This stunningly beautiful alpine traverse begins on the braided Lakina River, crossings several channels as we travel towards the moraine-covered Lakina Glacier. The vertical mass in front of us is Castle Mountain, with over 2 miles of summit ridge above 9,000 feet. This alpine valley is a treasure, with lakes and waterfalls and 1500 additional feet of rolling tundra leading to an alpine pass and Hidden Valley.

Heading down Hidden Creek from the headwaters, you will experience waterfalls, wildflowers, and massive side valleys and hanging glaciers. A day of hiking from the pass we arrive in Hidden Valley, home of a glacially dammed lake which self drains annually in July or August. There is an option to stay an extra day in this area to explore the lake and/or the Glacier Gulch drainage and alpine. From here you get a Supercub (single passenger plane) ride back to McCarthy.

It is also possible to continue on from the Glacier Gulch airstrip and hike all the way back to Kennicott. This adds about 15 miles of difficult terrain, which makes it only for the strong and adventurous. The route takes you up a steep climb, along a tricky traverse above the cliffs that tower over iceberg-filled Hidden Lake, and down to the Kennicott Glacier, where we hoof it down the ice back to town. This extention of the traverse is the most amazing fly-in, hike back adventure available in the Kennicott/McCarthy area. It combines the best alpine scenery with a huge glacier experience, and is guaranteed to knock your socks off every step of the way! Contact us for more information and price quotes for this incredible adventure!