Eagle River - Glen Alps, A Bear of a Hike
by Scott Bailey, Scree

Rumors of a one day ski traverse, done previously by an AAC member, from South Fork Eagle River to Glen Alps prompted this exploratory hike on July 18.  From the South Fork trailhead to the outlet of Eagle Lake the muddy trail was no match for knee high rubber boots.  Right behind us came 8-10 members of one of Karen Cafmeyer's climbing classes.  After a quick boot change, onto the Eagle Lake "hut", where two tents were on top and one inside.  After a food break we started traversing the slopes above Symphony Lake to reach the eastern most saddle.  This is not the lowest saddle on the ridge but the most doable.  Below, the sprouting of multi-colored tents near the "hut" reminded me of many Sierra Nevada campsites.

After topping out at the saddle, the long telemark slopes 1-2 miles and steep chutes directly below us for the "ski-to-die" types made the side-hilling worthwhile.  We headed down the west side of the bowl, saving time and distance instead of following the potentially faster ski slope.  Two-thirds of the way down, a cry went up, "Bear!"  A sow and yearling cub were about 100 yards below us and to the left.  Dick Nenahlo unslung his .357 mag rifle while Dave and I blew the whistle and rang the bear bell louder.  Off they went bounding down the slope much faster than us, heading 50 yards left of where we were planning to leave the slope and get into a clear area.  Once we got to the drop-off, the "clear" areas next to Ship Creek looked more inviting and with no bear in sight, on we went.  Into the swamp!  Large piles of bear scat were frequent as we skirted the "really" wet areas to get to the first of two fords of the creek.

The ford was easy after a change to sneakers for the cold water.  After the second ford and change to boots for the rest of the trip, we hit the Arctic Indian trail and made good time even through the tall plants and willows.  The Bird Creek fork of the trail went one way but we kept heading toward the Indian/Ship Creek fork.  Two miles along the trail more bears!  Dick spotted a blonde sow and a two-year-old 200 yards up the slope above us.  The sow took off at a run but the "cub" was really curious standing up and looking and listening to our attempt at a wilderness "symphony."  Once we made the Ship Creek cutoff no more bear, but unbearable brush lead to several miles of side-hilling on wet grass and slippery slopes (adjustable ski poles were very handy).  The slope up to the saddle between the Wedge and the Ramp seemed endless.  Finally, at 12:30 a.m., we saw the lights of Anchorage.  After a rest and water break we dropped down the South Fork of Campbell Creek, crossed to the trail on the north side andgot to Dave Hanneman's car at 4:30 a.m., 20+ hours for the "day."

We concluded it would be a good TWO day trip skiing or hiking.  The snow conditions would be critical and for the traverse above Symphony Lake, crampons, ice axe or self-arrest ski poles would be needed.  A light weight rope, 8mm would be handy, too.  Alpine skills, practiced and honed, and partners with a sense of humor are necessary.  Trip members were Dick Nenahlo, Dave Hanneman and me.