following are some tips for capturing the best shots:
- Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the stunning vistas and scenery
- Shoot during the golden hour, when the light is soft and warm
- Look for interesting compositions, such as leading lines and framing elements
- Be patient and wait for the right light and conditions
Some of the best viewpoints on the trail include the summit, which offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and waters, and the meadow at 1.5 miles, which is filled with wildflowers and offers beautiful scenery. The scenic valley at 2.5 miles is also a great spot for photography, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
History & Background
The Petersburg Mountain Trail has a rich history and background. The trail was originally built by the U.S. Forest Service in the 1960s, and was designed to provide access to the summit of Petersburg Mountain. The trail was built using a combination of hand tools and machinery, and was completed in 1965. The trail has been maintained and improved over the years, and is now a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The trail is also home to a variety of cultural and historical sites, including ancient petroglyphs and archaeological sites. The trail passes through the traditional territory of the Tlingit Indian tribe, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. The Tlingit people have a deep connection to the land and the trail, and have used the area for hunting, gathering, and spiritual practices.
Nearby Trails & Campgrounds
There are several nearby trails and campgrounds that offer opportunities for multi-day adventures and alternative routes. Some of the nearby trails include the:
- Three Lakes Trail, a 4.5-mile loop trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding lakes and mountains
- Rainbow Falls Trail, a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding waterfalls and scenery
- Ohmer Creek Trail, a 3.5-mile out-and-back trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding creek and scenery
Some of the nearby campgrounds include the:
- Petersburg Campground, a 10-site campground that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and waters
- Ohmer Creek Campground, a 5-site campground that offers stunning views of the surrounding creek and scenery
- Rainbow Falls Campground, a 3-site campground that offers stunning views of the surrounding waterfalls and scenery
These trails and campgrounds offer opportunities for multi-day adventures and alternative routes, and provide a chance to experience the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Tongass National Forest.