Join Alaska State Parks on their monthly Last Saturday guided hike, Saturday, July 29. Taz Tally, photographer and author of “50 Hikes on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula,” will guide a hike along the popular Grace Ridge trail. This 9-mile trail climbs to 3,100 feet with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Considered moderate to difficult, this will be a great opportunity to learn about the area, while hiking at an easy pace, with a stop for lunch on the top. Open to all ages, there’s a limit of 15 participants, with a discounted water taxi rate available. The boat leaves the harbor at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 4:30 p.m. Hikers must pre-register by contacting Christina Whiting at kbayvolunteer@gmail.com or435-7969.
Here is the report for other Kachemak Bay State Park trails:
Overall Conditions: Snow is approx. 2,200 feet and above, depending on aspect of slope. Trail locations are obscured in alpine areas. Expect extremely brushy conditions on most trails. Look for chainsaw cuts on both sides of the trail when in doubt.
Advisory: Trails in KBSP are rough, with steep grades in places, and in some cases only marked routes. It is advisable to add one-third to your average hiking time.
Grewingk Creek Tram is open and upgraded. It is difficult to use. A minimum of two people in a party are suggested, with one assisting by remaining on the platforms to pull on the rope, reversing the process when first person across completes trip. Gloves are recommended.
Please practice “leave no trace” etiquette. Pack out what you pack in.
Report any problems or complaints to the Park Ranger at 235-7024 or 262-5581.
Announcement: Black bear sows and cubs have been seen in the vicinity of the Saddle Trail and Grewingk Valley.
Please be aware that the following organizations will be occupying the following beach campsites.
Private Parties
• Aug. 4 -7: Right Beach. Boy Scout Troop.
Saddle re-route trail construction project:
Starting late May through the end of August, a trail construction crew will be working on the new trail alignment for the Saddle Trail between the Lagoon Trail Junction and the Glacier Lake Trail junction. During this time the existing trail will be open for public use. There will be no delays anticipatedfor the public during this time. State Parks will update with information of trail delays if they should arise. ATVs will be used in late August to bring gear and equipment out. For anny concerns, contact Eric Clarke at 907-399-2054 .
China Poot Lake Trail: Open.
Estuary Trail: Open.
Poot Peak Trail: North Route: Unmaintained. Possible fallen trees across the trail and is very brushy
Poot Peak Trail: South Route: Passable. Extremely brushy. Trail crew working on S. Route, in sub-alpine, from mid June to mid Aug.
Poot Peak Trail: Summit Route: Caution climbing up to the summit. Route climbs up scree slope and there is a short climb to the actual summit. Rock is unstable near the summit.
Coalition Trail: Not Cleared. Unmaintained; do not hike. China Poot Bay and China Poot Lake. Do not hike to falls.
Moose Valley Trail: Open. Expect brushy conditions btw. Jct. with China Poot Lake Trail and campsite at mile 3. Bridge is out at mile 2.5, crossing Moose Valley Cr. but fordable.
Lagoon Trail: Unmaintained; do not hike.
Goat Rope Trail: Not Cleared.
Alpine Ridge: Open. A few trees across the trail and very brushy.
Saddle Trail: Open. Please see additional announcements for Saddle Re-Route Construction Updates.
Glacier Lake Trail Open.
Grewingk Tram Spur Trail: Open.
Blue Ice Trail: A few trees down and very brushy closer to glacier.
Emerald Lake Loop Trail: Not Cleared, overgrown between Blue Ice Trail and Emerald Lake, and between Emerald Lake and Humpy Creek via Portlock Plateau. A few trees across trail and very brushy between Humpy Cr. and Blue Ice Trail via Grewingk Tram.
Mallard/Emerald Conn. Trail: Unmaintained; do not hike.
Mallard Bay Trail: Unmaintained; do not hike.
Woznesenski River Trail: Unmaintained. An overflow channel has made the Wosensenki River Trail impassable 3 miles from Haystack Rock. A main channel has moved along the north side of the river and is partially being diverted. Do not hike betweeen mile 3 and mile 9. Many trees are down and it is very brushy between China Poot Lake and Woz River Valley,
Sadie Knob Trail: Open from N. Eldred Trailhead to alpine. Expect brushy conditions. Not Cleared from S. Eldred Trailhead to jct. with trail to N. Eldred Trailhead. Many Trees Down. Hike at own risk.
Grace Ridge Trail: North Grace: A few trees down at various elevations. Snow patches in alpine and along ridgeline towards S. end. South Grace: a few trees across trail, brushy.
Tutka Lake Trail: Open.
Tutka – Jakolof Trail: Not Cleared
