Hiking Adventures

After increasing distance to nine miles for a half marathon in May that I likely won't do (who stays in town on Memorial Day weekend?!), I started experiencing some knee pain.  Rather than run through it, I've been focusing on my favorite outdoor cross training: hiking, hiking and more hiking!

Here are our most recent adventures and some photos:

Lazy Mountain (near Palmer), April 2016
Not for the lazy at all!  Considered "short" because it is only five miles round trip, but the steepness makes up for it.  Let's just say that after this hike, Nathan said he will be researching the descriptions more closely before he agrees :)
http://alaskahikesearch.com/hikes/lazy-mountain/#.Vx7QLq6rRo4 


Reflections Lake (near Knik River bridge), April 2016
Easy one mile walk around lake.  Would be great for picnics and families.
http://alaskahikesearch.com/hikes/reflections-lake/#.Vx7Q-a6rRo4 


South Fork Rim Trail (Prospect Heights, Hillside), April 2016
Easy, short loop.  We took Powerline back, making it about two miles round trip.
http://alaskahikesearch.com/hikes/south-fork-rim-trail/#.Vx7SUa6rRsM


Portage Pass (Whittier), April 2016
Why haven't we done this hike before?!  It's 1.5 miles up a slight hill but totally worth it on a sunny day.  You are rewarded by a view of Portage Glacier, as well as Whittier and the Prince William Sound.
http://alaskahikesearch.com/hikes/portage-pass/#.Vx7Sc66rRsM


Virgin Falls (Girdwood), April 2016
More like a walk than a hike--you are there before you know it.  Lots to explore, but the waterfall (probably main attraction) takes only a few minutes to get to and is worth a pic.
http://alaskahikesearch.com/hikes/virgin-falls/#.Vx7TOK6rRsM


Eagle River North Fork (Eagle River), April 2016
Easy, flat walk to the river.  Great for families!  One mile round trip.
http://alaskahikesearch.com/hikes/eagle-river-north-fork/#.Vx7TtK6rRsM


Dew Mound Trail (Eagle River Nature Center), April 2016
Six mile loop-stops by Dew Lake and Eagle River.
http://alaskahikesearch.com/hikes/dew-mound-trail/#.Vx7UEK6rRsM


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And one for ol' time's sake:
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Alyeska North Face (Girdwood), August 2014
Two miles uphill from Alyeska Resort to the top of the tram.  Nice view of Cook Inlet, and you can take the tram down for free...so yes, you are kinda getting paid to hike (save 20-something dollars)!
http://alaskahikesearch.com/hikes/alyeska-north-face/#.Vx7WFq6rS1s


Quote of the day:

http://appalachiantrials.com/10-appalachian-trail-photos/