Kachemak Bay

Guide to in Kachemak Bay State Park Trail Description: Safety and Considerations: Be prepared for emergencies, carry a satellite phone, and file a trip plan with a friend. Use water purification techniques for drinking water to avoid contracting Giardiasis (beaver fever). Camping: China Poot Lake Campsite, Wosnesenski River gravel bars, Haystack Trailhead beach area. Park Rules: Visit http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/kbay/kbay.htm for a complete set of park rules. Park Access: Kachemak Bay State Park is accessed via boat from the Homer Harbor. Local water taxis can provide transportation to park trailheads. The trail begins along the Poot Peak Trail, about 10 minutes from the bridge at China Poot Lake. From here, it winds pleasantly through forests, meadows and bogs, along the shores of three lakes. It then climbs a low ridge and drops into the Wosnesenski River Valley. Heading west from the expansive gravel bars of the river here, the trail climbs over a ridge and continues along the river, winding in and out of groves of large cottonwoods. A spectacular 600 foot waterfall is visible from several miles across the valley. After passing power lines, the trail intersects with a small utility access road. Turn right (north) and follow the road to Haystack Trailhead. If starting from the Haystack bulletin board, an orange triangle seen across the flats to the southeast marks the trail. The Wosnesenski River is a typical glacial river, braided with gravel flats on either side, a highly scenic area with sweeping vistas of mountains and glaciers to the south. Note: Tidal flats at Haystack Trailhead flood at 16+ foot tides. Water Availability: Access: China Poot Lake Campsite (China Poot Lake Trail); Marine access (tide dependent) at Haystack Trailhead Allowable Uses: Hiking Distance: 11.3 miles one way Elevation Gain: 900 ft Difficulty: Easy (along river flats) to Moderate (long switchbacks) Hiking Time: 10 hours from Haystack Trailhead to China Poot Lake Wosnesenski WosnesenskiRiver RiverTrail Trail Elevation(Feet) (Feet) Elevation Wosnesenski River Trail 700 700 600 600 500 500 400 400 300 300 200 200 100 100 00 Haystack TH 00 11 22 33 China Poot Lake 44 55 66 77 Distance Distance(miles) (miles) Wosnesenski River (glacial), China Poot Lake, Moose Valley Creek, Stonehocker Creek Alaska State Parks, Kenai Area Office PO Box 1247 Soldotna, AK (907) 262 - 5581 88 99 10 10 11 11 12 12