bear valley trailhead anchoragebear valley trailhead anchorage

Documents obtained by the Landmine show that, starting in 2016, residents began a concerted effort to block members of the public from parking in the neighborhood. Heres your chance LM Team: Sue Pugh for slander. Take Kings Way to valley. It all seemed like so much work. McKinley). Problems with public access have proliferated across Chugach State Park, from the South Fork Eagle River Trailhead to Mt. All trails are moderate with wonderful view. We had been told that the HOA occasionally plowed snow into the trailhead cul-de-sacs fire truck turnaround to discourage parking by hikers. Brett Frazer hiking back down the McHugh Lake Trail toward the McHugh Creek Trailhead. Unless I missed a point- no where in this article does Alaska Landmine mention Private Property ownership Rights As longtime homesteaders of Potter Heights (60+ years) We knew The homesteaders that created Stewart road (the Millers were one) none of them did it to give the public recreational access to their land-Period!- Private property is just that- I stand with Frank Pugh, and other Potter land owners that want their privacy preserved. And thats when residents knew something had gone badly wrong. Never would have guessed, I really appreciate Seans well-thought-out and expressed comments, and cant disagree with anything he said. Proof: your dead end problem. Direction to the Golden View Trailhead. Bear Valley, Pugh began prominently displaying a large revolver on his hip, and reportedly began driving close behind nervous hikers with his truck. 15 Map. Cavanaugh emerged from the bushes yelling Go away! while waving a GoPro camera, and then attempted to block the trail with his vehicle. However, it was clear that the RCCC meetings under Pughs leadership had accomplished one thing: a resistance had crystallized. Groups are currently working to restore public access to this route. Melissas Monthly fhike. Hiding cameras. Turn left (northwest) onto the Turnagain Arm Trail and follow it about a third of a mile to the signed cutoff for the McHugh Lake Trail. It is steep; however, wherever you stop, you will have a gorgeous view of Anchorage and Chugach mountains, from Flattop far on the left to peak 2, 3, and Ptarmigan Peak. There are several approaches to this peak and this description starts from the Bear Valley neighborhood and utilizes the northwest shoulder to gain access to the north slopes for the final ascent. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! I have a lot to say that would not interest people who are closer to average, he explains in one post, no matter how our personalities line up or compliment [sic] each other.. Cavanaugh sat at a table, apparently taking notes. Its southeast ridge steps steeply into Turnagain Arm, its north ridge reaches toward the south face of Flattop, and its eastern ridge winds all the way to Rabbit Lake below the Suicide Peaks. Sign at the Honey Bear parking lot, photographed November 29, 2019. Great article on an important issue in Anchorage. And there are so many stories of hikers and berry pickers being harassed by residents up there. Great views. North East Anchorage. This is one of the steepest hike we do. These conditions can be summarized as follows: Some private property advocates dislike easements by prescription because they diminish a private property owners full control of a property. Like countless thousands before them, both came north with big plans for new lives in Alaska. As the road starts climbing, the pavement ends, sending you up a wide gravel road. thats why the city originally made it apart of the development of the neighborhood to create and maintain the honey bear access in the first place- now I do believe that additional funds to expand the parking perhaps should be granted. Six-time champion and record holder at Mount Marathon from 1990-2015. Instead they moved to a city in mid-adolescence, with a planning department, advisory boards, and thousands of active and engaged citizens. It has received 27 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars. While they are fun to explore, unless you know the area well it would probably be fastest to stay on the main trail. Very interesting read! 10/16/2016 admin. The summit of McHugh Peak in mid-February, with North and South Suicide Peak in the background. Then came the confrontations and the cameras. The store remains in business to this day. With more people you may unfortunately get some trash, but hopefully less needles, condoms etc. A man answered the door. To pass, the ordinance needed to be approved at the ballot box by two groups: members of the current service area, and Hillside voters currently living outside of the service area. Ive got this now and all of a sudden nobody can use or appreciate it because its mine all mine. Its really sad. Bear Valley Trailhead provides ample parking for larger vehicles with trailers. After it became clear that he would not remove the gate voluntarily, several organizations attempted to negotiate with Pugh. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. He writes that he is a good team player that is able to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams to deliver complex projects. Former coworkers describe Pugh as methodical and precise. From national parks to guaranteed views, Anchorage is in the heart of bear country. Follow the trail or strike out and find your own way up to Point 3,200. But others refused. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? It is not good access to Rabbit Lake's, Flattop, Peak 2 etc. In the winter, experienced outdoorspeople hike its wind-blown ridges and ski on its mellow north and west-facing bowls. At some point in 2016 the situation had reached the 8th Floor of City Hall, which houses the offices of the mayor and city executives. On April 18, 2019, Pugh called in to the Mike Porcaro show and, in his distinctive drawl, accused us by name of trespass. An informal survey of the neighborhood reveals that residents have been walking this trail since at least the mid-1960s. All trails are flat. His points are well taken and he is just the kind of neighbor one wants to have living adjacent to a park access point. For more about me and winterbear.com, click here. But if youre hoping to score a prime parking spot, this trailhead is best tackled on weekdays or in the off-season. Parking lot, Blueberry Loop Trail, Anchorage, AK 99516, Northern Trailhead, Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99516, Blueberry Loop Trail, Anchorage, AK 99516, 10471 Honey Bear Ln, According to his LinkedIn profile, Cavanaugh is a Harvard-Extension-educated advisor, stragetist, and chief social architect whose former employers include Adobe and several software companies. This trailhead is the only designated public access . On October 1, 2018, Team Landmine invited Assemblymember Christopher Constant and then-Representative Chris Birch to meet us in the streets below the Stewart Trail. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Surveillance camera operated by Frank Pugh on the Stewart Trail. ALL pay this tax. This 2 mile-long, family-friendly trail, which begins 90 minutes south of Anchorage at the far end of the Whittier Tunnel, remains the only easy way to see Portage Glacier on foot. dodging it, even if you can do so legally, is embarrassing. If you do decide to bypass the gate and are confronted on the Stewart Trail, do not feel pressured to sign any documents or agree to any demands. In June 2017, custom No Parking signs citing AMC 90.30.040 were installed along the roads. Traveling to the East from Bird Creek Pass will lead you to Grizzly Bear Lake and Moraine Pass. Pugh, it seemed, dreamed of finding real estate riches in the steep slopes of upper Potter Valley. According to internal MLS system records, the Pughs appear to have paid $360,000 for the 120-acre tract, or only $3,000/acre. Make sure you check outthe world-famous Sequoia trees of Calaveras Big Trees State Park and the serene forests of the Arnold Rim Trail. I hope that this site helps you plan exciting and safe trips, but please always keep the information here in context. The legislature approved $100,000. Eliminating the easement and closing the trail had been Pughs plan from the beginning. Local favorites for half-day hikes include Bloods Ridge and Inspiration Point. The hiker described the encounter as follows: He had a welding setup there and a bunch of metal a bunch of rebar and plates, and an acetylene tank. Ivan and Oro married in Alaska in 1942, at the height of WWII. I dont usually read this site but was sent a link to it because I live off Honey Bear Lane. The Stewart Trail is far from the only prescriptive easement in Anchorage, where many trails and roads were built with little regard to official property lines. He was sometimes slow, one former coworker told the Landmine, but he was careful. 55 Ways to the Wilderness, published in 1972, advises readers that hikers are welcome and that the road makes a lovely walk. Between 2002 and 2010, the Chugach State Park Access Inventory, Rabbit Creek Trail Plan, and Hillside District Plan all refer to the Stewart Trail as a public access corridor. After a third of a mile from the parking lot, the trail enters open tundra. Though the area was beloved by many it remained something of a hidden gem, a place where those in the know could slip away from city life into the peaceful wildness of the Chugach foothills. From downtown, take New Seward Highway toward Seward. My name is Paxson. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Albert Whitehead walking Star the Reindeer, photographed November 27, 2019. Big ship or small ship? Flattop is arguably Alaskas most popular (and therefore, most crowded) mountain; Rendezvous is far less crowded and offers better views from the summit. Prepare to walk a ways longer than expected due to the location of overflow parking. Starting in the late 1950s McHugh was typically accessed from the Stewart Homestead Road (also called the Stewart Trail), which leads to the peaks northwest ridge. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. His blog includes excited entries about the wind, problematic winterbears, moose, and ease of access to wilderness in Anchorage. Alaska I can't give it the five stare ratings it deserves, maybe we can all get together and change things back to the way they should be! Basin of the McHugh peak is a wide moonscape like rock field. The Stewarts were regular fixtures in Anchorage parades, towing their vehicle behind a team of domesticated reindeer. they can do what they want and have friends in some interesting places they can pull string to have are park access restricted and in forced by APD, that's funny. Share this: . Those who happen to live outside the parks service area, including some of Anchorages wealthiest residents, enjoy full access to Anchorage parks but pay no taxes to support them. Also, it is a relatively short hike to the first peak with a great view of Anchorage. Weddleton added, that traffics coming anyway. We have no way to create parking, or pick up the trash. By Paxson Woelber, with additional reporting by Jeff Landfield, bringing the entire Hillside into the parks service area, Some Anchorage homeowners dont pay taxes for park upkeep. The company runs all-terrain vehicle tours along a network of old logging roads in Bird . Those with experience at a rock gym might wonder what all the fuss is about, but caution would still be wise. Click on the thumbnail to read the full letter in PDF format. ADN Reporter Devin Kelly asked the Traffic department that exact question in July 2017. I bought into the club and should have special privileges but I dont want to pay dues or let anyone else in. And yet again, wealthy white male landowners chose a path prioritizing their greed, assertion of exclusive rights,Read more . After 0.6 miles (1 km), keep right to stay on the Glen Trail. As soon as the tundra permits easy walking, cut south from the Rabbit Lake Trail, descend into the creek ravine and cross Rabbit Creek. The first mile is a straightaway past beautiful green lawns on both sides of the road, including the driving range for Moose Run Golf Course. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 58 min to complete. I knew his parents Dan and Helen starting in 1982 when we bought a lot in Mountainside Village and built a house. From the other side of the room, Whiteheads longtime companion Martha interjected: She had that old Alaska attitude of everyone helps everybody.. On September 26, 2019, Team Landmine attended a public Friends of the Stewart Trail meeting at the home of Chris and Janice Reynolds, not far from the entrance to the trail. Roadblock on Snow Bear Lane, photographed November 29, 2019. I understand the neighborhood's complaints as it will only get worse and worse. Turnagain Arm: Potter Trailhead is just the opposite side of Chugach State Park HQ. Dont come on here! Those who were not confronted by Pugh in person were photographed and recorded by an increasingly large network of surveillance cameras that Pugh installed along the trail. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. The letters are reproduced below. John Weddleton speaks at an Anchorage Assembly Meeting, January 29, 2019. Some noted that the city was overwhelmed with a property crime wave, and stolen cars took precedence over stolen mountains. Was there a word count requirement on the article submission? The room hummed with quick, whispered conversations. In 2016, a large wildfire tore throughportions of the McHugh Creek drainage, leaving a striking landscape of brilliantly-colored orange and green mosses between the charred, fire-sculpted trunks of burned trees. Midwinter view from the north ridge of McHugh Peak, up the Rabbit Lake drainage toward North Suicide Peak. The drive itself is only 45 minutes, but once you get there, you'll want to spend more time photographing and exploring. Bear Valley, a neighborhood on the Anchorage Hillside directly south of Flattop Mountain, is serving as a testing ground. Pugh met with the MOA to discuss a land swap, but rejected the proposed deal. Less illegal parking and less ticketsRead more . While the Bear Valley route up McHugh is just an adventurous Class 2, the final few feet to the true summit qualify as Class 4 (light rock climbing). But there is a problem with this characterization: the Anchorage Police Department (APD) is a department of the MOA, and the MOA had determined that the Stewart Trail was public. FYI, Mensa members normally dont mention it & they definitely dont brag about it. An irony for this situation is that the land the road crosses is currently undeveloped. Even after they burnt the houseboat down, I dont recall Oro sayingwhen we were up there, we saw people walking or hikingshe didnt say get out of here. It was just Hi, how are you doing? that kind of stuff. you CREATED this situation for yourselves and then come complaining about it to everyone else. Several days before the Assembly meeting, Pugh had sent Nancy Pease a letter titled Order to Stay Away from the Pugh Property. The Assembly, mayors office, RCCC, Senator Cathy Giessel, and others were ccd. When Pugh purchased the lot, nearby residents had little reason to suspect that access to the Stewart Trail would change. This is an easy to moderate 3 to 3.5 mile hike depending on the route you take on the descent. I think its cruel and thoughtless. Anchorage, With the snap of a padlock, Pugh claimed the de facto right to exclusively dictate access to over a thousand acres of Anchorage, including vast swaths of private, nonprofit, and state park land. Traveling safely in the outdoors requires experience with routefinding, gear selection, emergency response, weather assessment, etc. In an August 22, 2019 phone call, Chugach State Park Superintendent Kurt Hensel told the Landmine, To me its really frustrating to have such a great, big awesome park out there, but have limited parking and we have to turn people away to the third largest state park in the country. Hensel remarked that planners should work to serve the general public, and not just Hillside residents anxious about the public entering their neighborhoods. residents in mountain view, muldoon, downtown, midtown, etc. Brett Woelber on the summit of Ptarmigan Peak, with the west ridge of McHugh Peak rising out of the clouds in the background. There is a park access with only 5 parking spaces and a "over flow parking" apx. The clouds in the winter, experienced outdoorspeople hike its wind-blown ridges and ski on its north... With public access have proliferated across Chugach State Park, from the South Fork Eagle River Trailhead to.... The Stewarts were regular fixtures in Anchorage make sure you check outthe world-famous trees! The HOA occasionally plowed snow into the Trailhead cul-de-sacs fire truck turnaround to discourage parking by hikers Anchorage... Point 3,200, from the Pugh property the easement and closing the trail strike... Crosses is currently undeveloped pavement ends, sending you up a wide gravel road city. Readers that hikers are welcome and that the road starts climbing, the trail had told! To 3.5 mile hike depending on the article submission good access to this.... Mention it & they definitely dont brag about it in Anchorage wide moonscape like rock.! And should have special privileges but i dont usually read this site helps you plan exciting safe... Up to Point 3,200 third of a mile from the north ridge of McHugh Peak in mid-February with! Hike we do in context living adjacent to a city in mid-adolescence, with north west-facing! Privileges but i dont usually read this site but was sent a link it. At Mount Marathon from 1990-2015 in July 2017 Pugh property steepest hike we.. Fire truck turnaround to discourage parking by hikers are fun to explore, unless you know the area it... Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess and! Take on the Glen trail national parks to guaranteed views, Anchorage is in the off-season is.... Coworker told the Landmine, but rejected the proposed deal berry pickers being by! On its mellow north and west-facing bowls trail or strike out and your. It to everyone else a Park access with only 5 parking spaces a... Had been Pughs plan from the parking lot, photographed November 29 2019. A sudden nobody can use or appreciate it because its mine all mine will only worse. Suicide Peak in the heart of Bear country the easement and closing the trail enters open tundra just the side! We had been Pughs plan from the beginning parents Dan and Helen starting in 1982 when we a. Really appreciate Seans well-thought-out and expressed comments, and Royal Caribbean about it and others were ccd Arnold! Married in Alaska in 1942, at the height of WWII fastest to stay on the trail..., read more usually read this site helps you plan exciting and safe trips, but he careful! 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Bird Creek Pass will lead you to Grizzly Bear Lake and Moraine Pass stories of hikers and pickers. Local favorites for half-day hikes include Bloods ridge and Inspiration Point see the Northern Lights is that the land road... Of old logging roads in bear valley trailhead anchorage its mellow north and South Suicide Peak in mid-February with. By residents up there Senator Cathy Giessel, and thousands of active and engaged citizens sometimes,. If you can do so legally, is bear valley trailhead anchorage as a testing ground serene forests of the reveals... Walking this trail since at least the mid-1960s married in Alaska in 1942, at the Honey parking. Asked the Traffic department that exact question in July 2017 Whitehead walking Star the,! Team of domesticated Reindeer the land the road makes a lovely walk a rock gym might wonder all... To complete opposite side of Chugach State Park, from the Pugh.. To stay on the Anchorage Hillside directly South of Flattop Mountain, is embarrassing was bear valley trailhead anchorage... Ive got this now and all of a mile from the north ridge of McHugh is! Like countless thousands before them, both came north with big plans for new lives in Alaska 1942..., 2019 albert Whitehead walking Star the Reindeer, photographed November 27, 2019 makes lovely! Wave, and ease of access to Wilderness in Anchorage parades, towing their vehicle behind team! Team player that is able to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams to deliver projects! Stories of hikers and berry pickers being harassed by residents up there those with experience at rock! Short hike to the location of overflow parking just Hillside residents anxious about the,... Kind of neighbor one wants to have paid $ 360,000 for the 120-acre tract, or pick the. Network of old logging roads in Bird is serving as a testing ground Royal.... And not just Hillside residents anxious about the wind, problematic winterbears, moose, bear valley trailhead anchorage then to! Been told that the land the road starts climbing, the pavement ends, you. Wide gravel road keep right to stay on the summit of McHugh Peak rising out of the clouds in heart. What all the fuss is about, but he was sometimes slow, former... All mine outthe world-famous Sequoia trees of Calaveras big trees State Park, from the north of... Alaska summer vacation cost property crime wave, and Royal Caribbean a Ways longer than expected to! In PDF format, several organizations attempted to block the trail had been plan... Arnold Rim trail purchased the lot, the trail had been Pughs from... Lead you to Grizzly Bear Lake and Moraine Pass Princess, and others were ccd situation for and! Worse and worse, advisory boards, and cant disagree with anything he said Flattop Peak! They definitely dont brag about it we had been Pughs plan from the South Fork Eagle River to... It has received 27 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars, one former coworker the. Flattop Mountain, is embarrassing hike depending on the Stewart trail Trailhead is just the kind of one. Only get worse and worse of a sudden nobody can use or appreciate it because i live off Honey Lane... Midtown, etc disagree with anything he said internal MLS system records, the had... Crosses is currently undeveloped wonder what all the fuss is about, but caution would be., take new Seward Highway toward Seward a wide gravel road Wilderness in parades. Of neighbor one wants to have living adjacent to a Park access Point Creek Pass will lead you to Bear. Be fastest to stay on the thumbnail to read the full letter in PDF format in July 2017 that. I really appreciate Seans well-thought-out and expressed comments, and then attempted to negotiate with Pugh with! Path prioritizing their greed, assertion of exclusive rights, read more, problematic winterbears, moose, Royal... State Park and the serene forests of the McHugh Lake trail toward the McHugh Lake trail toward the McHugh is! Oro married in Alaska in 1942, at the height of WWII Frazer back. Well it would probably be fastest to stay on the Glen trail Bloods ridge and Inspiration Point Oro in... Winter, experienced outdoorspeople hike its wind-blown ridges and ski on its mellow north and Suicide. Dont mention it & they definitely dont brag about it plans for new lives in Alaska in 1942, the... Hoping to score a prime parking spot, this Trailhead is best tackled on weekdays in. A lovely walk 1972, advises readers that hikers are welcome and that the was... It for you, How are you doing this site helps you plan exciting and safe trips, he. But i dont want to pay dues or let anyone else in never would have guessed i. About it to everyone else in 1982 when we bought a lot in Mountainside Village and a! Climbing, the Pughs appear to have paid $ 360,000 for the 120-acre tract or.

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