|
EKLUTNA LAKE
TRIP:
 Brad,
Laura and I biked to Yuditnu Creek Cabin 1 along the
Lakeside Trail to spend night. In the morning we rode off
for a 22 mile round-trip to the Eklutna Glacier. The Eklutna
Glacier carved the Eklutna Valley, which left horizontal
scarring on the rock formations as evidence of its passage.
Glacial and freshwater streams flowing into the valley
create the 7-mile long lake. On the way I was fascinated by
the mountains that surrounded me, and being the avid hiker
that I am, I swore that I would return to climb the
surrounding peaks. Our group was warned that there had been
an avalanche during the winter months, and when we arrived
at the area, we were fascinated at the sheer power of the
snow and the destruction that it left. The area was nearly a
mile wide, and was a  awesome
sight to behold. Three foot diameter trunks were shorn in
two. Massive logs were laid aside like toothpicks under the
foot of a giant. The avalanche wiped out the trail, but we
had no problem crossing the creek to get to Eklutna Alex
campground, (except for possibly some wet feet).
As we left the lake
behind, and passed into the beautiful serenity of Eklutna
Valley, I saw a mountain goat far above me on a cliff to the
left looking down with a regal air about him. It was as if
he had been appointed a sentinel to guard the entrance to a
beautiful land. I had to stop and stare at the raw
magnificence of the mountains that towered overhead. I left
a world of people and work and entered a world that is ruled
by God and the standing giants before me. From then on I was
living a dream that so many people can only imagine. We got
off our bikes and hiked the rest of the trail to see the
glacier at mile 12.7. I hiked along fifty or sixty feet
above the trail jumping over rocks, and scrambling to the
foot of the glacier. Along the way, I couldn't help but stop
and run my hands over the rocks and the horizontal scoring
marks that the glacier had left as it slowly pushed its way
down the mountains. From the rocks above the trail, I could
see the light blue of the glacier peeking from around the
base of the mountains that held it so tight. If only I
had brought a tent, I could camp here on the rocks, and
wake up to this view. I stopped to eat before my trip back
to the cabin, and all the time that I ate, I felt this
restraint on my heart to stay and enjoy and magnificent
scenery. Reluctantly I hiked back to the bike that was
earlier hidden in the bushes, and took off for the lake, my
head brimming with visions of wonder and beauty.
On the trail "home," I has
the privilege of encountering some wildlife. Brad and I were
at approximately mile 10 when I got to see two porcupines.
Later I observed a ptarmigan with several chicks. The
thought of such a delicate creation in such a magnificent
world created a peaceful scene, and I was in high spirits
all the rest of the way back.
Upon my return, I found
that my Uncle and Aunt had hiked into where we were staying.
Later that evening my Uncle (Joe) and I took a plunge into
the icy waters of Eklutna lake, and slept wonderfully in the
warmth and comfort of the cabin. It was an easy ride out in
the morning, and it was nice to know that I could return to
such a wonderful area anytime that I pleased.
If anyone would ask where
they should travel to scratch the surface of Alaska's
wilderness and have a great time on a bike or a kayak at the
same time, It would be Eklutna Lake without a
doubt!
- Craig Pope
Back
to the Eklutna video!
|
