Inner Junk Beach Loop

Don't let the name deter you; Junk Beach is a beautiful place that makes for a great family adventure. Junk Beach receives its name because it was a dump location during and after World War II and now offers unique beachcombing and tide pooling opportunities.

You can access the beach using a well-maintained military road that starts at a yellow gate that is typically closed. Many people do a simple in-and-out walk on the main military road to the beach, but you can vary your trip in many ways. If you take a right instead of going straight to the beach you will follow a connecting military road that runs behind Boy Scout Lake. Keep your eyes peeled for a trail that cuts up the side of the hill to your left and take this up. You'll gain some elevation here, about 224 feet. As the trail bends around to head back toward the left you can venture off the trail and find the old communication center bunker. If you explore the area, you may even find a pillbox bunker many don’t take the time to search out.

The trail starts going downhill through lush, moss-carpeted forest with several other WWII remnants easily spotted from the trail. The path to the beach is a steep and pebbly one, so take your time and be sure of your footing. At the bottom, the beach is immediately to your right. Though the beach can be enjoyed at any time, it is best appreciated at low tide. Explore tide pools that contain barnacle-encrusted truck axels and other refuse from the war. You can also collect beach glass as a Kodiak memento. The dark blue pieces are particularly prized. You will find pretty little white pebbles that are actually all that is left of the toilets and sinks from the Fort Abercrombie and Fort Greely. You can also find smooth red stones that are surf-smoothed bricks. To complete the loop, take the military road straight back to get to your car.