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McHugh Peak Ridge Trail
30 Hikes: An excellent beginner's hike with unusual views of Cook Inlet and the city of Anchorage. The trail passes through large spruce and alpine plants to the rocky heights. Ridges above timber line provide delightful walks and overviews. Many pinnacles and subsidiary ridges can be explored.
Proceed afoot on a well-defined, switchbacking path which terminates on the adjoining ridge situated between Potter and Little Rabbit Creeks. The limit of timber is reached at about 2200 feet, giving way first to grassy tundra and then to mossy tundra mixed with the broken and crumbling rock characteristic of the Western Chugach. The terrain progressively steepens, but the ascent is never more than a scramble up rounded slopes; exposure is not a problem.
At 4155 feet the crest is attained, giving a choice of going either direction along McHugh Ridge, which has a roughly east west orientation. To the east the ridge narrows and rises to the 4301-foot summit, a rock pinnacle offering interesting scrambles. From here, and continuing onward and easterly, there are good views of upper McHugh Creek and Rabbit Creek valleys and the 5000-foot Suicide Peaks at their confluence. One may descend to McHugh Creek and out to McHugh Creek Campground or return via Rabbit Lake.
It is possible, and with children perhaps desirable, to bypass the first peak (4155 feet) by traversing beneath it to the left. Continue to traverse the north-facing slope below the ridge to the true summit (4301 feet). The summit is easily attained from the north side via cracks in the rocks. Small children will need help, but even the summit crag has nice grassy spots on it.
There is no water available on this hike. Do not follow the bulldozer track down into Little Rabbit Creek valley as visitors are unwelcome there.
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