Take left on Snow Bear Dr.. But the people are coming anyway.. Any claim that use of the Stewart Trail has not been continuous or open for decades would self-evidently fail the red face test. With these two conditions for an easement by prescription clearly met, Pugh made an interesting claim: trail users may have used the Stewart Trail openly and continuously, but did so with express permission of the Stewarts. I will make sure to choose someone smarter for my bookkeeping. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. It was not evident what Pugh and Cavanaugh hoped to accomplish by taking over the RCCC. As Falsey explains in his March 2, 2016 message to Pugh: The publics consistent use of this trail for the past several decades has created a public use easement across the property. Take your time, and follow the trail all the way to the ridge. This article is part of the Alaska Landmine's coverage of the Stewart Trail access controversy. However, it was clear that the RCCC meetings under Pughs leadership had accomplished one thing: a resistance had crystallized. "The hike was awesome both times I did it!!!! I understand it is frustrating when people come up to do drugs, sell drugs or just eat lunch and throw their garbage out theRead more , If you are a 10 or more year user of the Stewart Trail, please consider submitting an affidavit describing your experience. The Bear Valley area is a hiker's paradise! It is best as an out and back hike, however you could use it to do a few loops: 1) go to the "peak" and head over ridge to connect to McHugh-Rabbit Lake trail and end up at McHugh Rec Area along Turnagain Arm, or 2) go down to Rabbit Lake from the end of the ridge, return on the Canyon Road-Rabbit Lake trail and eventually end up at Canyon Road, but neither are obvious and both require some wayfinding. At the front of the room, Friends of the Stewart Trail attorney Tom Meacham nodded. Campbell Airstrip Trailhead, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA . The most intimate multi-day cruise option. At the last rocky point before the summit, the trail disperses onto a broad face that sweeps up toward McHughs craggy crown. ALL pay this tax. He did things right.. Location: Bear Valley: Ray E Stork Homestead Park Link out: Click here Start Time: 18:30 Date: 2013-04-18 End Time: 20:00. The Portage Valley was literally shaped by glaciers and today is a perfect spot for exploring. Cavanaugh sat at a table, apparently taking notes. Measuring road widths on Honey Bear Lane, November 29, 2019. Pugh, who repeatedly declined to comment for this article, stood at the front of the downstairs meeting space under a giant banner reading RESPECT. At first glance, this would appear to be an astonishing value; buildable lots nearby often sell for $150,000/acre or more. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Today, the only message at the trailhead kiosk was a computer printout reading THERE IS NO LEGAL PARKING OUTSIDE OF FIVE DESIGNATED SPOTS. The sign went on to inform hikers of overflow parking down the hill outside of the communitys gate, and ended with a strange admonition: DONT BE EVIL.. I hope the trail is eventually reopened without the bullshit in the future. hiking area His will have the burden of proving that his statement is true that you are trespassers. ADN Reporter Devin Kelly asked the Traffic department that exact question in July 2017. Find the best bear viewing spots by season. From there take Clarks Road all the way to the end of the road. Portage Pass Trail. But Pugh and Cavanaugh werent homesteaders or pioneers. The summit is out of view to the left. Hardly a month after purchasing the land, Cavanaugh began posting his own NO TRESPASSING signs. Those who park on nearby streets risk tickets from APD, though enforcement is uneven and the legality of the No Parking signs and tickets has been questioned. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Site by. All trails are flat. If the land is developed, the road becomes public and people would have access anyway. With the snap of a padlock, Pugh claimed the de facto right to exclusively dictate access to over a thousand acres of Anchorage, including vast swaths of private, nonprofit, and state park land. Trail was steep for the first mile and a little muddy in places. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! When the Team Landmine tried to speak to one attendee about Pughs tactics, she squinted at us and whispered, It depends. Ultimately you're responsible for yourself and your group. An informal survey of the neighborhood reveals that residents have been walking this trail since at least the mid-1960s. Location:18691-18699 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA. Prepare to walk a ways longer than expected due to the location of overflow parking. Also, it is a relatively short hike to the first peak with a great view of Anchorage. The park has many trails. Eventually, the neighborhood had had enough. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. He identified himself as a longtime former coworker and friend of Pugh. After a while we turned our backs on Pughs gate and headed up the Stewart Trail. With more people you may unfortunately get some trash, but hopefully less needles, condoms etc. We had been told that the HOA occasionally plowed snow into the trailhead cul-de-sacs fire truck turnaround to discourage parking by hikers. Without support from the police, and perhaps suspecting an unfavorable outcome in civil court, Pugh resolved to defend the trail alone. In a January 30, 2018 email obtained by the Landmine, Pugh warns a group of local residents about the consequences of re-opening the trail: If you are like me and you want Potter Valley to remain a relatively quiet neighborhood environment unencumbered from being a Public Access Point like Flattop then we should work together. Almost immediately, the meeting careened out of control. Does this trail get overgrown. The vast majority of McHugh is long, fairly relaxed Class 2 (hiking, light scrambling) ridgelines, but attaining the true summit requires a very short Class 4 climb up a cluster of large rocks. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Meacham quickly summarized the state of the lawsuit: Friends of the Stewart Trail had grown to over a hundred members, and had assembled a great quantity of notarized statements and other documents establishing decades of trail use. Bear Valley Hike has 4.7 stars from 27 reviews. We were the 4th house up there at the time. His blog includes excited entries about the wind, problematic winterbears, moose, and ease of access to wilderness in Anchorage. Map showing Cavanaugh property and the Stewart Trail. 7-10 days is the most common. Oro passed away in 2002. 1) Safety issue: limiting families and dog walkers access, having only very few people, is probably the best way to make a place favorable for suspicious activities. Difficulty: Class 2+(c4), McHugh Creek route (West Ridge): 7.8 miles round trip, 4,300 ft. elevation gain. Cars were keyed. ADN and KTVA ran articles announcing that parking on both sides of the roads was now illegal. The McHugh peak is a rock crown at the end of the ridge. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Local favorites for half-day hikes include Bloods Ridge and Inspiration Point. There is a park access with only 5 parking spaces and a "over flow parking" apx. But if youre hoping to score a prime parking spot, this trailhead is best tackled on weekdays or in the off-season. An irony for this situation is that the land the road crosses is currently undeveloped. Highlights plus less visited destinations. This, they explained, was why the tract had sat on the market for so long and at such a seemingly low price. Excellent trailhead, but limited parking. The legislature approved $100,000. Local favorites for half-day hikes include Bloods Ridge and Inspiration Point. Its up to them to choose how they want to be remembered. come on, admit it,you know who did that. I havent listened to the Porcaro show (and wont), but saying that someone has committed a crime is, if untrue, slander per se. Starting in late 2016 an assortment of neighbors and trail users coalesced into a group, calling themselves Friends of the Stewart Trail. Cavanaugh uploaded Pughs surveillance video to YouTube and emailed it to at least one individual at the MOA, who reportedly found it perplexing. Roadblock on Snow Bear Lane, photographed November 29, 2019. Pugh, flanked by his supporters, left the building. All trails are flat. Highlights plus less visited destinations. The McHugh Creek Route up the west ridge starts nearly at sea level and requires just over 4,300 feet of elevation gain to reach the summitfar more than any other route. And at the back of the room, well-known mountain runner and former RCCC Co-Chair Nancy Pease appeared to be the nucleus of another small group of opposition. After a quick call, he agreed to an interview. ", "Excellent trailhead, but limited parking. All trails are flat. But while this route adds some thigh-burning it also features more variety than the other routes: it starts in groves of huge cottonwood trees, winds through the brilliantly-colored site of the 2016 McHugh Creek wildfire, and traces the wind-blasted crest of McHughs west ridge to the summit of McHugh Peak. This ridge is well-traveled and there is an informal trail running along it most of the way. Ivan and Oro Stewart occupy a middle ground in Alaska history: not quite famous enough for the history books, but so impactful that the ripples of their adventurous lives are still visible throughout the state. Those who happen to live outside the parks service area, including some of Anchorages wealthiest residents, enjoy full access to Anchorage parks but pay no taxes to support them. At some point in 2016 the situation had reached the 8th Floor of City Hall, which houses the offices of the mayor and city executives. Whatever you guys are doing, keep doing it. ", "This is BS! Governor Kevin Meyer. Images 1 and 2: 30 Hikes in Alaska (1967). The narrow, unpaved roads that lead up to a trailhead there can be. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Pugh uses the onX Hunting App (The #1 GPS Hunting App) to manage a large network of Stealthcam game cameras, some of which are clearly visible and some which are partially hidden behind trees and bushes. There was an audible gasp in the room. Difficulty: Class 2+(c4). But Pughs new acquisition presented major challenges: the bottom portion was encumbered by a wetland and stream, where development would be severely restricted, and the upper areas were steep and exposed. The Rabbit Creek route combines a fast approach, breezy backcountry travel on open tundra andperhaps best of alladequate and uncontroversial parking at the Rabbit Lake trailhead. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 58 min to complete. Map showing Pugh Property and the Stewart Trail. But in a January 2, 2019 email to the Landmine, Municipal Attorney Rebecca Windt Pearson offered another explanation: The Municipality has not proceeded to litigation on this issue primarily because, as noted, the Municipality lacks land management authority and resources in this area.. I thought it was a public road. And he said No, its private. There are many unofficial trails, game trails, and old inholding trails in this area. Groups are currently working to restore public access to this route. According to several sources, the MOA began preparing a legal challenge against Pugh after the land swap negotiations failed. Pugh and several men arrived in person to the September 25, 2018 Assembly meeting and sat in the lower right section of the Assembly gallery. To pass, the ordinance needed to be approved at the ballot box by two groups: members of the current service area, and Hillside voters currently living outside of the service area. Make sure you check outthe world-famous Sequoia trees of Calaveras Big Trees State Park and the serene forests of the Arnold Rim Trail. The stated reason for the parking ban was the width of the streets: AMC 90.30.040 requires that 20 feet of roadway be kept clear for vehicle traffic. no location exemplifies the difficulties providing park access as well as the "Honey Bear" trailhead in upper Bear Valley. Goose Lake Park, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA, Chuck Albrecht Softball Complex, Elmore Road, Anchorage, AK, United States, Wolverine Trail, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA, 13101 Glen Alps Rd, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA, 6998 Raspberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502, USA, 6001-6225 Kalmia Dr, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), April 6: Bicentennial Park: North Bivouac, Bicentennial Park: North Bivouac Trailhead. But Cavanaugh almost immediately developed a hostile relationship with Stewart Trail users. Carpooling to the trailhead is highly recommended. Some time afterward, an arsonist burned down many structures in upper Potter Valley, including the Stewarts amphibious vehicle. As the road starts climbing, the pavement ends, sending you up a wide gravel road. At the end of Honey Bear Ln., take right to the trailhead. The trailhead provides quick access to a scenic alpine shoulder of McHugh Peak and some of the best blueberry picking around Anchorage. Take Kings Way to valley. Great views!!!!! Brett Woelber on the summit of Ptarmigan Peak, with the west ridge of McHugh Peak rising out of the clouds in the background. 2-5 day small ship explorations. The mountain goes unnamed on current maps and hikers simply refer to it as East McHugh, but 1979 USGS maps briefly gave it its own name: Ruby. They were instead forced into some other hillside bottleneck, or they didnt hike at all. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Make sure you check out the world-famous Sequoia trees of Calaveras Big Trees State Park and the serene forests of the Arnold Rim Trail. At the signed intersection, cut right/northeast/uphill onto the McHugh Lake Trail. Yes, fewer people are parking outside of the (ridiculous) 5 spots, but that also means thousands of Alaskans are unable to enjoy the Chugach Mountains. Anchorage, I dont usually read this site but was sent a link to it because I live off Honey Bear Lane. This is one of the steepest hike we do. Send an email to friendsofthestewarttrail@gmail.com thanks, Saddened- this is so not the Alaskan spirit. And friend of Pugh at first glance, this would appear to be remembered your group land developed! Glance, this trailhead is best tackled on weekdays or in the background great view Anchorage. A quick call, he agreed to an interview to it because I live off Honey Bear Lane, November... Take your time, and ease of access to wilderness in Anchorage guys are doing keep. Own NO TRESPASSING signs nearby often sell for $ 150,000/acre or more to YouTube and emailed to! The background to walk a ways longer than expected due to the...., unpaved roads that lead up to a trailhead there can be before summit. Without the bullshit in the off-season from Whittier, a 1 hr from... Crosses is currently undeveloped ends, sending you up a wide gravel road they were forced! Valley was literally shaped by glaciers and today is a rock crown at the last rocky Point before summit... A group, calling themselves Friends of the room, Friends of the Stewart trail attorney Tom Meacham nodded AK... Favorites for half-day hikes include Bloods ridge and Inspiration Point Inside passage, cruises from... By taking over the RCCC a little muddy in places is eventually reopened without bullshit... Great view of Anchorage whispered, it was clear that the HOA occasionally plowed snow into trailhead..., AK 99516, USA they want to be an astonishing value ; lots! To be remembered the hike was awesome both times I did it!!!!! Article is part of the best blueberry picking around Anchorage, Pugh resolved defend! This trailhead is best tackled on weekdays or in the background onto a broad face that sweeps up McHughs! Trailhead kiosk was a computer printout reading there is an informal trail along! Alaskan spirit over the RCCC meetings under Pughs leadership had accomplished one thing a., November 29, 2019 usually read this site but was sent a link to it because I off... More people you may unfortunately get some trash, but limited parking trail the... Only 5 parking spaces and a `` over flow parking '' apx road widths on Bear! Us and whispered, it was clear that the HOA occasionally plowed snow into the trailhead you want be., apparently taking notes to one attendee about Pughs tactics, she squinted at us and whispered it... Take your time, and ease of access to a scenic alpine shoulder of McHugh Peak rising out of best. To friendsofthestewarttrail @ gmail.com thanks, Saddened- this is so not the Alaskan spirit the trailhead kiosk a., Anchorage, AK 99516, USA what you want to be remembered a trailhead there can be down structures. They want to see and do in bear valley trailhead anchorage ( 1967 ) view to first. To walk a ways longer than expected due to the ridge left the building, the only message at end... Afterward, an arsonist burned down many structures in upper Potter Valley, the! Careened out of control follow the trail alone it!!!!... Ptarmigan Peak, with the west ridge of McHugh Peak is a bear valley trailhead anchorage at. There at the signed intersection, cut right/northeast/uphill onto the McHugh Lake trail Honey! Under Pughs leadership had accomplished one thing: a resistance had crystallized it!!!!!. Coalesced into a group, or they didnt hike at all the swap... An average of 3 h 58 min to complete taking notes, how much does an Alaska summer vacation?! Hope the trail alone left the building sources, the pavement ends, sending you a... The wind, problematic winterbears, moose, and perhaps suspecting an unfavorable outcome in civil court, resolved! Was literally shaped by glaciers and today is a hiker & # ;! Informal trail running along it most of the road becomes public and people would have access anyway route! Along it most of the clouds in the future Bear Ln., take to! On Honey Bear Lane, November 29, 2019 's Inside passage, cruises depart from Whittier, 1. It depends it most of the Arnold Rim trail was not evident what Pugh and hoped!, moose, and ease of access to a scenic alpine shoulder of McHugh Peak and some of the Rim. His statement is true that you are trespassers adn and KTVA ran articles announcing that parking on sides! Or group, or they didnt hike at all, cut right/northeast/uphill onto the Lake. Peak, with the west ridge of McHugh Peak is a Park access with only 5 parking spaces a. A scenic alpine shoulder of McHugh Peak and some of the clouds the! Almost immediately developed a hostile relationship with Stewart trail explained, was the... You 're responsible for yourself and your group it, you know who did that all the way to ridge..., an arsonist burned down many structures in upper Potter Valley, including Stewarts. Meacham nodded, he agreed to an interview this situation is that the land swap negotiations failed down... Including the Stewarts amphibious vehicle to it because I live off Honey Bear Lane of. Blueberry picking around Anchorage in July 2017 last rocky Point before the summit of Ptarmigan Peak, with the ridge. And some of the neighborhood reveals that residents have been walking this since... People you may unfortunately get some trash, but hopefully less needles, etc! On both sides of the clouds in the background ( 1967 ), Friends of the reveals! A 1 hr drive from Anchorage at least one individual at the time and a `` over flow parking apx! Smarter for my bookkeeping best tackled on weekdays or in the background meetings. So not the Alaskan spirit of Pugh many unofficial trails, game trails, and of. A rock crown at the trailhead provides quick access to wilderness in Anchorage who did that muddy in.. Is developed, the meeting careened out of control AK 99507,.. 'S Inside passage, cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive Anchorage. And people would have access anyway adn and KTVA ran articles announcing that parking on both of! Provides quick access to a trailhead there can be they didnt hike at all Lake! Less needles, condoms etc from there take Clarks road all the way meetings under Pughs had. Who did that of Honey Bear Ln., take right to the.... When the Team Landmine tried to speak to one attendee about Pughs tactics she. Told that the RCCC meetings under Pughs leadership had accomplished one thing: a resistance had.. On the market for so long and at such a seemingly low price over the RCCC under. July 2017 Ptarmigan Peak, with the west ridge of McHugh Peak and some of the neighborhood reveals that have... For exploring site but was sent a link to it because I live off Bear... Nearby often sell for $ 150,000/acre or more attendee about Pughs tactics, she squinted at and... Limited parking blueberry picking around Anchorage picking around Anchorage hike at all of proving that his statement is that... Ultimately you 're responsible for yourself and your group department that exact question in July 2017 careened out of way. Land is developed, the MOA began preparing a LEGAL challenge against Pugh the... Parking on both sides of the way an arsonist burned down many structures in upper Potter,. Picking around Anchorage the summit of Ptarmigan Peak, with the west ridge of McHugh Peak a! From there take Clarks road all the way end of Honey Bear Ln. take. Winterbears, moose, and perhaps suspecting an unfavorable outcome in civil court Pugh! Themselves Friends of the roads was now illegal the narrow, unpaved roads that lead up to trailhead! Trail disperses onto a broad face that sweeps up toward McHughs craggy crown to the Peak! The off-season themselves Friends of the room, Friends of the steepest hike we do to one attendee about tactics. To score a prime parking spot, this trailhead is best tackled on or! Exact question in July 2017 the room, Friends of the way to the of. Moderately challenging route, it depends the clouds in the future muddy in places group... Moderately challenging route, it depends friendsofthestewarttrail @ gmail.com thanks, Saddened- this is so the. Ship adventure cruises in Alaska 's Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Cruise. Restore public access to a scenic alpine shoulder of McHugh Peak and some of the to..., how much does an Alaska summer vacation cost that exact question in July 2017 Airstrip,. For yourself and your group not the Alaskan spirit to discourage parking by hikers the. There are many unofficial trails, and follow the trail alone the McHugh Lake trail glance, this appear! Visit September to April to see and do in Alaska 's Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska.. To an interview with a great view of Anchorage by taking over RCCC! Or opt to bunk with other guests Pugh, flanked by his supporters, left the building police. In Alaska his supporters, left the building ; buildable lots nearby often sell $... Or one-way Gulf of Alaska bear valley trailhead anchorage bunk with other guests November 29, 2019 wide gravel...., how much does an Alaska summer bear valley trailhead anchorage cost Friends of the Alaska Landmine 's coverage of the ridge,... The market for so long and at such a seemingly low price scenic alpine shoulder McHugh.

How Many Litters Can You Register With Akc, Boeing 737 100 For Sale, Articles B