Kachemak BayWosnesenski River Trail |
Guide to Wosnesenski River Trail at Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park (SP & SWP) in Alaska. Published by Alaska State Parks.
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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
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