Trail Overview
Alaska offers some of the most spectacular winter hiking trails in the world, with its vast wilderness, snow-capped mountains, and frozen lakes. One of the best winter hikes in Alaska is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, located in Anchorage. This trail is special because it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Cook Inlet, as well as an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities. Hikers love this trail because it is well-maintained, easy to navigate, and provides a unique winter hiking experience. The trail is also dog-friendly and kid-friendly, making it an excellent choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a 11-mile out-and-back trail that takes you through a variety of landscapes, including coastal wetlands, forests, and scenic overlooks. The trail is relatively flat, with only a few hundred feet of elevation gain, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels. In the winter, the trail is groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore Alaska’s winter wonderland.
Trail Stats at a Glance
- Distance: 11 miles out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Estimated Time: 4-6 hours
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Dog-Friendly?: Yes
- Kid-Friendly?: Yes
Getting There
To get to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, drive to the trailhead located at 701 W. 64th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99518. The GPS coordinates are 61.1833, -149.9333. From Anchorage, take the New Seward Highway south to the 64th Avenue exit. Turn left onto 64th Avenue and continue for approximately 1 mile. The trailhead will be on your right, marked by a large sign and parking lot. There is a day-use fee of $5 per vehicle, and the parking lot is open year-round. The trailhead facilities include restrooms, picnic tables, and a informational kiosk.
Detailed Trail Description
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail begins at the trailhead and immediately enters a coastal wetland area. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with signs and maps posted at regular intervals. As you hike, you will notice the surrounding landscape changing from wetlands to forests and back again. The trail is relatively flat, with only a few small hills and inclines. At approximately 2 miles, you will come to a scenic overlook with stunning views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains. This is an excellent spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
Continuing on, the trail enters a forested area, with tall trees and a dense canopy overhead. The trail is groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore Alaska’s winter wonderland. At approximately 4 miles, you will come to a creek crossing, which can be icy and slippery in the winter. Be sure to use caution and consider bringing trekking poles or crampons for added stability.
As you continue on the trail, you will notice the scenery changing again, with the forest giving way to coastal wetlands and scenic overlooks. The trail follows the coast, offering stunning views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains. At approximately 6 miles, you will come to a scenic overlook with stunning views of the surrounding area. This is an excellent spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
The trail continues on for another 5 miles, passing through a variety of landscapes and offering stunning views of the surrounding area. The trail ends at a scenic overlook, with stunning views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains. From here, you can return the way you came, or continue on to explore other trails in the area.
Best Time to Hike
The best time to hike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail depends on your preferences and the type of experience you are looking for. In the winter, the trail is groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore Alaska’s winter wonderland. The winter months offer a unique and peaceful hiking experience, with the snow-covered landscape and frozen lakes creating a serene and beautiful environment.
In the spring, the trail is still snow-covered, but the days are getting longer and the weather is starting to warm up. This is an excellent time to see wildlife, including moose, bears, and birds. The summer months offer warm weather and long days, making it an excellent time to hike and explore the surrounding area. The wildflowers are in bloom, and the scenery is stunning, with the surrounding mountains and Cook Inlet creating a breathtaking backdrop.
In the fall, the weather is starting to cool down, and the days are getting shorter. This is an excellent time to see the fall colors, with the surrounding trees and vegetation changing colors and creating a stunning display of color and beauty. The winter months offer a unique and peaceful hiking experience, with the snow-covered landscape and frozen lakes creating a serene and beautiful environment.
What to Bring
When hiking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, it is essential to be prepared and bring the necessary gear and equipment. The Ten Essentials, adapted for Alaska, include:
- Navigation tools, such as a map and compass
- Headlamp or flashlight
- First aid kit
- Emergency shelter and warmth, such as a tent and sleeping bag
- Fire starter, such as a lighter or matches
- Repair kit and tools, such as a multi-tool and duct tape
- Food and water, as well as a water filter or treatment
- Sun protection, such as sunscreen and sunglasses
- Bear spray and other safety equipment, such as a whistle and pepper spray
It is also essential to bring layers, including a base layer, insulating layer, and waterproof jacket and pants. Trekking poles and crampons can be useful for added stability and traction, especially in icy and slippery conditions. A camera and binoculars can be useful for capturing stunning scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Wildlife & Safety
When hiking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, it is essential to be aware of the surrounding wildlife and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. The trail is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and birds. Bear encounters can be common, especially in the summer and fall months. It is essential to make noise while hiking, carry bear spray, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Moose can also be present on the trail, especially in the spring and fall months. It is essential to be aware of your surroundings and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising a moose. Weather hazards, such as avalanches and blizzards, can also be a concern, especially in the winter months. It is essential to check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
River crossing safety is also a concern, especially in the winter months when the creek crossings can be icy and slippery. It is essential to use caution and consider bringing trekking poles or crampons for added stability. Avalanche zones are not a concern on this trail, but it is essential to be aware of the surrounding terrain and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
Photography Tips
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers stunning scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities, making it an excellent choice for photographers. The best viewpoints are located at the scenic overlooks, which offer stunning views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains. The golden hour, which occurs during the early morning and late evening, is an excellent time to capture stunning photos, with the soft light creating a warm and beautiful glow.
A wide-angle lens, such as a 10-22mm or 14-24mm, can be useful for capturing the stunning scenery and landscapes. A telephoto lens, such as a 70-200mm or 100-400mm, can be useful for capturing wildlife viewing opportunities, such as bears, moose, and birds. A tripod and remote shutter release can be useful for capturing sharp and steady photos, especially in low light conditions.
Iconic shots include the scenic overlooks, with the surrounding mountains and Cook Inlet creating a breathtaking backdrop. The wildlife viewing opportunities, such as bears, moose, and birds, can also make for excellent photos. The winter landscape, with the snow-covered trees and frozen lakes, can create a serene and beautiful environment, making for excellent photos.
History & Background
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail has a rich history and background, with the trail being named after the former Governor of Alaska, Tony Knowles. The trail was constructed in the 1990s, with the goal of creating a scenic and accessible trail for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The trail follows the coast, offering stunning views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains.
The trail also has a rich mining and gold rush history, with the surrounding area being home to several mines and mining camps. The trail passes through a variety of landscapes, including coastal wetlands, forests, and scenic overlooks, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore Alaska’s natural beauty.
The indigenous people, such as the Dena’ina and the Alutiiq, have a rich cultural and spiritual connection to the surrounding area, with the trail passing through their traditional lands and territories. The trail is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and birds, making it an excellent choice for wildlife viewing and outdoor enthusiasts.
Nearby Trails & Campgrounds
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is located near several other trails and campgrounds, making it an excellent choice for multi-day adventures and outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby trails include the Flattop Mountain Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Cook Inlet. The Campbell Creek Trail, which passes through a variety of landscapes, including forests and scenic overlooks, is also nearby.
The nearest campgrounds include the Anchorage Ship Creek RV Park, which offers RV and tent camping, as well as amenities such as flush toilets and showers. The Chugach National Forest, which offers dispersed camping and backcountry camping, is also nearby. Alternative routes include the coastal route, which follows the coast and offers stunning views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains.
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an excellent choice for those looking to explore Alaska’s natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. With its stunning scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities, and rich history and background, this trail is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are looking for a day hike or a multi-day adventure, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore Alaska’s great outdoors.