Nugget Creek Hike (June 2011)

Sat June 25, 2011

This trail starts at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor center. I took the first left onto the East Glacier Trail. It is a loop trail from which the Nugget Creek trail branches off near the midpoint. The East Glacier trail is well maintained and easy to hike with lots of creeks crossing it.

Small Side Creek

There is also AJ Falls just off the trail.

AJ Falls

Nugget Creek Trail is a less maintained more rugged trail, many walkways are washed out, but not difficult. The bigger creeks have bridges though. I recommend waterproof boots and bug repellant. There's occasional views of the creek, but there's lot of side creeks coming in.

A Calm Section of Nugget Creek

Bridge Over Vista Creek and Nearby Shelter

Just downstream of this spot the creek plunges over a waterfall on it's way down to Nugget Creek.

Falls Near the End of Vista Creek

Shortly after here the official trail ends. There are some paths here that quickly fade out. I checked out some of them before heading back.

Nugget Creek Trail Along a Creek in the Alaskan Rain Forrest

There is an unmarked, but obvious trail that is a shortcut to the rest of east glacier trail. If you take this trail, you will miss the viewpoint though.

Iceburgs Coming Off the Mendenhall Glacier

The rest of East Glacier trail is a scenic walk through the Alaskan Rainforest. Yes, it is a rainforest, a temperate rainforest, so if you go for a hike here, you should have rain gear and bug repellant.

Hike Stats: Distance: 8.7 miles; Starting Elevation: 50 ft; Top Elevation: 1,300 ft