Hike High Above Alaska's Eklutna Lake On The Twin Peaks Trail Before The Snow Flies
By Megan McDonald|Published September 21, 2020
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Megan McDonald
Author
Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.
The leaves are changing, the air is growing crisp, and it’s the perfect time to get out and explore all that our wonderful state has to offer during the fall season. This autumn hike in Alaska will take you high above Eklutna Lake where you can watch the mountains change color. This is a wonderful day hike if you have a moment to spare and want to really soak in this wonderful season!
If you want to see fall arriving in Alaska, head on out to Eklutna Lake.
There’s a lovely trail that winds up the mountains to give you a bird’s eye view of the lake below. It’s the perfect spot for leaf-peeping and getting a fantastic workout!
Located in the stunning Chugach State Park, this trail is an easy 45-minute drive from Anchorage.
The entire trail all the way through measures at 8.3 miles. However, there are a couple of good turnaround spots if you don’t want to hike it in its entirety.
This first option to end the trail sits at about 1,800 feet. It’s a mile almost straight up, but worth every step. The views are spectacular and the foliage will be stunning to see!
You can continue on to another bench about .75 miles further, or even further.
If you continue on and head into Twin Peaks Valley, there are other peaks to hike and more elevation gain to climb. In total, you can explore all the way up to 4,524 feet high! There’s also plenty of wildlife to see, including herds of Dall sheep.
There’s a $5.00 parking fee at the parking lot when you arrive.
You could also opt for the annual pass for $60.00 if you visit this area often. You can pick up that pass at the Federal Building in downtown Anchorage before you come.
If you want to experience autumn in Alaska at its finest, you need to hike the Twin Peaks Trail in Eklutna.
