Turnagain Arm Trailhead, Chugach State Park, Alaska

ACTIVITIES: Hiking, birding, wildflowers, wildlife

LENGTH OF HIKE: 3.8 miles

OUT AND BACK OR LOOP: Out and back

DIFFICULTY OF TERRAIN: Moderate, rocky

ELEVATION GAIN: 250 feet

PARKING FEE/PASS: No

TOILETS: No

CHANGING TABLE: No

NURSING BENCHES: No

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

BIKES/HORSES/MOTORS ON TRAIL: No

CELL RECEPTION: Yes

DRINKING WATER AVAILABLE: No

POTENTIAL CHILD OR BABY HAZARDS: Devil’s club spring, moose and bear

GEAR SUGGESTIONS: Hiking poles are nice for some but not needed

Winters are long in Alaska, so finding trails that are easy and clear up early in the spring can help give you something to look forward to during the long, dark days of winter. This trail is actually hikable in the winter with microspikes and a headlamp during dark months.

Head south on the trail and wind about a mile uphill through a lovely birch forest, then either continue hiking along the Turnagain Arm Trail toward McHugh Creek or scramble up scree to climb Rainbow Peak (not recommended with toddlers).

Rainbow Trail runs along the railroad and highway and was a support route built in 1910. There are beautiful coastal vegetation and tons of wildflowers in the spring. The trail has flat stretches, but expect a little climbing to get your heart rate up, then slow it down when you cross bridges. Be sure to stop at the creek for toddler fun in the summer. Bridges are great motivators for little ones. You can remind them at the beginning that you are going to look for the “troll under the bridge,” and then have them hide at the bridge and be the troll. There’s a beautiful overlook for pictures and views of the Kenai Mountains all around you.

What Hike it Baby Ambassador Kathy Rumsey likes about this one is that it’s a short hike and easy to get to from town. Also, it’s just off the highway and less likely to be crowded than the fee lots at McHugh and Potter. While our suggestion is Rainbow Trailhead, there are multiple adventures off of this one if you want to go farther, including Potter, McHugh, and Windy Corner. The trails leading off the main trail will give you access to McHugh Lake, Table Rock, and several rock-climbing areas as well. Keep in mind that this is an area where moose are calving and bears are spotted frequently, so carry bear spray and know what to do when crossing paths with wildlife in the area. If you do make it to Windy Corner, look for Dall sheep in the rocks above.

WHY IT’S A FAVORITE
“The Turnagain Trail is great because it has a good uphill climb to get from the trailhead to the main trail, but then a good variety of ups and downs. It’s a great hike in the winter when the bears are hibernating and it’s easier to see the moose. It’s a fun place to try out snowshoeing, too, if there is a fresh snowfall; but the trail quickly gets packed down from many people using the trail. In the fall, winter, and spring, depending on the conditions, you might need micro spikes.” —HEATHER HELZER

INSIDER’S TIP
Bears are a pretty common experience in Alaska on many trails. It’s important to carry bear spray when on trail and to know how to use it. You can often rent bear spray if visiting or purchase at stores like Cabela’s or REI in Anchorage. Most
Alaskans own bear spray, so if you are visiting friends, ask to borrow it. You can’t travel with it on the plane, so don’t purchase prior to your trip.