|
Round trip water taxi price to
most places in the park is $50.00 per person plus tax. |
All information
on this page is taken from the Alaska state parks page.
Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park
Alaska’s first state park, and only wilderness park, contains roughly
400,000 acres of mountains, glaciers, forests and ocean. The bay’s twisted
rock formations are evidence of the movement of the earth’s crust. Highlighted
by constantly changing weather patterns, the park’s outstanding scenery is a
backdrop for high quality recreation. Park visitors will find opportunities for
fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, camping and mountain sports.
Kachemak Bay is a critical habitat area, supporting many species of marine life.
Visitors frequently observe sea otters, seals, porpoise and whales. Intertidal
zones offer natural settings for marine studies. Land mammals include moose,
black bear, mountain goats, coyotes and wolves. The many species of birds that
inhabit the bay, including eagles, gyrfalcons and puffins, make it a popular
area for birdwatching.
Hiking and camping along the shoreline and in the surrounding forests and
mountains are excellent. Above timberline, skiers and hikers will find glaciers
and snowfields stretching for miles. Special park attractions include Grewingk
Glacier, Poot Peak, China Poot Bay, Halibut Cove Lagoon, Humpy Creek, and China
Poot (Leisure) Lake.
Access to the Park
Access to the park is by boat or airplane, as there are no roads to the park.
Air charters, water taxi services, and boat rentals are available in Homer.
Note: Access to Halibut Cove Lagoon can be hazardous due to rip tides
and shallows. Lagoon access is recommended at high tide, and for shallow draft
boats only. Contact park rangers for details.
Please Remember...
Hiking times given are the
minimum needed to hike the trail one way, by a person in good physical
condition without a pack.
Be prepared for poor weather, both
on the trail or while waiting for pick-up service, which can be delayed. Carry
extra supplies.
Please
practice minimum impact. Pack out what you pack in, leaving no trace.
Do not build fires in
vegetated areas. Fires are allowed only on gravel bars and beaches, and in
fire grates provided at campsites, below timberline.
Hang food 15 feet high,
well away from camp, out of reach of bears.
All surface water should be
properly treated before consuming. Use biodegradable soap only, and never in
streams or lakes. Discard wash water at least 200 feet away from water sources.
Please use trail registers.
This information aids Park Rangers in management, maintenance, and search &
rescue (if someone is reported overdue). You should leave a written trip plan
with friends, family, and park rangers as well.
There are parcels of private
property in the park. Please respect private property; avoid trespassing.
All access to trailheads is by
boat or plane. Several trailheads have mooring buoys offshore to tie a boat
up to. Mooring buoys are located off the Saddle Trailhead, Rusty's Lagoon,
Halibut Cove Lagoon-China Poot Lake Trailhead & Coalition Trail, and in
Tutka Bay near the public use cabin. Do not tie up to the ring on top of the
buoy. Instead, tie up to the small float and ring attached to the anchor chain.
These buoys are suitable for vessels up to 35 feet in length. Do not tie up
next to a vessel already at anchor on a buoy without the express permission of
the vessel's operator.
Crossing glacial streams may
be necessary, depending on the trail taken. Glacial rivers vary in depth and
current depending on the weather, but the water level is often lower in mornings
than later in the day, due to nightly freezing at higher elevations. Water
levels are generally lower in early summer and much higher in July and August.
Choose a slow-moving, shallow spot to cross. Wearing a pair of neoprene booties
or tennis shoes will make crossing these icy rivers easier.
Trails in Kachemak Bay State Park are maintained through the efforts of
volunteers!
Alpine Ridge Trail (2.5 mi/4.0 km)
Rating: Moderate to Difficult (long, steep climbs)
Hiking Time: 2 hours (to timberline)
Elevation Gain: 1650 ft
Trailhead Access: Saddle Trail to Lagoon Trail
Camping: No campsites at or near trailhead; no developed sites,
backcountry camping beyond timberline. Alpine areas are extremely fragile;
please practice no trace camping, no campfires.
Water Availability: Limited water, no streams; seasonal pools
beyond trail end
Trail Description: A popular, quick route to alpine areas, this trail
begins near the high point on the Saddle Trail, steeply follows a ridge through
spruce and alder to alpine tundra and ends on a treeless knoll (near 2100 feet),
with spectacular views of Grewingk Glacier and a deep glacial valley.
China Poot Lake Trail (2.6 mi/4.1 km)
Rating: Moderate (short, steep climbs)
Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 500 ft
Trailhead Access: Marine Access: Halibut Cove Lagoon (protected
anchorage, with mooring buoys and public dock)
Camping: Developed campsites at Halibut Cove Lagoon Trailhead, and at
China Poot Lake Campsite (popular)
Water Availability: At trailhead; several small streams along trail;
China Poot Lake; Moose Valley Creek
Trail Description: This popular trail gently climbs through the forest
and over a low ridge, passing two small lakes where common loons are common and
blueberries are plentiful (August). The trail meanders through cottonwoods and
ends at the China Poot Lake Campsite and inlet stream. Great camping or picnic
site, great departure point for the Poot Peak or Wosnesenski areas.
Coalition Loop Trail (5.5 mi/8.8 km)
Rating: Moderate (short, steep climbs)
Hiking Time: 3 hours for loop
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Trailhead Access: Marine Access - China Poot Bay Trailhead (high tide
only); and at mile 0.2 and mile 1.8 of China Poot Lake Trail
Camping: Halibut Cove Lagoon Trailhead Campsite, China Poot Bay Trailhead
Water Availability: Small seasonal creeks, China Poot Lake
Trail Description: Connecting Halibut Cove Lagoon with China Poot Bay
(1.6 miles) and dedicated to the Kachemak Bay Citizen's Coalition, this trail
shares some of the 23,000 acres once destined for logging and development, which
the grass-roots Coalition volunteers helped Alaska State Parks acquire. Extended
in 1999 in a loop back to China Poot Lake Trail, near the north shore of China
Poot Lake, the trail climbs over a low ridge from mile 0.2 China Poot Lake
Trail, opening to scenics of China Poot Bay, a good stop for lunch or boat
pick-up, the trail continues south. Just minutes beyond the bay it traverses
steep, forested hillsides, then passes through low ridges and valleys - note the
few hemlocks in this area. The trail then passes high along China Poot Creek to
a spectacular overlook of China Poot Lake (mile 4.0). As the trail descends
toward the lakeshore, it rejoins China Poot Lake Trail
Emerald Lake Trail (6.4 mi/10.2 km)
Rating: Moderate to Difficult (long, steep climbs)
Hiking Time: Emerald Lake: 2 hours, Humpy Creek: 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 1650 ft
Trailhead Access: Grewingk Glacier Trail; Humpy Creek Trail
Camping: Backcountry camping at Grewingk Glacier Lake; Emerald Lake
Campsite; above treeline (no campfires); Humpy Creek Trailhead and Campsite
Water Availability: Grewingk Glacier Lake (glacial), Upper Humpy Creek,
Emerald Lake, seasonal snowfields and streams on Portlock Plateau
Trail Description: This trail accesses beautiful Emerald Lake and its
alpine surroundings. Starting at Grewingk Glacier Lake, it climbs a rocky ridge
to a splendid view of Grewingk Glacier and Lake, then follows a glacial moraine
into forest, bridges Upper Humpy Creek (1 mile), and climbs to treeline. At mile
2.1, a short (800 ft) spur trail leads to Emerald Lake and campsite (a small
stream crossing here may be difficult during spring meltoff). The trail climbs
to Portlock Plateau for fantastic views of Kachemak Bay. Look for bears and
mountain goats on the high ridges. Alpine portions of the trail are marked with
rock cairns and orange posts. The trail descends a ridge (follow cairns
carefully here) into alder and on to a spruce trees plagued by spruce bark
beetles and wind storms. The trail ends at Humpy Creek Trail junction.
Glacier Lake Trail (2.2 mi/3.5 km)
Rating: Easy, popular family hike
Hiking Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes from Glacier Spit
Elevation Gain: 50 ft
Trailhead Access: Marine Access - Glacier Spit Trailhead (wind exposed
beach, morning drop-off best, afternoon/evening pick-up at Saddle Trailhead);
Saddle Trail
Camping: Small camping area at Glacier Spit trailhead; Right Beach
(accessible at low tide from Glacier Spit); Rusty’s Campsite; Grewingk Lake. Camping
Advisory: Please consider camping on higher portions of Grewingk Lake
flats. Landslides from area ridges falling into lake could generate large splash
waves of 50 feet or more along shores.
Water Availability: Right Beach, Rusty’s Campsite; small stream near
the junction of the Saddle Trail
Trail Description: Popular loop route joined by the Saddle and Grewingk
Glacier Trails. This trail crosses flat terrain, through stands of spruce and
cottonwood and across the dry outwash plain of the Grewingk Glacier. It ends at
the broad, open beaches of Grewingk Glacier Lake. This trail offers superb views
of the glacier and surrounding mountains. This is an excellent day hike.
Note: Access to the glacier along the south end of Glacier Lake is
difficult and hazardous. Please do not attempt this route. See Grewingk
Glacier Trail for glacier access.
Goat Rope Spur Trail (1.5 mi/2.4 km)
Rating: Difficult (primitive route, very steep climbs)
Hiking Time: 1.5 hours to summit (3160 feet)
Elevation Gain: 1960 ft
Trailhead Access: Lagoon Trail, 2 miles from ranger station
Camping: No developed campsites; backcountry camping above timberline (no
campfires)
Water Availability: None, seasonal snowfields
Trail Description: This short, steep, unmaintained route begins at the
highest point on the Lagoon Trail and leads hikers up to alpine areas. Rock
cairns mark the trail to an open alpine ridge, where the trail gently climbs to
a summit that has some of the finest views anywhere of Kachemak country.
This summit rivals Poot Peak for its views, without the hazardous rocky climbs.
Travel beyond the 3160 foot summit is difficult. Please exercise foresight and
caution.
Grace Ridge Trail (8.2 mi/13.2 km)
Rating: Moderate to Difficult (long climbs)
Hiking Time: 1.5 hours to first alpine knob, 2.5 hours to summit, 6-8
hours entire trail
Elevation Gain: First knob at 1745 feet, summit at 3145 feet
Trailhead Access: Marine Access - north end at Kayak Beach Campsite
(exposed site - a short connector trail offers alternative anchorage on Sadie
Cove side of point), south end at South Grace trailhead with good anchorage
(across Tutka Bay from Sea Star Cove Public Use Cabin)
Camping: Kayak Beach Campsite (developed) at trailhead, alpine areas (no
fires), South Grace Trailhead (undeveloped)
Water Availability: Seasonal stream at Kayak Beach, good stream near mile
1.6, no water on ridge, seasonal creeks near South Grace Trailhead
Trail Description: The trail begins on left side of gravel beach at Kayak
Beach Campsite (an area once used as a rock quarry). It follows an old road now
densely inhabited by alders, then begins climbing through an old growth Sitka
spruce forest. Mile 1.4 offers an excellent view of Sadie Knob. Huge spruce
trees dot the narrow ridge and the roar of hidden waterfalls below can be heard.
At mile 1.6, a creek rushing along the trail offers a good water source (before
climbing to alpine area). Climbing on through sub-alpine alders and meadows to
mile 2.9, an alpine knob (1745 feet) offers an excellent destination for a
half-day hike. Stunning views of Eldred Passage, Sadie Peak, Cook Inlet
volcanoes and beyond are available here. Watch for mountain goats, black bears,
golden and bald eagles. To continue, follow the marked route through the alders
to the southeast, cross a saddle, and climb the alpine ridgelines to the peak
(3105 feet). There is good spring skiing in this area's bowls. The alpine
portions of this route are unmarked, but it is easy to follow the
"knife" ridges. Descending into the alders again, the trail
switchbacks into the spruce forest, ending at Tutka Bay.
Grewingk Glacier Trail (6.5 mi/10.4 km)
Rating: Varies: Easy (on flats) to Moderate (steep climbs)
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 500 ft
Trailhead Access: Marine Access: Glacier Spit Trailhead; Humpy Creek
Trail; Emerald Lake Trail
Camping: Glacier Spit Trailhead/Campsite, Grewingk Creek and Grewingk
Glacier Lake Areas
Water Availability: Grewingk Creek (glacial); Grewingk Glacier Lake
(glacial); small lake and stream near Grewingk Glacier
Trail Description: The only developed access to a glacier, this trail
begins at Glacier Spit Trailhead and Campsite, meandering through a mature
forest of large spruce and cottonwoods. At mile 0.4, it intersects with a short
spur trail to Rusty's Campsite. Continuing east and opening to younger forest,
the trail intersects with Glacier Lake Trail (mile 1.4). Turn left at this
junction. Soon the forest fades into a dry, gravel, glacial outwash plain of low
alders and shrubs where occasional cairns or orange markers define the trail. At
mile 2.4, the trail crosses the 250-foot Grewingk Creek in a narrow channel of
bedrock.
Grewingk Creek Tram: This is a hand-operated cablecar pulley system.
Operation may require two people. Maximum weight of 2 persons with packs or 500
pounds (227 kg). If only two people crossing on the tram, one person should stay
behind and assist in pulling the other across. Once across both persons can pull
the tram cart back to pick up the other person. Two people in the tram cart
without assistance from others on the platform is difficult.
At Grewingk Creek, the trail intersects with Humpy Creek Trail. While camping is
good here, remember that black bears frequent the area. From Grewingk Creek, the
trail climbs over Foehn Ridge, offering views of the Grewingk Glacier and
outwash flats. Descending the ridge, the trail then crosses flatlands to
Grewingk Glacier Lake. Look for glacial ice afloat in the lake. Here the trail
intersects with Emerald Lake Trail, near mile 4.9, passes the lake, and follows
a creek to a small glacial or "tarn" lake, ending at area recently
covered with glacial ice and hence denuded of vegetation. Hikers can go a short
way to the glacier's face, or explore newly exposed rocky ridges to the right
(south) of this point.
Caution: Unless properly trained and outfitted for glacial travel, do not
climb on ice or in ice caves. Hidden crevasses (cracks) are deadly
perils. Enjoy this natural wonder from safe distances.
Humpy Creek Trail (5.2 miles/8.3 km)
Rating: South leg: Easy, flat, brushy terrain, gravel surface; North leg:
Moderately difficult (long climbs)
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 300 ft
Trailhead Access: Marine Access - Humpy Creek Trailhead (north side of
creek, high-tide best, shallow beach profile); Mallard Bay Trail; Grewingk
Glacier Trail at Grewingk Tram
Camping: Grewingk Creek area; Humpy Creek Trailhead and Campsite - Advisory:
Black bears frequent the mouth of Humpy Creek during the months of July and
August, when salmon are spawning.
Water Availability: Humpy Creek; Grewingk Creek (glacial); small ponds
near Grewingk Creek
Trail Description: This trail connects the Grewingk Creek and Humpy Creek
areas with the Mallard Bay Trail; it also accesses the north end of the Emerald
Lake Trail. From 0.2 mile Mallard Bay Trail junction, where the forest has been
devasted by spruce bark beetle and wind blowdown, the trail ascends switchbacks
to Emerald Lake Trail junction (1.2 mile). Trail descends a ridge and forest
(devastated), heading south (0.6 miles) over the tidewater flats of Kachemak Bay
(area floods at extreme high tides), to the Humpy Creek Trailhead and Campsite.
Trail then bridges Humpy Creek (known for pink "humpy" salmon),
crosses a flat, mostly open outwash plain (next 1.6 miles), and passes small,
blue pools of water. Trail then threads a narrow, rocky "flume" where
Grewingk Creek once flowed, ending at Grewingk Creek/tram.
Lagoon Trail (6.2 mi/10.0 km)
Rating: Difficult (several long, steep climbs, narrow trail, wet areas,
glacial stream crossing)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours minimum, 1.5 days recommended
Elevation Gain: 1200 ft
Trailhead Access: North End - Saddle Trail; South End - Halibut Cove
Lagoon Ranger Station
Camping: Halibut Creek Flats, near creek crossing; Halibut Cove Lagoon
Ranger Station Campsite
Water Availability: None at Saddle Trailhead; Halibut Creek (glacial/silty);
numerous small streams along trail
Trail Description: This is a challenging, diverse, and
primitive route connecting the Grewingk and China Poot areas. From the Saddle
Trail, the Lagoon Trail skirts above Halibut Cove, then drops to Halibut Creek
Flats. There is no bridge at Halibut Creek. It is recommended that the stream
be waded at low tide out on the tidal flats where the water will be shallower.
Expect swift, icy, knee to waist-deep water. Find the trail again by
following orange trail markers around the tidal flats. A series of steep
switchbacks then climbs into spruce forest to an intersection with Goat Rope
Spur Trail, near timberline. The trail continues south, crossing a cascading
creek and ends at the ranger station after steep switchbacks.
Note: This is a rugged, difficult, and exhausting trail. Round-trips are NOT
recommended; hikers who have completed the Lagoon Trail rarely opt to
backtrack and rehike it.
Mallard Bay Trail (1 mi/ 1.6 km)
Rating: Easy to Moderate (short, steep climbs)
Hiking Time: 30 minutes
Elevation Gain: 250 ft
Trailhead Access: Marine Access - Mallard Bay (high-tide access only,
stay right when approaching trailhead, bay goes dry at low tide)
Camping: Tent platform and outhouse at trailhead. Undeveloped camping on
small beach north of trailhead (extreme high-tides flood the trailhead beach)
Water Availability: Seasonal water at trailhead; glacial water in
Portlock River
Trail Description: This trail crosses a ridge to Portlock Glacier Valley
and ends. It offers an open approach to Portlock Glacier and the Kenai National
Wildlife Refuge. It also accesses Humpy Creek Trail, ten minutes from Mallard
Bay.
Moose Valley Trail (6.7 mi/ 10.7 km)
Rating: Moderate to Difficult (long grades)
Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 1200 feet
Trailhead Access: North end - Mile 1.0 China Poot Lake Trail near Two
Loon Lake; South end - Mile 0.8 Poot Peak Trail South Route
Camping: Good camping on creek gravel bars above the bridge near mile
1.2, developed site at mile 1.6, subalpine meadows near Poot Peak
Water Availability: Two Loon Lake, Moose Valley Creek, small streams,
Garden Lakes
Trail Description: Beginning at China Poot Lake Trail junction (mile
1.0), this trail passes along the shore of Two Loon Lake, ascends through
forested ridges and valleys, and then opens into Moose Valley's cottonwood
meadows - alive with wildflowers and cow parsnip in mid-summer. Be attentive
- tall grasses can obscure trail markers. Look for high waterfalls beyond
the log footbridge over Moose Valley Creek and the gravel bar campsite (mile
1.6). Watch for goats on mountain ridges. Trail turns south, then switchbacks up
the back of Poot Peak and passes the subalpine "Garden" lakes. (Trail
here may be obscurred by snow in early summer.) Trail ends at intersection with
Poot Peak Trail.
Poot Peak Trail (4.6 mi/7.4 km)
Rating: Difficult (very steep, slick, rocky climbs)
Hiking Time: From China Poot Lake to summit: North Route: 3 - 4 hours;
South Route 4 - 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 2430 ft
Trailhead Access: China Poot Lake Trail to China Poot Lake
Camping: China Poot Lake Campsite
Water Availability: Moose Valley Creek; small creek near trailhead;
seasonal snowfields; no water on peak
Trail Description: From China Poot Lake Campsite, this popular trail
circles Poot Peak and climbs the 2600-foot summit.
The North Route (1.9-mile) climbs after the Wosnesenski River Trail
junction. The steep, slick, unmaintained route climbs rapidly through the spruce
forest, alders, and loose scree slopes.
The Summit Spur (1.1 miles from trailhead) leads to the peak, climbing
very steeply for the next 0.2 miles to a rocky bench, or "Lower
Summit" (2100 feet). This is a good stop for those unprepared to summit.
CAUTION: It is recommended that only climbers with rock climbing training
continue beyond this point.
Climbing the 2600-foot peak is hazardous due to shifting scree and rock.
Hand and foot holds are poor at best, and worse when wet. The rewards above
treeline include superb views of Wosnesenski Glacier and Kachemak Bay.
The lightly used South Route (2.8-miles) begins after the Summit Spur
junction, passing alder thickets, meadows, and ponds. Poot Peak South offers
stunning views of alpine lakes, expansive glaciers and the Kenai Mountains.
Saddle Trail (1.0 mi/1.6 km)
Rating: Moderate (short, steep climbs)
Hiking Time: 25 minutes
Elevation Gain: 350 ft
Trailhead Access: Marine Access - Halibut cove (protected anchorage,
mooring buoys), good afternoon pick-up
Camping: No camping at trailhead; Grewingk Glacier Lake sites
Water Availability: No water at trailhead; small stream near the junction
with Glacier Lake Trail
Trail Description: Leading over a low ridge between Halibut Cove and the
Grewingk Glacier, the trail provides a popular loop with the Glacier Lake Trail.
The trail switchbacks through steep, forested terrain and accesses the Alpine
Ridge and Lagoon Trails. Cliffs prohibit hiking the beach from the trailhead to
the Right Beach Campsite, boat transport is necessary.
Note: Please respect private property near the trailhead.
Sadie Knob Trail (6.3 mi/10.1 km)
Rating: Moderate to Difficult (long climbs)
Hiking Time: 3 hours to Sadie Knob
Elevation Gain: 2100 feet
Trailhead Access: Marine Access: North Eldred - north end of beach, north
of Anisom Point; South Eldred - north of Sadie Cove Inlet, north of small
islands. Please respect private properties south of these two trailheads.
Camping: North and South Eldred Campsites (developed) at trailheads,
camping (undeveloped) in alpine areas, no open fires
Water Availability: Seasonal creeks at both trailheads, good stream
(Quiet Creek) near mile 1.7 (north trail) and mile 2.0 (south trail), small
streams near low areas, no water on summit
Trail Description: Sadie Knob Trail accesses an alpine ridge (visible
from Homer) between Sadie Cove and Kachemak Bay. It does not access Sadie Cove
and Kachemak Bay. It does not access Sadie Peak to the south. The North (1.7
miles) and the South (2.0 miles) Routes connect the north and south ends of
Eldred Passage - both join the Ridge Route at Quiet Creek. The Ridge Route
climbs through spruce forest, flowery meadows and along a subalpine lake.
Emerging above timberline, and marked only with rock cairns or orange
trailmarkers, the trail follows the ridgeline to Sadie Knob (2100 feet). From
Sadie Knob, hikers gain superb and expansive 360 degree views of Kachemak Bay,
Sadie Peak, Sadie Cove, Eldred Passage and Cook Inlet volcanoes. Watch for
mountain goats, black bears and eagles.
Caution: Vertical cliffs and rugged country! Clouds often shroud the
Sadie Knob, Emerald Lake and Grace Ridge areas, limiting visibility to under 50
feet. Trail "treads" do not exist in alpine areas, markers may not be
visible, one to the next, and topography can be extremely confusing. Hikers may
stray down wrong ridgelines, losing direction and trails. Often by waiting a
short while, clouds will lift, offering glimpses of trail markers.
Tutka/Jakolof Trail (2.0 mi/3.2 km)
Rating: Easy to Moderate
Hiking Time: 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 250 ft
Trailhead Access: Marine Access - Tutka Bay Lagoon (high-tide access
only); Jakolof Road Trailhead
Camping: Developed campsite at Tutka trailhead; NO camping at Jakolof
end.
Water Availability: Small streams along trail.
Trail Description: This trail joinsTutka Bay Lagoon and the Rocky River
road. It climbs over a series of low ridges and through small valleys. Much of
this trail is located on the property of the Seldovia Native Association; please
stay on the main trail, a five-foot easement.
Tutka Lake Trail (2.9 mi/4.7 km)
Rating: Moderate
Hiking Time: 1.5 hours to trail end
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Trailhead Access: Marine Access - Tutka Lake Trailhead and Campsites; Sea
Star Cove Public Use Cabin
Camping: Tutka Lake Trailhead and Campsite
Water Availability: Seasonal at trailhead, Tutka Lake
Trail Description: From Tutka Lake Trailhead, the trail climbs briefly
before intersecting the trail to the Sea Star Cove Cabin. It continues through
spruce forest and along Tutka Lake, and intersects the trail to the Tutka Bay
Lagoon fish hatchery (0.5 mile to hatchery). The main trail continues along the
west shore of Tutka Lake, then turns and crosses a low saddle before climbing
and following high above Tutka Creek. The trail dead ends near the Kachemak Bay
State Wilderness Park boundary, showcasing the Tutka Creek waterfalls.
Wosnesenski River Trail (11.3 mi/18.0 km)
Rating: Moderate (long switchbacks) to easy (along river flats)
Hiking Time: 10 hours from Haystack Trailhead to China Poot Lake
Elevation Gain: 300 ft
Trailhead Access: China Poot Lake Campsite (0.4 mile Poot Peak Trail);
Marine access (tide dependent) at Haystack Trailhead
Camping: China Poot Lake Campsite; undeveloped sites near junction with
Poot Peak South Route and along Wosnesenski River flats; Haystack Trailhead
beach area.
Water Availability: Moose Valley Creek, China Poot Lake, several small
lakes, Wosnesenski River (glacial, silty), Stonehocker Creek.
Trail Description: The trail begins along the Poot Peak Trail, about 10
minutes from the bridge at China Poot Lake. From here, it winds pleasantly
through forests, meadows and bogs, along the shores of three lakes. It then
climbs a low ridge and drops into the Wosnesenski River Valley. Heading west
from the expansive gravel bars of the river here, the trail climbs over a ridge
and continues along the river, winding in and out of groves of large
cottonwoods. A spectacular 600 foot waterfall is visible from several miles
across the valley. After passing powerlines, the trail intersects with a small
utility access road. Turn right (north) and follow the road to Haystack
Trailhead.
If starting from the Haystack bulletin board, an orange triangle seen across the
flats to the southeast marks the trail. The Wosnesenski River is a typical
glacial river, braided with gravel flats on either side, a highly scenic area
with sweeping vistas of mountains and glaciers to the south.
Note: Tidal flats at Haystack Trailhead flood at 16+ foot tides.