View from Trailside Bench
- Summary:
- A relatively short hike along a popular trail close to town. Indian River is often visible through the trees as the trail parallels it through century old second growth.
- Distance and Time: 1.5 miles; 45 min to 1 hour (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Change: Slight
- The total elevation gain to the muskeg is probably less than 30 feet, but there are some slight ups and downs along the way.
- Route Finding: Easy
- Trail Condition: Good
- The trail is well maintained board walk and gravel although there may be some mud.
- Seasonal Notes:
- Spring
- Look for early spring flowers starting in April along the trail and May in the muskeg.
- Look for skunk cabbage shoots that have been
nipped by deer.
- Summer
- Flowers bloom throughout the summer.
- During late July and August the pink salmon run up the river to spawn. Look for them where the trail passes near the river. (Look for bears as well.)
- Fall
- In early fall the smell of rotting salmon can be powerful.
- Southeast Alaska is not known for its fall colors, but on a small scale, there are often a variety of colors in the muskeg.
- Winter
- Icy bridges and board walks can be very slippery.
- Snow conditions are similar to those in town. Most winters the trail will be snow free except after recent snowfalls.