Hike to Flattop, 10 May '09

Despite the fact that I've lived in the Anchorage Municipality since 1993, I have never before attempted Flattop.  Which is strange in a way since it is THE most visited peak in the State of Alaska! 

Why this omission? Pure provincialism it was. 

When I was transferred to Alaska by the Air Force in 1993 I chose to live in Eagle River, about 18 miles NE of downtown.  I chose Eagle River while still stationed in North Dakota by studying topo maps of the area and looking for a location that would allow me a semi-rural environment and easy proximity to wilderness recreation yet still be within a 30 minute drive to the base hospital where I would have to be on call from time to time.  Eagle River filled the bill with its small town ambiance, beautiful river valley (likened to Yellowstone by the original government explorers) and many trails leading into Chugach State Park.

For 14 years I lived in Eagle River and never tired of its beauty and challenging hikes.  There was so much to see and do there, at any time of year, that I was rarely tempted to venture beyond its boundaries to explore new territory.  But in 2006 I sold my home and moved into Anchorage proper so I could more easily work temporary assignments and spend much of each year cruising.  After that move I began to explore the Anchorage bowl and Turnagain Arm.  I did a bit of snowmobiling and snowshoeing  in the Glen Alps area near Flattop, but never hiked it in the summer or climbed up to Flattop itself.  So this week I decided to give it a go.

The Stairway on the Trail

Sunday, the 10th, I headed off from the trailhead just after 1 pm carrying only a day pack with water, snack and warm jacket, and my trusty ice axe (a very handy tool for mountain hikes in Alaska).  I wanted to reach the top, but had plans to meet a friend to see the new Star Trek movie later in the day although we didn't have a firm time set.  I was about halfway along the trail when my cell rang and my friend Gil said he wanted to meet about 4 pm.  That made it certain that I wouldn't have time to reach the top.  But I did make it to the second saddle after an hour and eight minutes.  Definitely slow compared to most the folks on the trail, but I'm still deconditioned from about a year on the boat and little chance to hike ashore. 

View to the East from Second Saddle

There are some great views from many points on the trail even before reaching the top.  From the second saddle you can see all of Anchorage and the entrance to Turnagain Arm which was given its name by Captain James Cook while searching for the Northwest Passage.  Today, unfortunately, was quite hazy so good photos of the wide vistas just weren't to be had.  But there will be another day this week for me to try this hike and maybe then the haze won't be so bad.