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Rabbit Lake via Clarks Road
Blue-black waters below 2000-foot walls of the dramatic Suicide Peaks. The most accessible alpine lake in the Anchorage vicinity, and a scenic delight. Interesting homesteads along the early part of the way, and then private cabins almost to the shores.
From the New Seward Highway, at approximately 10 miles from Anchorage, take a left on DeArmoun Road. At the intersection with Rabbit Creek Road go straight ahead on Upper DeArmoun. _____ mile or so park just below a noticeable steepening of the grade. From the road end continue 2 miles across the broad bottom of Rabbit Creek valley. The lake lies near the base of the 5005- and 5065-foot Suicide Peaks, linked by the high saddle of Windy Gap.
Two side trips are particularly inviting. The first is as follows: Near the end of the jeep road the route passes below the ridge running southeast from Flattop. Starting at a point adjacent to where the ridge breaks away, climb 500 feet to a meadow and a small tarn nestled below the 1500-foot northwest flank of Hope Mountain (Ptarmigan Peak). Allow at least 1 hour up and down.
The second side trip is as follows: When facing Rabbit Lake and the Suicide Peaks, note the ridge to the right which runs east-west dividing Rabbit Creek valley from McHugh Creek valley. Climb easily up the end of this ridge to the top of McHugh Ridge for a long walk along the heights, approximately 4 miles. It is not necessary to climb over all the high points; one can skirt beneath them maintaining a fairly constant altitude. At a very large, flat area 2-1/2 to 3 miles from the start, traverse beneath a rugged looking peak. At its northern end scramble up, around, and through some rock to the grassy top of McHugh. No water and few snow patches on the ridge in summer. Views in both directions of Cook Inlet and mountains. Return can be made directly down to Rabbit Creek and out the jeep road.
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