Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/17/2020
So named for the fact that the beginning of the trail runs right beneath powerlines, Powerline Pass is one of the most versatile and easy access trails in the Chugach.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/17/2020
On a clear day, this is one of the most pleasant hikes one can do if not in the mood for something hard. The trail is wide, only slightly inclined, and extraordinarily well maintained.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/17/2020
From hikers to climbers to mountain bikers, this trail is friendly to all manner of outdoor pursuits. Hikers be aware of bikers than can come up quickly from behind, especially when heading back where the trail is entirely downhill.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/17/2020
Also be aware of moose! If you look closely on the right side of this photo, you can see a large bull moose who frequents this valley. While generally dismissive of passerbys, you can never be too careful of these unpredictable creatures. Give them a w
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/17/2020
The Powerline Pass Trail cuts right through the heart of the Front Range of the Chugach Mountains, so named because they are first of the range's mountains to rise directly out of the city of Anchorage.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/17/2020
From Powerline, you can cross the South Fork of Campbell Creek seen here and access peaks and lakes on the other side of the valley.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/17/2020
During the summertime, Powerline Pass becomes illuminated with Fireweed, the beautiful Alaska state flower.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/17/2020
One can continue along the Powerline Pass trail for several more miles or climbers and campers may take this subtle turn off to the right and hike into the Ptarmigan bowl for a nice quiet place to camp, climb, or picnic.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/17/2020
The trail into the bowl is both steeper and narrower than the rest of the hike. The tundra can also be swampy in early summer, but otherwise it's still not difficult to reach the bowl.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/17/2020
Ptarmigan Peak, the most technically demanding peak in the Chugach's Front Range, looms over the Ptarmigan bowl.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/17/2020
For rock climbers, the Ptarmigan Bowl is also an excellent bouldering playground. While less popular than the likes of Hatcher Pass, it is home to some of the state's best bouldering problems, including this top notch V8 called Epiphany.