Saturday, June 3, 2023
It was a beautiful sunny day today in Palmer with the temperature starting out at 49 degrees. We decided to go hike to some waterfalls.
On the way to the first waterfall, Barbara Falls, that we visited we drove by the community of Chugiak, Alaska -- which is often called the twin community of Eagle River, Alaska. Chugiak is located between Eagle River to the south and Eklutna to the north, and between Knik Arm to the west and Chugach State Park to the east, where the Chugach Mountains lie.
The settlement of Chugiak, along the Palmer Highway is in an area that has been home to the Dena'ina Athabascans for thousands of years. Named "Chugiak" on February 17, 1947 by pioneering white residents, but the word "Chugiak" is said to have come from a Dena'ina Athabascan word meaning "place of many places." Chugiak was first heavily settled in the 1950s, primarily by the homesteading of former military personnel who had served in Alaska during World War II.
Barbara Falls (aka South Fork Falls) is located in Eagle River, Alaska.
It was a little confusing to find this waterfall, but we finally did. We headed north of Anchorage along Alaska Hwy 1 to the exit for the Eagle River Loop Road and Hiland Road. We took the first right at Hiland Road and drove a little over three miles and then turned on River View Drive. River View Drive turns into Waterfall Drive suddenly and we turned left. Following Waterfall Drive, we turned right onto River Park Drive, and then went to the end of River Park Drive. We took the left fort onto Ken Logan Circle and followed it to the end where there was a little parking area.
After parking, we headed toward the trail that began behind the metal gate with signs that read "Do Not Block Gate" and "Private Property" at the end of the cul-de-sac and lead down to a footbridge over the South Fork Eagle River. (The owner has allowed people to pass through the gate to visit the waterfall, just as long as you are respectful of private property.)
After crossing the wooden bridge (that crossed the South Fork Eagle River), we continued on until we turned at the sign with an arrow pointing right indicating "Barbara Falls" as shown below.
We then continued up the trail until at the end it split again and we continued right. After that, in a short distance we were at the waterfall. The hike itself was a lovely woodland stroll, with a short section of boardwalk and one easy stream crossing.
Our next stop was at the Eagle River Nature Center, where part of the "Historic Iditarod Trail" passed. This 25-mile segment crosses over Crow Pass that was used as a winter dogsled mail route until the Alaska Railroad established regular service between Seward and Fairbanks.
We briefly went inside the Eagle River Nature Center and then hiked the Rodak Nature Trail. This short 3/4 mile nature loop with an elevation change of 128 feet had numerous interpretive signs and a Beaver Viewing Deck and a Salmon Viewing Deck.
We started out by following the Crow Pass Trail (Historic Iditarod Trail) behind the visitor's center and then a short way down the trail we came to the first trail junction which was -- the beginning and end of the Rodak Nature Trail.
Then we turned right and followed the trail down toward Eagle River. Along the way, we passed interpretive signs explaining the geology, ecology, glaciology, zoology and botany of the area.
Some of the information boards on the Rodak Nature Trail.
The "Salmon Viewing Deck" above has a picture-perfect view as well as crystal clear pools where you can peer into and possibly see baby salmon underwater.
The Rodak Nature Trail then turned right and we followed it down toward Eagle River. Just past the junction with Albert Loop Trail, we reached a long deck called the "Beaver Viewing Deck" even though there no longer are beaver here. This deck spanned a braid of the broad Eagle River. Our view opened up tremendously and included the summits of Eagle River Overlook (5,137 feet) and Hurdygurdy Mountain (5,994 feet) rising above the far side of the river.
After the Eagle River Nature Center, we drove back to Eagle River.
Saint John Orthodox Cathedral sits at the base of the Chugach Mountains in Eagle River, Alaska. It is a parish in the Antichian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.
It has a very unique geodesic dome and is located at 18936 Monastery Drive in Eagle River, Alaska.
After leaving the Saint John Orthodox Cathedral, we stopped to get a quick lunch at Taco Bell (because who doesn't like tacos).
Next we drove to Thunder Bird Falls, which is a gorgeous little waterfall that can be hiked along a relatively easy two-mile trail. The trailhead is located alongside the Eklutna River on the Old Glenn Highway.
Information board on the Eklutna River Bridge.
The Thunder Bird Falls trail is a relatively easy trail with few uphill sections. The trail is approximately one mile long through cottonwood and birch groves and has a viewing deck at the end to see the falls. Approximately halfway up the trail there is also a platform to view the gorge below.
The Eklutna River historically provided an abundance of salmon for the Dena'ina. Tribal elders recalled salmon so numerous that you could almost walk across the river on the backs of the fish.
Views of the gorge on the Thunder Bird Falls trail with the Eklutna River.
One long wooden bridge and we are finally to the viewing deck of the Thunder Bird Falls.
Locks placed on the viewing deck above and one more look at Thunder Bird Falls below.
After the Thunder Bird Falls, we headed back to Palmer.
And just before we got to the road to turn off to our campground, we decided to go check out the trailhead to Matanuska Peak. Beginning in a subdivision across the Matanuska River from Palmer, the nearly 6-mile long trail runs up some 5,700 vertical feet. The ultimate destination is the 6,119-foot summit of Matanuska Peak, the very prominent rock spire that fills the sky just east of Palmer. Despite the imposing appearance of this mountain, the trail to its summit requires no extensive rock-scrambling or rock-climbing skills, just some boulder hopping, a bit of balance and a lot of energy (that's not for me).
By the time you get out of your car at the end of Smith Road in eastern Palmer, you will have already climbed some 400 feet with 5,700 feet to go.
The Matanuska Peak trail is not for everyone and not for us today. We enjoyed a dinner of Copper River red salmon for dinner along with a salad.
Sunday, June 4, 2023
Another beautiful day in the Palmer, Alaska area. With sunny skies and a 50 degree temperature, Mel and I decided to run some errands and then go for a bike ride around Palmer. When we came back to the campground to get our bikes, a moose was on the loose running through the campground. (We waited while they got him chased back into the woods.)
Our bike ride covered about 10 miles and took us a little over 1-1/2 hours. Above Bridge Number 1951 on the Old Glenn Highway over the Matanuska River is named the George W. Palmer Memorial Bridge.
George W. Palmer, for who the bridge was named, was a hardy, enterprising soul. He was born in Erie County, Pennsylvania and arrived in Alaska in 1893. Perhaps it was the gold rush that lured him north. Palmer's first venture was gold mining on a small tributary since named for him off Resurrection Creek.
Conceivably, Palmer realized the potential for a more stable, enduring "Gold Strike" by provisioning the onrush of prospectors coming through the area. He built his first store (pre-1898) beside the Matanuska River above today's George Palmer Memorial Bridge. It was a small un-manned cabin that had food and clothing (packed in tin boxes) for sale. Palmer operated the store on the honor and customers left money in a can. Palmer would visit the store infrequently to check supplies and collect the cash.
Stopping for a picture on the George W. Palmer Memorial Bridge. We then rode through the Matanuska River Park.
Most of the trail transverses over gentle rolling terrain through a forest of cottonwood, birch and spruce with exquisite views of Lazy Mountain and the Matanuska River.
We continued our bike ride into downtown Palmer.
That was the end of our bike ride in Palmer, so we headed back to the campground.
We then drove back into Palmer to go eat lunch at the Matanuska Brewery, but before that we made a stop at the Palmer Visitor Center to check out information on the "giant vegetables" grown in Palmer.
Information board on the "Land of the Giants" -- vegetables that set world records for cabbage, broccoli, turnips, carrots, etc.
Mel stands by the life-size models of the "Mat-Su Giants" or big vegetables grown in Palmer.
Life-size models of cabbage, beet, zucchini and carrot grown in the Matanuska Valley in 2009.
At the Matanuska Brewery, Mel had two spicy chicken tacos that came with chips and salsa -- and of course beer.
I had a French dip sandwich with French fries.
Mel ended up buying 2 cases of craft beer from the Matanuska Brewery because they have such a good deal on carryout beer if you eat there ($8/six pack of beer).
After leaving the brewery, Mel stopped at the community gardens in Palmer and picked some rhubarb to make a rhubarb cake.
Hopefully sunny skies will follow us as we continue our Alaskan journey.
Shirley & Mel
Waterfalls are just breathtaking. The mountains are beautiful with the snow. I love the photos of the scenery. Your blog and photos make you feel you are there. You and Mel are so cute in your photos
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic journey you are having. Be safe and thanks again for taking time to do this. Awesome!¡