Breakfast at 6:15AM meant an early start to the day, and after eggs and reindeer sausage we climbed into the van for a short 90 minute trip to the start of the day’s adventures. We headed west on the Sterling Highway, and followed along the Kenai River for a bit, with gorgeous views of the fast moving aquamarine waters set against the deep green hillsides. There were lots of fishermen standing in some sections because we are in prime salmon run season. With five different types of salmon, and each heading to their “home” rivers, where there’s a confluence of a couple rivers means loads of fish. In this case, we were seeing where the Russian River meets the Kenai.
We came to Skilak Lake, a glacier-carved and fed lake, that is 730 ft deep in some places. We were transported on two small motor boats across the lake to the trailhead for Cottonwood Creek trail. It was mostly forested, with cottonwood, Sitka spruce and hemlock trees lining the path on our way up to the high country. It was an elevation gain of 2,200 feet, at at the top was tundra — moss and lichen and low, ground-cover berries — crow berries and blueberries growing in low mounds. From this perch we had wonderful vistas of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, the lake and surrounding mountains. We had a long rest in the sun and picnic lunches before heading back down.
The single track trail was a little challenging. The incline was manageable, but the path was mostly full of roots or large rocks, so it was critical to watch one’s feet pretty much all the time. About half way up the vegetation on either side of the track almost overtook some parts. There were tall grasses and cow parsnip and dwarf birch and lots of different types of berries — most providing some vibrant red against the mostly green foliage. There were currants, salmon berries, and watermelon berries and nagoon berries. It seems everything gets big in Alaska, and the various plants on either side of the trail were tall and bushy and almost overwhelming. Watching the trail on way down was equally necessary — ensuring that every footstep landed safely and securely — nothing would destroy a hiking vacation like a turned ankle.
We were in bear territory, and we were given the bear safety talk yesterday, and so for much of the day it was important that we make noise throughout the walk. Especially near the stream where the bears were likely to be, and where they might not hear us approach. So we tried singing and talking and occasionally we simply had to yell out — Hey bear! So it wasn’t a quiet hike. Finally we reached the lake and had a boat ride back to the van, and then onto our place for the evening.
Our accommodation for the evening is the Kenai River Lodge, which, as one might expect is a lodge right on the Kenai river. Once again we have individual cabins, and a there’s a big deck overlooking the river that was a perfect place for a little post-hike stretch. We watched as various float trips went by, moving very fast in the current, and then were treated to a delicious family style dinner and well earned sleep.
