Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
05/15/2020
Even in snowy spring and early summer conditions, the trail is always easy to find. Thanks to the popular nature of the hike, you can simply follow the muddy groove perpetually worn into the snow. Gaiters and waterproof boots are highly recommended.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
05/15/2020
Bird Ridge contains a few false summits. The main point in the background here is actually not the main summit, but rather The Beak. The main summit lies just behind and out of view.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
05/15/2020
Be especially careful on these rocky portions in winter and spring, as ice chunks are common in these rocky sections. Being either slippery enough to cause a fall or weak enough to unexpectedly cause rocks to shift, you need to be aware at all times, as
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
05/15/2020
A panorama of the southward view from Bird Ridge. In one stellar vista, you have the Turnagain Arm, the Kenai Mountains, on the other side, and Penguin Peak (4,331ft) on the left.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
05/15/2020
The Beak may not be the highest point on Bird Ridge but it is the most prominent and iconic outcropping. In safe conditions, many folks will climb to its point and have someone in their party take photos from this very spot.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
05/15/2020
Detouring to climb to the top of the Beak is well worth it, but be careful in snow conditions as the footing can be slippery and precarious. It's certainly not a fall you want to take!
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
05/15/2020
Standing atop the true summit. As you can see from the worn trail beyond, however, you hike does not need to end here. Many more motivated hikers will continue farther along the ridge system and deeper into the Chugach.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
05/15/2020
From the true summit, look farther north to see miles upon miles of Chugach Mountains. The Chugach are considered the major "playground" in southcentral Alaska and it's easy to see why.