Kachemak Bay

Kachemak Bay SP & SWP https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/kenai/kachemakbayswp.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kachemak_Bay_State_Park Kachemak Bay State Park was the first legislatively designated state park in the Alaska State Parks system. Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park is the state's only legislatively designated wilderness park. There is no road access to most areas of the park, visitors normally fly in or travel by boat from Homer. Kachemak Bay is considered a critical habitat area due to the biodiversity in the area. Wildlife within the park includes marine mammals such as sea otters, sea lions, and whales, large land mammals such as moose and black bears, and numerous sea and land birds. Terrain consists of both rocky and sandy beaches, dense mountain forests, and higher up, glaciers, and icefields. The park ranger station is located in Halibut Cove Lagoon.

Welcome to Park History For More Information Believed to be descended from the Chugach Eskimo, the indigenous inhabitants of this area harvested sustenance from Kachemak Bay’s diverse riches including fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. Archaeological remains show evidence of thriving culture and traditions, but around 500 A.D. these people left the bay; their motives remain undiscovered. However, Kachemak Bay did not remain untapped by humans for long. By the time of European exploration, the area was the territory of the Dena’ina Athabascans. Homer Ranger Station (907) 235-7024 Marine VHF Ch. 16 Kenai Area Office PO Box 1247 Soldotna, AK 99669 (907) 262-5581 Kachemak Bay State Park & State Wilderness Park www.alaskastateparks.org www.alaskastatetrails.org Before the establishment of the park, the land “across the bay” was a place of natural beauty, solitude, and recreation for the people of Homer. When Kachemak Bay State Park was designated in June 1970, it became Alaska’s very first state park. People quickly took to the park, making it one of Alaska’s most loved backcountry destinations, and over the years legislative actions added acreage and a wilderness park. Today, there are nearly 400,000 acres of land within the parks, every one of them the result of concerned lawmakers and grassroots citizen action to preserve and protect this marvelous corner of the Alaskan landscape. Welcome Alaska’s first state park and only wilderness park together encompass nearly 400,000 breathtaking acres of mountains, glaciers, forest, coastline, and ocean. The park boasts an unmatched variety of habitats, wildlife, and recreational opportunities including: fishing, hunting, kayaking, beachcombing, camping, and hiking on over 85 miles of trails leading into the backcountry. Go where no road can take you, and set your course for one of the wildest and most remote state parks in the wildest and most remote state. Tutka Lake Background photo Alpine Ridge Photos not otherwise credited are courtesy of Alaska State Parks employees Overlooking Kachemak Bay and Homer Spit Photo courtesy of Leanne Quirk Grewingk Glacier Lake Photo courtesy of Emily Lochart Beachcombing Paddle Boarding Berry Picking Photography Biking Picnicking Bird Watching Public-Use Cabins Camping Canoeing Kite surfing in Kachemak Bay Photo courtesy of Emily Lochart Packrafting Relaxing Clam Digging Scuba Diving Climbing Skiing Exploring Snowshoeing Fishing Solitude Glacier Traversing Tidepooling Hiking Surfing Horseback Riding Tracking Hunting & Trapping Whale Watching Kayaking Wildlife Viewing On the Water Getting There Public-Use Cabins Access to these parks is by boat or airplane. Air charters, water taxi services, and boat rentals are available in Homer. Check the Kachemak Bay webpage at www.alaskastateparks.org for a list of authorized commercial air and water taxi services. Six public-use cabins located at Halibut Cove Lagoon, Leisure Lake, Moose Valley, and Tutka Bay are available for rent. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. For reservations and informational fact sheets for each cabin, visit www.alaskastateparks.org. Red squirrel Photo courtesy of Emily Lochart Wildlife Kachemak Bay is a State Critical Habitat Area with estuaries, coves, and fjords that support a myriad of marine wildlife. Rich intertidal zones offer natural classrooms for marine studies. Visitors frequently observe sea otters, harbor seals, porpoises, and various whale species among the waves. On land, you may spot moose, black bears, mountain goats, coyotes, and wolves. Many bird species also inhabit the area, including bald eagles, gyrfalcons, murres, and puffins. Six yurts are available for rent at various locations in Kachemak Bay State Park. A commercial operator maintains and rents these yurts. Each yurt sleeps a maximum of eight people and is equipped with a wood stove. Contact the Homer Ranger Station for more information. China Poot campsite Camping Black bear cubs Photo courtesy of Emily Lochart Always wear a life jacket. The bay can be rough at times. When conditions are poor, be patient as the weather often improves in the evening. Carry food and warm clothing for an unexpected overnight. Marine charts show many of the bay’s hazards and should be carried by all boat operators. Refer to Nautical Chart #16645, Gore Point to Anchor Point. For more information on safe boating, visit www.alaskaboatingsafety.org. Yurt Rentals Photo courtesy of Emily Lochart Sandpipers and dunlin Photo courtesy of Chuck Young/USFWS Tufted puffin pair Photo courtesy USFWS Mountaineering Alaska State Parks Area Highlights Otter eating a crab Photo courtesy of Jill Wheeler Backpacking Coalition Bay yurt Camping is allowed in most areas of the park. Several sites throughout the park have amenities for campers including: fire rings, picnic tables, tent platforms, toilets, and bear-resistant food caches. Check the

Kachemak Bay State Park KNWR And Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park a Bradley Lake Be o R d ar C ov e m ak Gla cie E n d K ac h e SAD DL F ier ac AI 3. 8 Gr TR N 2. 3 LA G OO a Po 4.0 ot Cr eek LOOP T A RAIL 2-Loon 4Lake 1. er PO OT 1.3 K Poot Peak PE NATIONAL N 0.7 2.1 AK Ba L A SO U TH T R IL y S N I A Tutka Lake cie Gla Sea Star Cove 5 2. E AK R oa d L Tutka TR A I R L o c k Upper Tutka y K A v e r R i la ci er E N I So SA Petrof Lake BAY PA S R o a d ut he rn G KACHEMAK PARK A STATE K m Di STATE Pi cn i Ba 0 ck c Ha WILDERNESS PARK Ha S d un rbo 0 r PORT O B AY Bo Cov DICK K-Bay State Wilderness Park O ne Ha Cove Kenai National Wildlife Refuge ul Kenai Fjords National Park Ba y Lake This dataset includes GPS data collected during the summer of 2009 as part of the Alaska State Parks Trail Inventory Project. This map product has been reviewed by park staff. MudFlat GU L 1.0 Palmer Trail Trail Mileage Valdez State Highway Wetland Produced by: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Support Services, Land Records Information Section. Date Printed:December 12, 2009. Cartographers: Martin Stahl, Andre Kaeppele Location Map Legend Kachemak Bay State Park er B AY 2 Gore Point Lake ot gg D Y 1 Kilometers 4 Coordinate System: NAD83, State Plane Alaska, Zone 4 Contour Interval 200 Feet e le W IN 4 Miles r r bo R Y 2 ay T a ko m a CK 1 Anchorage Major Road Primative Road Stream Trailhead Public Cabin PR IN rt ET Po Port Dick Lake CE IA M LL WI ND SO U IN L Ar Seward CO O K Roc t BAY na y lor e KACHEMAK i To n s Ba Ta y ak ky L We s y N U K A N U AND Tutka Lake TU TK A Bay ISL 9 0. y 1.4 r T Upper Hazelle Lake O GE Ba M ier Ya l i k P e t ro f Tutka Bay Lagoon U N s Ba ac m ro Tutka-Jakolof South Grace Ridge n Gl IL A IL Ar Do Kinnikinnik Lake RA 2.1 T R TU A TK - J A KALOF T hi r Sadie Peak cie E f t Glac i er Gla nsk i G a We s ve Wo sne se RI J a ka l o tk y k RIVER Hazelle Lake 4. 5 PARK ty OT Moose Valley FJORDS VA LL E A IL PARK Grace Ridge Summit ci li 4. 7 la KENAI SE 2.1 1. 0 M o o se Valle y C reek 0.9 ts IL RA la M OO Co E AC BAY TR K G Goat Rope Summit Ya STATE Kayak Beach / Quarry 8.9 S I Sadie China Poot Lake RIVER EN k au KI Cree Be SE N S k t I S NE bu ing L WO li ew 3.6 LITIO N 4th Lake WOSNES Tu ka Nu Ridge n eh o EM L Gl Po Pla rtl te LO OP 2.2 LA KE E RALD G LA T ES L TR AIL RA SO r Grewingk Glacier Lake TRA I sage Glacie REFUGE Y Sadie Knob South Eldred D er T TH OR Pas n WILDLIFE AI ci A PE 1.1 re d xo R ID GE 1. 9 Detail PO Eld Di ck PIN E 2.5 OT LAKE T PO3 . N 1 TH 6 1. T RAIL 2.6 1.9 0.5 TR la CH I F KACHEMAK n eo Mc K OB lo 1.6 China Poot Lake KN rt L COALITIO N T R AI Chin H UT A IL GO AT S P RO P E UR 0.8 TR A IL Halibut Cove Lagoon R Po West Lagoon COA SADIE AL Saddle Co ve Haystack NO IL Ha North Eldred E L bu t K A Coalition GR RA ET TRAIL M E Rusty's Right Beach / Kachemak Crack Ha l i P LOO 0.25 G IC Kilometers 0.5 i t H C A K 0.5 Miles NATIONAL B LU T R p s sty' Ru goo n a KE 2.3 4 1. 0 1.4 KENAI Emerald Lake E TRAIL S 0.25 LA ek K r 0 R E LA Glacier Spit C IE LAK 2 0. E A GL Emerald Lake E LA K LD L TRAI O e 0.4 OP Cre U T M RA K T AIL G IN TR EW PUR .0 R 1 G S 6 2. Estuary k e P O TR AI Y AR RA E L IL m INA EM Halibut Cove Lagoon 4. 1 LO East A o CH k oc au re T R H A C O TR LO N N D AL ER O O gk TI Overlook IL VE EM LI Public Dock 1.8 RI R MALLARD / EMERALD CONNECTOR TRAIL Humpy C COA West K 1.3 TR A IL Humpy Creek ewin Halibut Cove Lagoon Bay n o Lago Cove Mallard Bay Mallard Gr Homer libut RT B Detail Map Ha Y A PO a E t 1. 0 s Campsite F OF A K S ALA Kachemak Bay State Park: (907) 235-7024. Alaska State Parks: www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks. Emergency: 911. The State of Alaska makes no expressed or implied warranties (including warranties of merchantability and fitness) with respect to the character, function, or capabilities of this product or its appropriateness for any user's purposes. In no event will the State of Alaska be liable for any incidental, indirect, special, consequential or other damages suffered by the user or any other person or entity whether from use of the product, any failure thereof or otherwise, and in no event will the State of Alaska's liability to you or anyone else exceed the fee paid for the product. Glacier Restroom Moraine Hand Tram Freshwater Source Viewpoint Homer KA E CH MA K Y BA Kachemak Bay State Park & State Wilderness Park 0 25 0 15 50 30 100 Miles Kilometers 60 r 

Guide to Alpine Ridge Trail Trail Description: in Kachemak Bay State Park A popular, quick route to alpine areas, this trail begins near the high point on the Saddle Trail and steeply follows a ridge through spruce and alder to alpine tundra, ending on a treeless knoll (near 2100 feet), with spectacular views of Grewingk Glacier and a deep glacial valley. Alpine tundra above treeline invites further exploration of the ridge. Park Access: Kachemak Bay State Park is accessed via boat from the Homer Harbor. Local water taxis can provide transportation to most park trailheads. Trail Access: Saddle Trailhead: Saddle Trail to Lagoon Trail Allowable Uses: Hiking Distance: 1.9 miles Elevation Gain: 1600 feet Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult; long, steep climbs Hiking Time: 2 hours (to treeline) Camping: No campsites at or near trailhead; no developed sites, backcountry camping above timberline. Alpine areas are extremely fragile; please practice no trace camping, no campfires. Lagoon Trail Treeline Water Availability: Limited water, no streams; seasonal pools beyond trail end. Use water purification techniques for drinking water to avoid contracting Giardiasis (beaver fever). Park Rules: Visit http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/kbay/kbay.htm for a complete set of park rules. Alaska State Parks, Kenai Area Office PO Box 1247 Soldotna, AK (907) 262 - 5581 

Guide to China Poot Lake Trail in Kachemak Bay State Park Trail Access: Halibut Cove Lagoon Trailhead; protected anchorage with mooring buoys and public dock Allowable Uses: Hiking Distance: 2.8 miles one way Elevation Gain: 500 feet Difficulty: Moderate; short, steep climbs Hiking Time: 1.5 hours China Poot Lake Halibut Cove Lagoon Trail Description: Camping: This popular trail climbs through the forest and over a low ridge, passing two small lakes where loons are common and blueberries are plentiful (August). The trail offers good views of Poot Peak and meanders through a cottonwood grove before arriving at China Poot Lake. Developed campsites at Halibut Cove Lagoon Trailhead, and at China Poot Lake Campsite. Public Use Cabin on China Poot Lake (reservations required (907) 269-8400). Park Access: Kachemak Bay State Park is accessed via boat from the Homer Harbor. Local water taxis can provide transportation to most park trailheads. Park Rules: For a complete set of park rules visit: ht tp: / /d nr. al a sk a. go v / par k s/ un it s /k ba y / kbay.htm Water Availability: At trailhead; several small streams along trail; China Poot Lake; Moose Valley Creek. Special Features: China Poot Lake offers good fishing. Pleasant day hike form Halibut Cove Lagoon. Connects with many other trails in the area including Wosnesenski River, Coalition Loop, Moose Valley, and Poot Peak. Alaska State Parks, Kenai Area Office PO Box 1247 Soldotna, AK (907) 262 - 5581 

Guide to Emerald Lake Loop & Mallard Bay Trails in Kachemak Bay State Park Trail Access: Humpy Creek, Mallard Bay, or Glacier Spit Trailheads Allowable Uses: Hiking Distance: Emerald Lake Loop: 12.6 mi Mallard Bay Trail: 0.6 mi Mallard/Emerald Connector: 1.1 mi Elevation Gain: Emerald Lake Loop: 2800 ft; Emerald/Mallard Connector: 500 ft Mallard Bay: 200 ft in, 100 ft out Difficulty: Emerald Lake Loop: Easy (flats) to Difficult (long steep climbs); Mallard/Emerald Connector: Difficult; Mallard Bay: Easy to Moderate (long switchbacks); Emerald Lake: Moderate to Difficult Hiking Time: Emerald Lake Loop: 5 hrs; Emerald/Mallard Connector: 45 min; Mallard Bay: 30 min Emerald Lake Loop Trail: This loop accesses beautiful Emerald Lake and its alpine surroundings. Starting at Humpy Creek Trailhead/Campsite, head South, crossing Humpy Creek (known for its pink “humpy” salmon). Then Mallard Bay Trail: This trail climbs over a ridge from the Mallard Bay Trailhead/ Campsite to the Portlock River. cross a flat, mostly open, outwash plain before passing Mallard/Emerald Connector Trail: This trail connects the Emerald Lake Loop several blue ponds. The trail then threads a narrow rock Trail with the Mallard Bay Trail. From the Mallard Bay Trail junction, the trail as- “flume” where Grewingk Creek once flowed, past the cable cends switchbacks to the Emerald Lake Trail junction. tram that crosses Grewingk Creek. While camping is good here, remember that black bears frequent the area. From Grewingk Creek, the trail climbs over Foehn Ridge, offering views of Grewingk Glacier and outwash flats. Descending the ridge, the trail crosses flatlands to Grewingk Glacier Lake. Look for glacier ice floating in the lake. From Grewingk Lake the trail climbs up exposed rock, then along a lateral moraine into the forest. A bridge then crosses Humpy Creek before reaching treeline. A 0.2 mile spur leads to Emerald Lake and campsite at a junction (a small stream may be difficult to cross during spring melt). The trail then climbs to Portlock Plateau where there are fantastic views of Kackemak Bay. Look for bears and mountain goats high on the ridges. Alpine portions of the trail are marked with rock cairns and white spars. The trail then descends a ridge (follow cairns and spars carefully) into alders then a spruce forest plagued by spruce bark beetles and wind storms. The trail then descends past the Mallard/Emerald Connector Trail junction to the tidewater flats of Kachemak Bay. Continue South along the tidewater flats (area floods at extreme high tides) to return to Humpy Creek Trailhead/Campsite. Camping: Developed campsites at Humpy Creek, Grewingk Glacier Lake (undeveloped) Emerald Lake, and Mallard Bay. Undeveloped camping on small beach north of the Mallard Bay trailhead (extreme high-tides flood the trailhead beach) Water Availability: Humpy Creek, Grewingk Glacier Lake, Emerald Lake, Portlock River (glacial), Grewingk Creek (glacial) & nearby ponds, and seasonally at Mallard Bay Trailhead Special Features: Humpy Creek offers good fishing and wildlife viewing. Emerald Lake is very remote and scenic. ADVISORY: Black bears frequent the mouth of Humpy Creek during the months of July and August, when salmon are spawning. Park Access: Kachemak Bay State Park is accessed via boat from the Homer Harbor. Local water taxis can provide transportation to most park trailheads. Park Rules: For a complete set of park rules visit: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/kbay/kbay.htm Alaska State Parks, Kenai Area Office PO Box 1247 Soldotna, AK (907) 262 - 5581 

Guide to Glacier Lake, Saddle, & Blue Ice Trails in Kachemak Bay State Park Trail Access: Glacier Spit, Saddle, or Humpy Creek Allowable Uses: Hiking Distance: 3.2 mi one-way (Glacier Lake Trail) 1.0 mi one way (Saddle Trail) 6.7 mi one-way (Glacier Spit to Blue Ice Trail end) Elevation Gain: 200 ft (Glacier Lake Trail) 200 ft (Glacier Lake to Saddle Trailhead) 500 ft (Glacier Spit to Blue Ice Trail end) Difficulty: Easy; family suitable (Glacier Lake Trail) Moderate (Saddle Trail) Moderate (Blue Ice Trail) Hiking Time: 1.5 hours (to end Glacier Lake Trail) 30 minutes (Saddle Trail) 5 hours (Glacier Spit to Blue Ice Trail end) Blue Ice Trail: This is the only developed access to Grewingk Glacier. The trail starts from mile 4.9 of the Emerald Lake Loop Trail. It passes along the shoreline of Grewingk Lake and follows a creek to Tarn Lake, a small lake in the area recently uncovered by glacial ice, and hence denuded of vegetation. The glacier has retreated to leave a moraine in its wake. Hikers can travel a short distance to the moraine and look down on the glacier, or explore newly exposed rocky ridges to the south of this point. Grewingk Tram Spur (1 mile, easy) This spur connects Glacier Lake Trail and Emerald Lake Loop Trail. There is a handoperated cable car pulley system over Grewingk Creek. Operation requires two people. Maximum capacity of the tram is 500 pounds. If only two people are crossing the tram, one person should stay behind and assist in pulling the other across. Two people in the tram cart without assistance from others on the platform is difficult. Gloves are helpful in operating the tram. Glacier Lake & Saddle Trails: A Popular route joins the Saddle and Glacier Lake Trails. The Glacier Lake Trail follows flat terrain through stands of cottonwoods & spruce, and across the dry outwash plain of Grewingk Glacier. It ends at the broad open beaches of Grewingk Glacier Lake. This trail offers superb views of the glacier and its surrounding peaks. Excellent dayhike. Most people get dropped off at the Glacier Spit Trailhead, hike to the lake, hike the Saddle Trail, and get picked up at the Saddle Trailhead. This is also recommended because afternoon day breezes complicate pick-ups at the Glacier Spit Trailhead. Camping: Glacier Spit, Grewingk Glacier Lake, Grewingk Creek, Tarn Lake, Humpy Creek, Right Beach (accessible at low tide from Glacier Spit) Water Availability: Grewingk Creek (glacial), Grewingk Glacier Lake (glacial), small streams near glacier and on Saddle Tr. Safety and Considerations: CAUTION: Unless properly trained and outfitted for glacier travel, do not climb on the ice or within the caves. Hidden crevasses (cracks) are deadly perils. Enjoy this natural wonder at a safe distance. Do not attempt to ford Grewingk Creek, it is very swift and cold! ` Park Rules: For a complete set of park rules visit: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/kbay kbay.htm Alaska State Parks, Kenai Area Office PO Box 1247 Soldotna, AK (907) 262 - 5581 

Guide to Grace Ridge Trail in Kachemak Bay State Park Stunning views of Eldred Passage, Sadie Peak, Cook Inlet volcanoes and beyond are available here. Watch for mountain goats, black bears, golden and bald eagles. To continue, follow the marked route through the alders to the southeast, cross a saddle, and climb the alpine ridgelines to the peak (3105 feet). There is good spring skiing in this area's bowls. The alpine portions of this route are unmarked, but it is easy to follow the "knife" ridges. Descending into the alders again, the trail switchbacks into the spruce forest, ending at Tutka Bay. Camping: Developed and popular campsites at Kayak Beach; less developed campsites at South Grace Trailhead Trail Description: The trail begins on left side of gravel beach at Kayak Beach Campsite (an area once used as a rock quarry). It follows an old road now densely inhabited by alders, then begins climbing through an old growth Sitka Spruce forest. Mile 1.4 offers an excellent view of Sadie Knob. Huge spruce trees dot the narrow ridge and the roar of hidden waterfalls below can be heard. At mile 1.6, a creek rushing along the trail offers a good water source (before climbing to alpine areas). Climbing on through sub-alpine alders and meadows to mile 2.9, an alpine knob (1745 feet) offers an excellent destination for a half-day hike. Trail Access: Marine Access; North access at Kayak Beach Campsite (exposed site); a short connector trail offers alternative anchorage on Sadie Cove side of point); South access at South Grace Trailhead with good anchorage (across Tutka Bay from Sea Star Cove Public Use Cabin). Allowable Uses: Hiking Distance: 8.9 miles one way Elevation Gain: 3100 feet Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (long climbs) Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Water Availability: Seasonal stream at Kayak Beach, good stream near mile 1.6, no water on ridge, seasonal creeks near South Grace Trailhead. Park Access: Kayak Beach Kachemak Bay State Park is accessed via boat from the Homer Harbor. Local water taxis can provide transportation to most park trailheads. Park Rules: For a complete set of park rules visit: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/kbay kbay.htm Alaska State Parks, Kenai Area Office PO Box 1247 Soldotna, AK (907) 262 - 5581 South Grace 

Guide to Moose Valley Trail in Kachemak Bay State Park Trail Access: North End - Mile 1.0 China Poot Lake Trail ; South End - Mile 0.8 Poot Peak South Allowable Uses: Hiking Distance: 6.7 miles one way Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (long grades) Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours Park Access: Trail Description: Beginning at China Poot Lake Trail junction (mile 1.0), this trail passes along the shore of Two Loon Lake, ascends through forested ridges and valleys, and then opens into Moose Valley's cottonwood meadows - alive with wildflowers and cow parsnip in mid-summer. Be attentive - tall grasses can obscure trail markers. Look for high waterfalls beyond the log footbridge over Moose Valley Creek and the gravel bar campsite (mile 1.6). Watch for goats on mountain ridges. Trail turns south, then switchbacks up the back of Poot Peak and passes the subalpine "Garden" lakes. (Trail here may be obscured by snow in early summer.) Trail ends at intersection with Poot Peak Trail. Kachemak Bay State Park is accessed via boat from the Homer Harbor. Local water taxis can provide transportation to most park trailheads. Camping: Good camping on creek gravel bars above the ridge near mile 1.2, developed site at mile 1.6, subalpine meadows near Poot Peak. Water Availability: Two Loon Lake; Moose Valley Creek; small streams; Garden Lakes. Special Features: Trail traverses a variety of landscapes from Spruce/Cottonwood forest to open meadows and alpine lakes. Lightly travelled trail affords opportunities for solitude. Much wildlife; particularly Moose and Bear. Historic cabin along trail depicts areas history. Park Rules: For a complete set of park rules visit: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/kbay/kbay.htm Alaska State Parks, Kenai Area Office PO Box 1247 Soldotna, AK (907) 262 - 5581 

Guide to Poot Peak Trail in Kachemak Bay State Park Trail Access: 0.5 miles from the bridge at China Poot Lake along the Wosnesenski Trail. Allowable Uses: Hiking Distance: 4.3 miles one way (North to South loop with summit) Elevation Gain: 2,430 feet Difficulty: Very Difficult; steep rocky climbs Hiking Time: North Route 3-4 hours; South Route 4-5 hours; Summit Route 1-2 hours Poot Peak North/ South/Summit Jct. Trail Description: This popular trail circles Poot Peak and climbs the 2,600 foot summit. The North Route (1.1 mi.) climbs from the Woznesenski River Trail, 0.4 miles from the bridge at China Poot Lake. The steep, slick, unmaintained route climbs rapidly through spruce forest, alders, and loose scree slopes. The Summit Spur leads to the peak climbing very steeply for the 0.2 miles to a rocky bench or “lower summit” (2100 feet). This is a good stop for those unprepared to summit. CAUTION: It is recommended that only climbers with rock climbing training continue beyond this point. Climbing the 2600-foot peak is hazardous due to shifting scree and rock. Hand and foot holds are poor at best, and worse when wet. The rewards above treeline include superb views of Wosnesenski Glacier and KachemakBay. The lightly used South Route (2.8-miles) begins after the Summit Spur junction, passing alder thickets, meadows, and ponds. Poot Peak South offers stunning views of alpine lakes, expansive glaciers and the Kenai Mountains. Park Access: Kachemak Bay State Park is accessed via boat from the Homer Harbor. Local water taxis can provide transportation to most park trailheads. Camping: China Poot Lake Campsite Water Availability: Moose Valley Creek; Small creek near trailhead; Seasonal snowfields; No water on peak . Special Features: The view from the summit of Poot Peak is the best in the park. South route accesses a beautiful lake studded alpine area. This is the most challenging trail in the park. Park Rules: For a complete set of park rules visit: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/kbay/kbay.htm Alaska State Parks, Kenai Area Office PO Box 1247 Soldotna, AK (907) 262 - 5581 

Guide to Sadie Knob Trail Trail Access: North Eldred - North end of beach, Sadie Knob Trail Sadie Knob Trail Sadie Knob Trail North of Anisom Point; South Eldred - North of Sadie 1000 1000 Cove Inlet, north of small islands. Please respect pri- 800 800 800 Allowable Uses: Hiking Distance: 1.6 mi North Eldred to Spur Trail; 1.9 mi 1000 Elevation (feet) Elevation(feet) (feet) Elevation vate properties South of these two trailheads. in Kachemak Bay State Park 600 600 600 400 400 400 North Eldred South Eldred Spur Trail Jct. 200 200 200 0 00 0 00 South Eldred to Spur Trail; 2.6 mi Spur Trail to Sadie 1 11 2 3 2 33 2 Distance (miles) Distance Distance(miles) (miles) Knob Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet from sea level Sadie Knob Spur Trail Sadie Knob Sadie Knob SpurSpur Trail Trail trail. Trail Description: Sadie Knob Trail accesses an alpine ridge between Sadie Cove and Kachemak Bay. The North and the South Routes connect the North and South ends of Eldred Passage; both join the Spur Trail at Quiet Creek. The Spur Trail climbs through spruce forest, flowery meadows and along a subalpine lake. Emerging above timberline, and marked only with rock cairns or orange trail markers, the trail follows the ridgeline to Sadie Knob (2100 feet). From Sadie Knob, hikers gain superb and expansive 360 degree views of Kachemak Bay, Sadie Peak, Sadie Cove, Eldred Passage and Cook Inlet volcanoes. Watch for mountain goats, black bears and eagles. 2500 2500 2500 Elevation (meters) Hiking Time: 3hrs for Sadie Knob; 2hrs for spur Elevation(meters) (meters) Elevation Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (long climbs) 2000 2000 2000 Sadie Knob Jct. 1500 1500 1500 Sadie Knob 1000 1000 1000 500 500 500 0 00 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 1.5 2 11 1.5 1.5 22 Distance (miles) 2.5 2.5 2.5 Distance Distance(miles) (miles) Caution: Vertical cliffs and rugged country! Clouds often shroud the Sadie Knob, Emerald Lake and Grace Ridge areas, limiting visibility to under 50 feet. Trail "treads" do not exist in alpine areas, markers may not be visible, one to the next, and topography can be extremely confusing. Hikers may stray down wrong ridgelines, losing direction and trails. Often by waiting a short while, clouds will lift, offering glimpses of trail markers. Camping: Developed Campsites at North and South Eldred Trailheads, Undeveloped camping opportunities in alpine areas, no open fires. Water Availability: Seasonal creeks at both trailheads, Quiet Creek (where all trails intersect) ` Park Rules: For a complete set of park rules visit: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/kbay kbay.htm Alaska State Parks, Kenai Area Office PO Box 1247 Soldotna, AK (907) 262 - 5581 

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 

Photo courtesy of Bill Berkhahn Wood-Tikchik State Park Photo courtesy of Wayne Biessel Photo courtesy of Nicole Acevedo Photo courtesy of Mary Kowalczyk Background photo courtesy of Donna Olson Independence Mine State Historical Park Fort Rousseau State Historical Park Totem Bight State Historical Park Wildlife Viewing Independence Mine State Historical Park Photo courtesy of Wanda Scholze Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park Brown bear, Chugach State Park Trails Whale Watching Photo courtesy of Dan Kehlenbach Background photo, Wood-Tikchik State Park Alaska State Parks boasts an unrivaled multiuse trail system. Trails range from paved, ADA accessible paths to challenging mountain scrambles. Explore the map inside or visit us online at www.alaskastatetrails.org to view interactive maps and download printable guides. Photo courtesy of Justin Wholey Crow Pass Trail, Chugach State Park Swimming Snowshoeing Photo courtesy of Kyle Joly Chena River State Recreation Area Snowmachining Skiing Photo courtesy of Wayde Carroll Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site Wickersham State Historic Site Photo courtesy of Donna Quante Willow Creek State Recreation Area Running Photo courtesy of Kyle Joly Wood-Tikchik State Park Relaxing Alaska State Parks offers Shelter Island State Marine Park more than 80 public-use cabins for rent year-round. These coveted cabins are booked months in advance, so make your reservation today! For more information visit http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/cabins/index.htm. Photo courtesy of Andre Kaeppele Kachemak Bay State Park Pack Rafting Historic preservation is embedded in the Alaska State Parks’ mission statement. Our uniquely Alaskan State Historical Parks (SHP) and State Historic Sites (SHS) represent several eras of Alaska’s history and are as diverse as the places in which they reside: tour a hard-rock gold mining camp at Independence Mine SHP in Palmer; explore a WW II Army artillery base at Fort Abercrombie SHP in Kodiak; or view Tlingit and Haida designs on the totem poles and the clan house at Totem Bight SHP in Ketchikan. Rupe Andrews Cabin, Picnicking Public-Use Cabins Eklutna Lakeside Trail, Chugach State Park Photography Big Delta State Historical Park Johnson Lake State Recreation Area Birch Lake State Recreation Site Paragliding Pitch a tent in the backcountry or slide your RV into a drive-in slip. With over 2,500 campsites and limitless backcountry settings, there is no shortage of camping options in Alaska State Parks. Explore the map inside for a list of developed campgrounds. Orienteering History & Culture Camping For More Information: Visit us online at Alaska is big, wild, and scenic, www.alaskastateparks.org with a state park system to match. Encompassing Area Offices over 3.3 million acres of rugged, unspoiled terrain, Chugach State Park Potter Section House 18620 Seward Hwy. Anchorage, AK 99516 (907) 345-5014 the Alaska State Park System provides endless recreational opportunities year-round, and is a priceless resource for residents and visitors alike. Northern 3700 Airport Way Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 451-2695 Kenai/PWS P.O. Box 1247 Soldotna, AK 99669 (907) 262-5581 Southeast 400 Willoughby Ave. P.O. Box 111070 Juneau, AK 99811 (907) 465-2481 Kodiak District 1400 Abercrombie Dr. Kodiak, AK 99615 (907) 486-6339 Wood-Tikchik State Park P.O. Box 1822 Dillingham, AK 99576 (907) 842-2641 Mat-Su/Copper Basin 7278 E. Bogard Road Wasilla, AK 99654 (907) 745-3975 DNR Public Information Centers Anchorage: (907) 269-8400 Fairbanks: (907) 451-2705 Welcome to Alaska State Parks ATVing Backpacking Recreation From high alpine tundra to temperate rainforests, the state’s diverse landscapes are reflected in the parks, historic sites, recreation areas, trails, preserves, and special management areas that comprise the Alaska State Park System—a collection of 157 units Wood-Tikchik State Park Photo courtesy of Bill Berkhahn ranging in size from the half-acre Potter Section House State Historic Site to the 1.6-million-acre Wood-Tikchik State Park. Beachcombing Berry Picking Biking Bird Watching Denali State Park Photo courtesy of Erik Schlimmer Camping Canoeing Recreational opportunities are equally varied: hike through fields of lupine; pick blueberries under the midnight sun; snowmachine in Denali country; observe a pod of orcas from your sea kayak; or fish the world-famous Kenai River. Clamming Alaska State Park units are an essential component of the Alaskan lifestyle, with locals participating in wilderness recreation at a rate twice that of the national average. Alaskans make up over two-thirds of the 5.4 million annual visitors to our parks. Outdoors is “where it’s at” in the last frontier, and with a square mile of land for every resident, we have plenty of room for you to find your Alaska! Dog Mushing Climbing Exploring Fishing Hiking Horseback Riding The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation provides outdoor