Kachemak Bay State Park
TRAILS
Alpine Ridge Trail (3 mi/4.8 km, one way from Saddle Trail Beach)
Rating: Difficult (long climb, very very steep muddy sections)
Hiking Time: 2-4 hours one way
Elevation Gain: 2200-2500 ft.
Trailhead Access: Start at Saddle Trail Beach, hike to top of switchbacks, turn right to Alpine Ridge
Camping: No campsites at or near trailhead; no developed sites, backcountry camping above timberline. Alpine areas are extremely fragile; please practice no trace camping, no campfires.
Water Availability: Limited water ( snow melt ponds) above tree line- these dry up in late summer, no streams
Trail Description: A popular, yet rugged & difficult route up and back to alpine areas. It is steep and straight up, very very steep sections are slick when raining and stay muddy & slick for days after rain, not good footing on these steep sections and can be treacherous, also aging steep log steps with exposed big nails need to be avoided. Trail begins at the Saddle Trail Beach, hike to the top of the switchbacks, turn right to Lagoon and Alpine Ridge , then turn left onto steep trail up Alpine Ridge. Trail steeply follows a ridge through spruce and alder and brush to alpine tundra, ending on a treeless alpine area with moss and blueberries and crowberries (near 2200 feet at the high point). Spectacular views of Grewingk Glacier and glacial valleys.