The Little-Known Airplane Wreck In Alaska You Can Only Reach By Hiking This 12-Mile Trail
There are so many amazing places to visit in the Last Frontier, but one unusual spot will grab your attention. This historic airplane wreck in Alaska can be seen in person at the end of the Bomber Glacier and Reed Lakes Trail. A moderate 12-mile hike takes you out into the Talkeetna mountain range, where you’ll be surrounded by beauty and history.
Blown off course during a routine training mission, they crashed into a glacier just 27 miles from home. And there’s a hike that can take you directly to its wreckage.
In 1957, a TB-29 Superfortress airplane crashed into the end of the glacier, killing six of the ten crew members on board. This was a horrible tragedy, and the formerly unnamed glacier was renamed Bomber Glacier.
The trail is 12 miles long, out and back. And you’ll gain 3,713 ft throughout its hike, so this is definitely a hike for the more experienced hiker.
To reach the bomber wreckage, you’ll need to cross the entire glacier. Micro spikes and hiking poles are recommended for the trek, but it’s worth it.
Early summer is best to avoid the rain, but the trail is popular even in the winter time. It’s a stunning hike whenever you travel it, and you can always make it an overnight trek and spend the night in the famous Mint Hut, a public hut that you can reserve ahead of your hike.
There aren’t any services nearby, so be prepared to bring everything that you need with you. And remember to leave no trace when you explore Alaska’s backcountry.
It’s a wonderful way to see Alaska beauty and learn a little more about its aviation history. Enjoy this hike that offers it all!
Have you ever hiked to this airplane wreck in Alaska? What did you think? Was the hike stunning? Let us know in the comments below!
If you’d rather stay in the car, make sure to explore the nearby Hatcher Pass Road, A Back Road You Didn’t Know Existed But Is Perfect For A Scenic Drive In Alaska.
Address: Reed Lakes, Alaska 99691, USA
