Take An Easy Loop Trail Past Some Of The Prettiest Scenery In Alaska On Blueberry Loop Trail
Blueberry Loop Trail in Anchorage, Alaska, offers an easy to moderate hiking experience with stunning natural scenery and connects to the Flattop Mountain Trail.
It’s no secret Alaska has a boundless number of breathtaking natural wonders to take in and enjoy from one corner of the sprawling state to the next. The Blueberry Loop Trail in Anchorage is one such spot.
The Blueberry Loop Trail is 1.5 miles from start to finish and takes an average of 49 minutes to complete, though the duration might understandably be longer for hikers taking a break to snap photos and gaze at the immense beauty.
The trail is located within Chugach State Park and is situated near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on the outskirts of Anchorage. Per park roles, dogs are allowed on the trail, but must be leashed at all times.
Because of its proximity to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, and its natural features, Blueberry Loop has been cited as the most heavily hiked trail in the state.
Blueberry Loop begins at the Glen Alps trailhead. Shortly after beginning the path, visitors will begin taking in glimpses of some of the breathtaking scenery.
This trail also connects to the Flattop Mountain Trail. In turn, it provides hikers with the option of continuing their journey on another path, if so desired.
There are a number of online resources that share additional information on the Blueberry Loop Trail and other sites of interest in and near Anchorage. Visit Anchorage, the city's official tourism website is one such virtual destination.
If you’re on the hunt for a perfect fall hike in Alaska, let me introduce you to the Chena River Nature Trail in Chena River State Recreation Area. This hidden gem near Fairbanks is a 2-mile trail that transforms into an autumn wonderland every fall. The colors here are incredible, and if you time it just right, you’ll be treated to a sea of gold, yellow, and orange leaves lining your path.
The Chena River Nature Trail is easily accessible, located about 30 minutes east of Fairbanks along the Chena Hot Springs Road. The state recreation area is well-marked, so finding the trailhead is pretty straightforward. Just look for the signs directing you to the park’s main entrance and you’ll be on your way to a lovely fall adventure.
As soon as you set foot on this trail, you’ll notice how the surrounding forest is bursting with color. The trail is lined with birch, aspen, and spruce trees, which turn vibrant shades of yellow and gold in the fall. The mix of colors against the backdrop of the Chena River makes for a magical experience. The reflection of the autumn foliage on the river’s surface is simply stunning, adding an extra layer of beauty to this already picturesque setting.
The Chena River Nature Trail is relatively easy and great for all skill levels. It’s mostly flat, with a few gentle slopes, making it perfect for a leisurely walk or a casual hike with the family.
The Chena River State Recreation Area is known for its diverse wildlife. While hiking the trail, keep your eyes peeled for signs of local critters. Moose, beavers, and even bald eagles are known to frequent this part of the park.
Fairbanks’ autumn comes a bit earlier than other parts of the state, so you’ll want to plan your trip around then to catch the leaves at their most vibrant. However, even if you arrive slightly before or after peak color, the trail still offers a stunning walk through Alaska’s natural beauty.
Getting to the Chena River Nature Trail is half the fun. The drive along Chena Hot Springs Road is lovely, especially in the fall when the trees lining the road are blazing with color. Once you arrive at the recreation area, you’ll find plenty of parking near the trailhead. The trail is part of a larger network of paths, so if you’re in the mood for more exploring after your hike, you can venture further into the park.
Need some new hiking boots for this fall? I love the ones at REI. If you’re looking for another fun hiking experience in Fairbanks, I love hiking with reindeer!
If you're looking for a great place to watch autumn take over Alaska, the Gold Mint Trailhead in Hatcher Pass will take you up into the mountains and is a stunning way to watch fall arrive! Located in Palmer, this beautiful hike takes you all the way to the infamous Mint Hut.
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Autumn swoops in spectacularly in Alaska and Hatcher Pass offers incredible colors for you to enjoy.
The Gold Mint Trail is the perfect way to stroll through all the fall splendor, while also getting in a great workout. The mountains and plants in the area turn red in such a beautiful way.
The Gold Mint Trail is approximately 16 miles, out and back, although you can turn around anytime.
You won't want to miss the views at the end of the trail, so it is highly recommended to hike all the way to the top. You'll spend the first couple of miles hiking along the Little Susitna River, which is beautiful in its own right.
At the end of the trail is the iconic Mint Hut. You’ll want to make it all the way there if you can; it was my favorite part of the hike!
Luckily, you are less likely to run into a bear during the autumn months. And since many of the leaves have fallen off of the trees, you can see farther into the distance, which will give you longer to react if you do see one.
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The trail itself is well maintained and flat as it follows the river towards Mint Glacier and the mountains at the end of the valley.
It fact, it can be fairly easy until you reach the elevation gain towards the end of the trail. There's 2,119 feet of elevation gain, most of it in the last mile, which can prove to be a strenuous workout.
If you choose to go in the spring or summer, you may have to do some river or stream fording.
Sitting at what feels like the edge of the world, the Mint Hut offers incredible views of the valley below. You can even spend a night here, although you may end up sharing it with fellow hikers, as it's rented on a first come first serve basis.
The views of the jagged peaks above the valley floor are worth the sometimes strenuous hike.
During autumn, the green on the sides of the mountains glow red. The panorama is enough to take anyone's breath away, even though the last mile or so of the hike is a scramble up the side of the mountain, and you have to pick your way through the boulder field.
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This hike is open all year long, although we are partial to the autumn views.
You can park at the Gold Mint Trailhead; the daily parking fees are $5.00. That is a small price to pay for enjoying one of the most stunning hikes in Alaska!
This is one of those Alaska “bucket list” items. Hiking out to the hut, spending the night in the glacier, and grabbing your photo in the morning!
Have you ever hiked from the Gold Mint Trailhead? What did you think? Did you make it all the way out to the Mint Hut? Let us know in the comments below! Need to gear up for your adventure? We’re a fan of REI.
