Bird Creek Walk

 

If you need a break from the tourist traffic or just have to stretch your legs on your way to Girdwood, stop at Bird Creek.  The huge parking lot is hard to miss with the blasted cliff side. 

 It was warm and sunny in Anchorage, but there were the typical fierce winds in the parking lot.  Shortly down the trail, the trees block the breeze.  We followed the path along the highway and down to the river.  This would make a great visit for little kids as the bridge is long and there is an overlook on the other side.  Additionally, you can go under the highway alongside the rushing water.

 

Our group had strollers, babes in carriers and a large contingent of runners. 

 The other side of the highway is hidden from the road with huge trees, the inlet on the side and bird songs interspersed with the train's horn (if you ask for it!).

 A little over a mile down the trail is a perfect resting and turn around spot.  There is a bench, area for playing and a bridge down a bit (and tunnel under the highway). 

 Our group played here for a long time.  Kids climbed on rocks, built rafts, slid down the hill and collected tiny pine cones.

 Even though I was born and raised here, the views never stop from taking my breath away.  I love the mountains and inlet.  Even if the winds were quite strong in this area, I stopped to take some pictures. 

 

To get from the Bird Creek Parking Lot to the trail, you can either brave a highway crossing or use the stairs that start on the other side of the bridge.  All of the stroller contingent made it down these without incident.  This is our fearless leader showing off the versatility of the Chariot stroller.

 I am sure that if you stop here and let your kiddos run, you will have a gloriously quiet drive on down the road.  During the summer, there are often people fishing in the creek.  On the parking lot side of the river, we found stairs leading up and the sign in the first picture shows that trail.  If I didn't have a stroller, we might have scaled that cliff!  

This Taiga Trek was another favorite!  I hope you join us next week for another great adventure!

Sunset Park in Summer

Sunset Park is perfect for children with some extra summer energy!  Our group had a wonderful time on the fast slide and hills.  I was a bit worried when a large group of day care children arrived, but this park is large enough that we didn't even notice them!

  

This park has it all with a paved area that is perfect for chalk, covered picnic tables and uncovered tables, large hills for rolling, woods, play equipment and it is fenced in around the edges.  Parents with two children can easily sit with the young one in the dirt and let the older child run up and down the hill.

 The chalk was well used on this sunny day.  It is amusing to see the interests of each child emerging with heart, fish, flowers and dog prints on the sidewalk.

 People seemed to stay longer today and almost everyone had lunch or a snack.  The grassy slope is perfect for a picnic.

 We had a large group and our parents are always prepared.  You can see a potty chair in this shot!  Don't let a little thing like potty training stop you from playing outside!

 The hills are filled with "dandies" and children spent a lot of time filling their buckets with these flowers.

This child needed a little more excitement than flower picking and zoomed down the hill on this small cart.  I love seeing how different the children are, but how well they get along together!

I hope you join us next week at Turpin Park in the Muldoon Area.

From Muldoon, turn west (away from the mountains) at the Duben Ave traffic signal, then turn right when you reach a 4-way stop at Oklahoma St.  Drive one block and you'll see the park on your right.

Great Hikes for Kids near Anchorage

Say good bye to the paved trails and put on your hiking boots.  While the Coastal Trail has amazing views, it is wonderful to hike through trees only to pop out at a crashing waterfall.  If you leave the concrete behind, you and your toddler can touch a glacier, look down on spawned out salmon and eat a picnic amid mountains.  While there are many other hikes for children, these are just a few of my favorites.

I have done these hikes with my two toddlers and recommend them.  These are suitable for young hikers and a jogging stroller can be used on most.  You can get to the trail head in under two hours and the trails have a wonderful lure (or bribe to get a dawdling hiker moving again) at the end.  (I do suggest a special treat to get them to walk back to the car though.) Please use normal Alaskan Sense with regards to weather, animals and trail conditions!

Link to purchase Alaska State Park's Pass or you can buy one at REI - $40.00

Eklutna Lake very close to the parking lot

1.  Trail- Eklutna Lakeside Trail
Approx. Driving Time- A bit over an hour
Parking Fee- State Park Pass
Stroller- Easy with a jogging stroller
Child Lure- Lake for rock tossing

Take the Eklutna exit at mile 26 of the Glenn Highway and follow the signs to the parking lot. 
Eklutna Trail is open to ATVs Sunday through Wednesday, April 1st through November 30th only.


Walk towards the lake and then veer left over a little bridge and then curves to the right.  The trail follows the lake, but you have options to stay close to the water and take smaller trails with exposed roots (more difficult for the stroller) or take the large road that takes you away from the water (much easier for the stroller).  There are breaks in the trees for nice stopping points and picnics.  Toddlers can easily walk on the trail, but keep an eye on them as the trail nears the water.  This trail is almost completely flat making it an easy and pleasant walk.  During the summer, there is an ice cream shop on the road to the lake which makes a nice after hike treat!

About a mile down the trail is this overlook of Thunderbird Falls.

2.  Trail- Thunderbird Falls
Approx. Driving Time - About a half hour
Parking Fee- State Park Pass
Stroller - Easy with a jogging stroller
Child Lure-Waterfall

Glenn Highway for 25 miles (past Eagle River) to the Thunderbird Falls Exit.  Take this road for 1/4 miles to a well developed trail head.

This wide trail has a few small hills, but is wonderful for young hikers.  The trail is in the woods and has an attainable end point at the waterfall overlook.  It is about a mile to the waterfall overlook which makes a great picnic spot.  There is a small and very steep trail leading down to the river.  It is a pretty spot, but be very careful on the trail.  A handbrake on the stroller is helpful and toddlers should have a hand held if you venture down the hill.  There are great spots for taking pictures and the popularity of the trail is nice if you are new to the outdoors.

The Iditarod Trail offers a wide path and great rock for climbing!

3.  Trail- Eagle River Nature Center
Approx. Driving Time- Just under an hour
Parking Fee- $5.00
Stroller- Jogging stroller
Child Lure- Large tree you can climb inside, boardwalks, large rocks for climbing and fish.

Follow Eagle River Road to where it ends at the Nature Center Parking Lot.  The Nature Center building is open May-September, Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm.

There are many trails at the ERNC, but my favorite for children is the Iditarod Trail.  Another trail does take you down by the water and onto overlooks, but many children can't be persuaded to walk further if it takes them from this area!  The trail is wide enough for a stroller and takes you through heavily forested areas.  After a short walk from the parking lot, there is a huge tree with a hole that children can stand in for a great photo op.   You can find berries along the trail in the summer as well.  A bit more than a mile down the trail is a flat spot near the rapids.  It makes a great picnic and turn around spot.

A member of the AOFN took this on our hike.  The wide trail is great for new hikers.

4.  Trail- South Fork Eagle River Falls -
Approx. Driving Time - About a half hour
Parking Fee- Free
Stroller - Easy with a jogging stroller
Child Lure- Waterfall and river

Take the Eagle River Loop Exit from the Glenn Highway and turn right onto Hiland Road.  Drive just over 3 miles and take a Left onto River View Drive, which turns into Waterfall Drive.  In just under a mile, turn Right onto River Park Drive.  In about a half mile turn Left onto Ken Logan Cir and park at the end of the road, but avoid drive ways and fences.

Walk down the trail and turn right after you cross the bridge over the river.  Hike up this trail and look towards your right when you hear the waterfall.  This is quite a short walk and I recommend then returning to the intersection near the bridge and instead of crossing it back to your car, continue on (it would be as if you are taking a left instead of a right to the falls).  You will find this a good trail and you can wander to the river.  There is a large open area perfect for a snack and rest.  This whole trail is pretty flat and wonderful for little walkers.

Any child will gladly hike about a mile to get to this river and glacier!

5.  Trail- Byron Glacier Trail (by Portage) -
Approx. Driving Time - About an hour and a half
Parking Fee- State Parks Pass
Stroller- Easily done with a jogging stroller
Child Lure- Great river for wading and you can touch the glacier

At mile 79, of the Seward Highway (49 miles south of Anchorage), turn north onto Portage Valley Road towards the visitor center.  About 6 miles (past Begich, Boggs Visitor Center) the well marked trailhead is on your right.

The trail starts at the end of the parking lot and is wide and well maintained with good gravel on the path.  The trail winds near the river and opens up at the glacier after about a mile.  There are shallow tributaries of the river where even the youngest hikers can cool their toes.  You can walk to the glacier and even onto the glacier.  Please use cation as the glacier can break and there are crevasses. 

Powerline pass is well travelled in the summer and winter.  Follow it down over a mile to a great bridge where the kids can splash.

6.  Trail -  Powerline Pass
Approx. Driving Time - Half hour
Parking Fee- State Parks Pass
Stroller- Easily done with a jogging stroller
Child Lure - River with spots for wading and rock tossing just over a mile down the trail. 

Seward Highway to O'Malley Road. Turn torward the mountains. Follow O'Malley to Hillside Dr. Turn right. Turn left at Upper Huffman. Turn at Toilsome Road. Glen Alps at the end of the road. (from DNR website).  You can follow the brown signs easily.

There are 2 trails to the left of the stairs and both will lead to the Powerline Pass trail.  To get to the bridge, turn right at the large trail (away from town).  Over a mile down the trail, you will see a small river with a bridge.  Past the bridge, there are boardwalks that lead up towards the mountains  It is impossible to get lost on this trail going towards the bridge and just remember to turn left back to the parking lot near the top of the hill.  It is mostly downhill towards the bridge and you can get a work out pushing the kiddos back to the car.  This is popular with mountain bikers so keep your little hiker to the side.  In the summer, you can find berries on the hillsides!

One of the boardwalks along the Winner Creek trail that keep you out of the swampy marsh below.

7.  Trail - Winner Creek
Approx. Driving Time - About one hour
Parking Fee- Free
Stroller - Most of the trail is great for jogging strollers, but there are some board walks and steps the require some arm strength
Child Lure - Huge trees, large river and if you go far enough a hand tram you can take across the river.

Take the Seward Highway and follow the signs to Girdwood and the Alyeska Resort.  Take a left at the first T-intersection and follow it towards the Alyeska Prince Hotel.  At the last T-intersection with the hotel on your right, turn left and park in any of the lots.  The trail starts close to the start of the Tram.

Remember the bug spray for this trail in the summer!  There are huge trees that you hike through and you cross boardwalks and climb steps on this well maintained trail.  You will reach a T intersection on the hike and turn left takes you towards the river and, eventually, the hand tram.  Watch your children near the tram as it is quite steep. Before the tram, there is an open area where you can picnic and watch the rushing river.

The beautiful view along the trail towards Symphony Lake, but I suggest stopping at the bridge if you have kids.

8.  Trail - Symphony Lake / Eagle River
Approx. Driving Time - About 30
Parking Fee-
Stroller - They are doing trail work and prior to this, I would not recommend a stroller.  The improvements might make it jogging stroller accessible.
Child Lure - Bridge and rock tossing river (just over a mile to reach the bridge)

To find the trailhead, take the Glenn Highway out of Anchorage northbound.   Exit the Glenn on Hiland Road.  At the first stoplight take a right and follow the Hiland signs all the way to almost the very end of Hiland Road.  Look for the brown sign reading “South Fork Access” and take a right on South River Road.  Almost immediately on the left there is a small parking lot at the trailhead. (from romancingalaska.com)

The trail leads out of the end of the lot and uses boardwalks to keep you out of the marsh.  It winds up and away from the parking lot.  Currently 2011-2012), they are working on the trail and I do not know its condition.  Following the path for over a mile, you reach a little bridge over a river.  This is perfect for a picnic and rest.  Children can toss rocks and sticks into the water while you rest up for the hike out!

The amazing view after a short hike from the Beach Lake parking lot.

9.  Trail -Beach Lake
Approx. Driving Time - Under 45 minutes
Parking Fee - Free
Stroller - To get to the inlet and around the lake, leave the stroller in the car.
Child Lure - You can walk to the inlet and play in the mud.

Take the South Birchwood Loop Exit from the Glenn Highway.  After a chalet on your left, take a left onto Beach Lake Road and follow it over railroad tracks to the where it ends at a large parking lot.

The trail to the inlet starts to the left of the lake and follows close to the lake weaving in and out of the trees.  It is quite close to the lake at times, so watch your children when it bends back towards the water.  At the far end, there is a sign on the ground pointing the way to the inlet.  From this trail, you can take your pick of trails towards the inlet.  Typically, there is a small stream that you can follow towards the beach.

Trailside Elementary Skedaddle

School is Out!  Playgrounds are Open!

 We started out our summer playground season at Trailside Elementary School.  It was a bit overcast, but the sun came out about noon and warmed things up nicely.  Of course, the children didn't care about the weather.  The location is amazing with a view of the mountains, a huge hill for climbing and access to the Hillside Trail System.

 

There is a variety of equipment that is suitable for all ages.  Small steps lead to small slides and there are larger slides and even a twisty slide.  Rings, climbing posts, steering wheels and net ladders can get even the most unwilling child become active.  

 

The ground cover is pea gravel and I suggest you bring shovels, buckets and trucks.

 

The hill was amazing for those children (and adults) with some extra energy.  It was amazing to watch their legs moving so fast they were on the verge of falling at any moment.  There is a tree at the top of the hill and sand for tossing.  Just a warning, there is a small dug out place under the fence where children can escape.  

 

All ages enjoyed the day!  Little ones sat on blankets, older children ran wild as parents talked about summer plans.

 

Many of the parents completed the Gold Nugget Triathlon (Susie, Amanda and Sondra) and shared wonderfully inspirational stories.  Don't talk to them if you really do not want to do a triathlon, as they will get you training with them for next year!

 It was nice to talk with parents who we haven't seen during the school year.  Over the summer, our age group climbs a bit as school age children join us.

 While we left a bit after noon, many families were still playing and having picnics.  I hope you join us next week and check out the other events offered by the Anchorage Outdoor Family Network!

Bike To Work Day

 

"Play is a child's work." 

Jean Piaget

Following the wonderful quotation by Piaget, we participated in National Bike to Work Day.  We started out at Tikishla Park and made our way down the path.  The children often jumped off their bikes to play in the creek or run into the woods.  While we had two wonderful bikers in our group, my boys are not in love with the sport yet.  The trails were filled with bikers and it was nice to see them wave to the kids or ring their bell!  Next year, we will call it "Bike to Play Day" and perhaps meet somewhere and bike to a playground! 

Westchester Lagoon

 

It is funny looking back on how the Treks used to be!  If I didn't have someone along to carry one kiddo, it ended up like this and wasn't too pleasant.  Now, the boys both often run or walk next to me.  What is going to come next?  Are they going to want to go to school and then on hikes by themselves?  

 

It was a gorgeous day for our walk with the Trekkers along the Coastal Trail from Westchester Lagoon.  We had a large group with kiddos running, some walking, a few bikes, strollers and one happy child in a wagon.

 

The sun was shining and the trail was crowded.  I am trying to teach my kids to stay on the "right" side of the trail.  There are loads of bikers on this trail that are often in more of a hurry than a toddler.  Keep your ears open and your child close!

 

All the children enjoyed the bridges.  The water was rushing fast and they threw rocks into the "rapids".

Thank you to Lisa for setting us off on this great walk along the inlet.  The tide was out and there was only a couple bits of snow on the mud.  It must be spring!  It also is the last of school.  Even though my boys are not in school, it makes me happy.  It means that we can go to the school playgrounds during the day!  Yipee!

Loretta French Park

 If you have never been to the Loretta French Sport's Complex, I highly recommend a visit this summer.  Take the North Birchwood Exit and turn Right.  Take a Right on the Old Glenn and then you will take a Right into the complex.  There is a first wooden sign for the Horse Park, but it is the second and has a HUGE parking lot. 

 

The playground is clean and the equipment new and interesting.  Nonetheless, it doesn't compare to the huge hill.  My boys climbed it more than once and it is quite a high and steep hill at the top.  There is an amazing view of the inlet and mountains!

 

There was quite a crowd this morning, but we learned another group was also at the playground.  It was fun to see so many children running wildly in the sun!

 

 Here is a view of the playground from the top of the hill.  You can see the two different areas and the edge of the baseball fields.  There is a baseball team playing here in the summer and I will let you know about opening day.

 You can just make out a few skedaddlers (E and R) making their way to the top!

 It was such a beautiful day that we all had a picnic on the side of the hill after playing.  It took about 20 minutes from East Anchorage this morning, so it isn't as far as it seems.  I hope everyone had a wonderful day and the weather reports indicate more nice weather ahead.  Join the Taiga Trekkers for a walk along the Coastal Trail from West Chester Lagoon on Thursday at 10.  (there is a great playground there so bring a snack and stay a while!)