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Spaulding Trail Hike |
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About Spaulding TrailSpaulding Trail in Juneau, Alaska is a 3.1-mile trail that's good for hiking, running, and cross-country skiing. It's located in Tongass National Forest and starts at Glacier Highway mile 12.3, ending at Spaulding Meadows.The trail is considered moderately challenging and takes about 2 hours and 53 minutes to complete. Some say it's best to visit between May and August, and dogs are welcome on a leash. Here are some facts about Spaulding Trail: Trail featuresThe trail begins on an old gravel road that leads to a muskeg meadow, then goes through a wooded area to another meadow, and finally ends in a large subalpine muskeg meadow.Trail ConditionsThe trail can be muddy in warm weather and is an important Nordic ski route in the winter.WildlifeJuneau's trails are home to a variety of wildlife, including small animals like mice, squirrels, and beavers, and larger animals like deer, mountain goats, and bears.My HikeI took off one morning, headed for this trail. I had never been on this trail in the, over 50 years I've lived here. This was a trail I had always wanted to do and this was the day I was going to attempt it.It was a somewhat more difficult trail that the ones I had taken recently, but the reviews I read stated that it wasn't too difficult. I got to the trailhead and prepared myself for the long 2+ hour hike, out and back. Had my pistol, bear spray, water bottle, camera's and anything else I could think of that was essential for hiking on an alaskan trail into the forest. On the way I noted the many berry bushes that were in bloom, but had not yet developed any berries. Mostly salmon berries and blueberries. Since this was early spring, it would be a few more months before they would ripen. Along the way I came across alot of freshly blooming skunk cabbage. I love skunk cabbage because in my mind, this determines the beginning of spring in Juneau. The trail seemed to be well maintained at the beginning, with few puddles and mud. And, where there was mud and soggy muskeg, there were planks placed to make travel easier. Several wildflowers starting to pop their heads up and new growth of devil's club was also sprouting up with new leaves forming at the tops of their stalks. Roots across the trail added a bit of texture on the trail and every so often you cross a small bridge taking you across small trickles of streams. As I proceeded up the trail, I came across several meadows, and since it was a sunny day, it added to the beauty of the view. One point I came across a meadow that added a nice view overlooking Auke Bay at a slight elevation. This trail was well worth it if not just for the views. Unfortunately, after about 1.75 miles in, I had to call it quits, The trail onward was in need of repair. I felt it was too dangerous to attempt to proceed any further. Trail almost disappeared in places and several places that the drop offs were so significant that I would probably need better hiking shoes to attempt navigating it. You could tell it was slippery and rugged. Overall, this hike was nice up to this point. Was a good exercise day and hopefully, I will attempt it again in the future. |
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