Byron Glacier Game Trail
Summary
On
24 Jun 2013 we decided to go to the Portage Glacier and take the boat to the
glacier front. Our timing was off due to
road construction on Sterling Hwy and we missed the boat. However,
on the way to the cruise loading area, we passed Byron Glacier. It was lovely, so we decided to stop and take
photos at the last scenic viewing area before the Portage Glacier Cruise
parking lot. That scenic viewing area
had the best view of Byron Glacier from the road.
At
the edge of the parking area was a large rock.
We saw a group of people come out from behind it talking about the trail
they took, so we decided to investigate.
After
exploring the trail, we came to the conclusion that this was a moose game trail
and NOT an actual hike.
Opinion
We don’t recommend this hike. Although it is interesting, it is just a game trail. The alder forest it runs through is wild and low and you spend most of the time bent over weaving through the trunks and branches. In addition, the game trail breaks in several directions and it is easy to get lost coming back.
Trail Advice
If
you do chose to follow this game trail, we strongly recommend you use a GPS
device to ensure you can get back to the parking lot
The
mosquitoes were fierce; we strongly recommend a good coating of mosquito
repellent.
Suitability
This
game trail is only suitable for stubborn hikers with good flexibility.
Trailhead
To
find the game trail, exit the Seward Highway near Girdwood at the signs for
Portage Glacier. Follow the signs to the
Portage Glacier Cruise. The best viewing
area for Byron Glacier is the last one before you reach the cruise parking lot;
it is also the next pullout after the one for the Byron Glacier Trail.
At
the front edge of the parking area is a very large rock. To get to the game trail, go around the rock
and follow the trail behind it.
The Hike
About
20 feet down the trail you come to a creek that is easily crossed. It is a nice photo opportunity and it would
be nearly impossible to get lost at this point.
After
we crossed the creek, which was easily done since it had a couple of large
rocks to step on and an alder trunk to hold on to, we entered the alder forest
proper and started following the game trail.
The alders were tight to the trail on both sides and crossed the trail
at waist to shoulder height the entire length of the game trail. This picture was take just across the creek. The alder quickly get lower and tighter.
We
followed our ears and headed toward the sound of the Byron Glacier River. After some winding and a distance of maybe a
quarter mile, we came to an opening at the edge of the river. The view was excellent.
The
game trail petered out at this point, so we turned around to head back. We had to back track three times before we
found the right game trail back to the parking lot and that was using our
GPS. We probably would have made it back
without the GPS, but it would have take a lot longer.
We
do not recommend doing this. The view
from the Byron Glacier Trail (reviewed elsewhere in this blog) is just a good
and much easier to access.
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