Crow Pass

This past Saturday and Sunday, 5 friends and I set out on a 24 mile hike from Girdwood to Eagle River to experience "one of the best hikes in the Chugach Range", Crow Pass.  Every year in late July, there is a race along this trail, and people complete it in as little as 3 hours. We on the other hand, opted to do it in two days. And even that was tough (though we did have a bit more weight on our backs, to be fair...) Regardless, it was an awesome hike and we had a great time.

A major highlight was the wide variety of land that we passed through. We hiked ... up a steep incline, past an old mine, next to Crystal Lake, by Raven Glacier, across snow patches, over a bridge spanning a gorge, through thick mud and brush, past 6 black bears and 2 cubs (they were high up on the hillside, don't worry!), in deep woods with towering trees, by crashing waterfalls, through grass fields, across the glacier-fed Eagle River, and so much more. Needless to say, by the time we reached the last mile, we were ready to rest our feet! But it was an awesome experience to say the least. I am already looking forward to doing it again next summer :) Hopefully the pics will give you a glimpse of all the great sights we saw along the way!

A map to give you an idea of our trip.

The Group: Pierre the pup, Ingrid and Nathan Reep, Jason and Jami Bahmer, Julie Diercks, and Me!

Soaking in the beauty.

Looking back down toward Girdwood.

Taking a break at Crystal Lake.

Crow Pass.

Standing in front of Raven Glacier.

Rushing glacial water through the gorge.

Headed into the valley.

Our camp spot for the night 9 miles in. I didn't take any pics during the few miles prior to camp because it was all MUD.

Coffee to get us going in the morning. 15 miles to go.

Crossing Eagle River, fed by Eagle River Glacier. aka FREEZING water.

And some more river crossings.

Taking a much needed break.

24 miles and about hundred blisters later ... we made it to the end! Such a fun trip!