Quick Explorations: Ressurrection Pass and the Caribou Hills

The Caribou Hills: A day-trip of sun and hills. Feb 25th 2023

Another of Alaska's vast expanses of trails, yet this one not so hidden. Big snow-cats groom wide trails, and I arrived for a day of skiing not long after the groomers had been there, yet after a dusting of fresh snow, which sets the scene for beautiful glittering snow and a solid trail. Starting over swamps and densely wooded areas, I gently climbed gradually higher into the hills. The trees became less and less, often standing beheaded by the elements. Yet, in some small valley pockets, a grove of trees managed to hold firm, protecting each other huddled together. This trail was fun to ski because the hills were short and often very steep. In a full-out sprint Gale would run down the hill, trying to keep the momentum to get us as far up the next hill. On the longer downhills, I'd release Gale as I'd overtake her in speed. She'd shortly behind and as she passed me, I'd reach out for her line and reattatch my motor to continue onwards. Gazing into the horizon, I sometimes could see the huge Tustemena Lake, completely open and shining blue on the north end. Sometimes I could see the open ocean and mountains beyond. Some trails were still quite windblown higher up, and while I had ski'd a long day - I know I have only just entered the Caribou Hills - this is another area I'd like to explore. Bring my tent and stove and delve deeper in. After 37 miles, we were happy to be back to the car at the end of the day as the sun softened the snow and heated our bodies beyond our desire.

To the Devil:

The day was bright and sun was shining. Above the mountains a plume of white wavering. Wind battered the mountain side setting fly the snow who had set to rest on the rock. The snow rose again and again defying gravity as the wind had its way continually redecorating the mountain side. Here below as I gazed up, the tree tops waved left and right, no longer laden with glittering snow. Thank goodness the sun shined in the March warmth and the air. As I climbed leaving the treeline behind, the wind grew. Like a living breath, it heaved and relaxed, breathing in and out. Suddenly, snow rushed down my back as a snow-devil flurried around me. Like a dust-devil, the snow was whooshed up into the air. It tornado'd tall yet flurried out shortly after. My gloves collected snow at the wrist. My neck felt the chill flake who had found a way to visit my warm skin. In the open spaces, the devils popped up and whirled and ran for a few seconds, before recedeing back to the earth. While fun to see, I cannot say I exactly enjoyed having a visit. Here, around a corner entering resurrection pass the wind really gusted. Gale, her head lower to the ground was completely blinded by the pulsing ground blizzards that roared past her. Yet I could see clearly, just a short corner beyond that the snow was not be whipped to ferciously. I wanted to travel the pass and bask in the glory of a treeless pass. The still soft windblown snow held the ski, resisting glide. Onward we traveled through the pass, until I had my fill of glee . As I felt the trail begin to descend towards Hope, I turned around to begin our return to the pulk sled which I had left near our camp-site by Juneau Lake. What fun it was to day-trip in such wind and sun! Quite glad for the warmth of the spring, I am reminded at how tempermental mountain passes can be.

Start: Copper Landing - Feb 27

End: Ressurection Pass and return the same way

Campsite

Nightlight

Mountains

Treeless

The wind blows.

Gale and I ventured up for a quick two night trip into this beautiful popular pass on our way home from Kasilof, visiting a friend and exploring new trails. Gale ran with her new friend Walrus!