Best Spring Hikes in Alaska

Alaska is a hiker’s paradise, with its vast wilderness, stunning mountain ranges, and abundant wildlife. As the snow melts and the days grow longer, spring is an ideal time to explore the state’s many hiking trails. In this article, we’ll focus on one of the best spring hikes in Alaska, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage.

Trail Overview

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a 11-mile coastal trail that follows the shore of Cook Inlet, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and water. The trail is named after former Alaska Governor Tony Knowles, who was a strong advocate for outdoor recreation and conservation. What makes this trail special is its unique combination of coastal and mountain scenery, with the opportunity to see wildlife such as moose, bears, and whales. Hikers love this trail for its relatively easy terrain, scenic views, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

Trail Stats at a Glance

• Distance: 11 miles
• Elevation Gain: 100 feet
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Estimated Time: 4-6 hours
• Trail Type: Out-and-back
• Dog-Friendly?: Yes
• Kid-Friendly?: Yes

Getting There

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is located in Anchorage, Alaska, and can be accessed from the Kincaid Park trailhead. The GPS coordinates for the trailhead are 61.1514, -149.9493. To get to the trailhead from downtown Anchorage, take the Seward Highway south to the Rabbit Creek Road exit, then follow Rabbit Creek Road to the Kincaid Park entrance. Parking is available at the Kincaid Park parking lot, and there is a day-use fee of $5 per vehicle. The trailhead has basic facilities, including restrooms and a picnic area.

Detailed Trail Description

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail begins at the Kincaid Park trailhead and follows the coast of Cook Inlet for 11 miles. The trail is relatively flat and easy to follow, with minimal elevation gain. The first mile of the trail takes you through a wooded area, with the sound of birds chirping and the occasional glimpse of a moose or bear. As you emerge from the woods, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the inlet. The trail follows the coast, with the opportunity to see wildlife such as whales, sea lions, and eagles.

At around the 3-mile mark, you’ll come to a small creek crossing, which can be rocky and slippery. Be sure to use caution when crossing, and consider bringing trekking poles for stability. The trail then continues along the coast, with scenic views and the occasional beach access point. At around the 6-mile mark, you’ll come to a scenic overlook with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the inlet. This is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery.

The trail continues along the coast, with the opportunity to see more wildlife and take in the scenic views. At around the 9-mile mark, you’ll come to a small hill, which is the highest point on the trail. From the top of the hill, you’ll have stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the inlet. The trail then descends back down to the coast, and follows the shore for the remaining 2 miles. The trail ends at the Point Woronzof parking lot, which has basic facilities and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the inlet.

Best Time to Hike

The best time to hike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is in the spring, from April to June. During this time, the trail is relatively free of snow and ice, and the wildflowers are in bloom. The weather is also relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, the trail can be busy with tourists and locals, and the weather can be hot and sunny. In the fall, the trail can be wet and muddy, and the weather can be cool and rainy. In the winter, the trail is covered in snow and ice, and is best accessed with cross-country skis or snowshoes.

Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of the trail conditions:

• April: Trail is relatively free of snow and ice, wildflowers are starting to bloom
• May: Trail is in full bloom, with wildflowers and greenery
• June: Trail is dry and warm, with long days and plenty of sunshine
• July: Trail is busy with tourists and locals, weather can be hot and sunny
• August: Trail can be wet and muddy, weather can be cool and rainy
• September: Trail can be cool and rainy, with fall colors starting to appear
• October: Trail can be wet and muddy, with snow starting to fall
• November: Trail is covered in snow and ice, best accessed with cross-country skis or snowshoes
• December: Trail is covered in snow and ice, best accessed with cross-country skis or snowshoes
• January: Trail is covered in snow and ice, best accessed with cross-country skis or snowshoes
• February: Trail is covered in snow and ice, best accessed with cross-country skis or snowshoes
• March: Trail is starting to thaw, with snow and ice still present

What to Bring

When hiking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, it’s essential to bring the right gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here 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, screwdriver
• Food and water: bring enough for the duration of your hike, plus extra in case of emergencies
• Extra clothing: bring layers, including a warm hat and gloves, as well as a waterproof jacket
• Bear spray: essential for hiking in Alaska, where bears are common
• Trekking poles: recommended for stability and balance, especially on rocky or slippery terrain

It’s also a good idea to bring a water treatment system, such as a filter or purification tablets, to ensure access to safe drinking water. And don’t forget to bring a camera, to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Wildlife & Safety

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, bears, and whales. When hiking the trail, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to avoid encounters with wildlife. Here are some tips:

• Make noise while hiking: talk, sing, or wear bear bells to alert wildlife to your presence
• Stay on the trail: avoid wandering off into the woods or approaching wildlife
• Keep a clean campsite: store food and trash properly, and avoid leaving dirty dishes or clothing outside
• Be prepared for bear encounters: carry bear spray, and know how to use it
• Watch for moose: moose can be aggressive, especially during mating season or when they feel threatened
• Be aware of weather hazards: check the forecast before hiking, and be prepared for changing weather conditions

It’s also a good idea to check with park rangers or local authorities for up-to-date information on trail conditions and wildlife activity.

Photography Tips

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers stunning scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities, making it a photographer’s paradise. Here are some tips for capturing the best shots:

• Golden hour: the hour just before sunset, when the light is soft and golden, is ideal for capturing scenic shots
• Bring a telephoto lens: a telephoto lens is essential for capturing wildlife shots, especially for birds and whales
• Look for iconic shots: the trail offers several iconic shots, including the scenic overlook at the 6-mile mark, and the beach access points along the way
• Be patient: wildlife photography requires patience, so be prepared to wait for the perfect shot
• Respect wildlife: keep a safe distance from wildlife, and avoid approaching or disturbing them

Some of the best viewpoints on the trail include:

• The scenic overlook at the 6-mile mark, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the inlet
• The beach access points along the way, with opportunities to capture shots of the coastline and wildlife
• The hill at the 9-mile mark, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the inlet

History & Background

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail has a rich history, dating back to the indigenous peoples who first inhabited the area. The trail follows the traditional route used by the Dena’ina people, who traveled along the coast to hunt and gather food. In the late 19th century, the trail was used by gold prospectors and miners, who came to the area in search of riches. In the early 20th century, the trail was developed into a recreational trail, with the construction of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in the 1980s.

The trail is named after former Alaska Governor Tony Knowles, who was a strong advocate for outdoor recreation and conservation. Knowles was instrumental in the development of the trail, and worked tirelessly to promote the importance of outdoor recreation and conservation in Alaska.

Nearby Trails & Campgrounds

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is just one of many hiking trails in the Anchorage area. Some nearby trails include:

• The Flattop Mountain Trail, a 3-mile trail that takes you to the summit of Flattop Mountain
• The Glen Alps Trail, a 2-mile trail that takes you through a scenic valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains
• The Powerline Trail, a 10-mile trail that takes you through a scenic valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains

There are also several campgrounds in the area, including:

• The Kincaid Park Campground, which offers basic campsites and stunning views of the surrounding mountains
• The Chugach National Forest Campground, which offers dispersed camping and stunning views of the surrounding mountains
• The Anchorage Ship Creek RV Park, which offers RV campsites and stunning views of the surrounding mountains

These trails and campgrounds offer a range of options for multi-day adventures, and are a great way to experience the beauty and wilderness of Alaska.