Whoops, not Twin Peaks ... so Thunderbird Falls instead

My colleagues in Anchorage have been great about suggestions for hikes, especially since we haven't had much snow. Some hikes would be impassable if we had snow, but still do-able this time of year without snow. Just a little terminal dust at elevations. Twin Peaks was one such hike. So, I got up in the morning, drove to Eklutna Lake. The drive is beautiful. Some lucky people have some amazing homes with fantastic views. After leaving the highway, it's a 10-mile drive to dead-end at the lake. By the way, the ice cream stand was closed. No surprise, but I was curious. The pristine lake is the water reservoir for Anchorage. I followed the instructions I read on-line and drove to the very end. I parked in the parking lot near the fee station. Dutifully paid my $5 parking day-use fee, put on my spikes and headed out. Stopped first for a picture at the boat ramp. I could tell it would be a beautiful hike.

Saw a trailhead to my right which seemed better marked than the one to my left. Figured this was the right direction. About a half-mile and I came  to a T in the trail. Right? Left? Chose left ... looks like it heads "up."

 See, doesn't left look right? I mean correct, looks like it's heading towards a pair of peaks?

 As I crossed the dam, I had to get a picture. So beautiful ... and serene. Not a person around. Should that mean something?

 After reaching the other side of the damn, and entering the woods, there was no trail to follow. HMMM? Maybe the other direction. Is that "twin peaks" in the distance? So, turn around and try the other way.

Yes, this looks much better, but nope. Another half  mile and I encountered a camp ground. Went to the end of the campground to see if there was a trail. Nada. So, keep going on the road. There is a sign that shows "you are here." I circled back to one of the parking lots. Turned around and backtrack to where I started the day. Followed the trail and found a sign for Twin Peaks Trail ... 180 degrees from the direction I started.Turns out the parking lot circles around. I wasn't at the end of it. On the other side, there is an easy to see signpost. Whoops. It's 5 miles round trip. I had already gone 2.5 miles and wasn't really feeling like another 5. Especially as the days are shorter. I didn't want to be stuck out there in the dark. Time for Plan B.

Green arrow ... where I started. Black arrow, where I should have started. 

I had read about the small town of Eklutna with the Russian Chapel and graveyard. Stopped here and paid a donation. Took a few pictures of the charming chapel. Then, back to the highway. I passed Thunderbird Falls on my way out. It's just a mile up, so it would be a nice little hike to add to my unsuccessful attempt at the peaks.

 Dutifully paid my $5 day use fee ... again ... to support the state trail system.

There was only one trail heading up and out of the parking area. Figured, I wasn't going to get lost this time. The trail was a mix of snow and packed leaves. I did not put on my spikes. That becomes an important detail later.

Into the woods, it was a beautiful hike. Went up a bit and then was along the edge of a gorge with a stream below. Breathtaking.

I obeyed the rules (so I wouldn't die) and stayed on the trail. Came across a split in the trail ... down to the creek or straight to the falls. I decided down first and then come back to the falls.



Down was steep with a few patches of ice where I almost landed on my backside. Super slick. I didn't have my spikes on this time. The roar of the rushing frozen water was amazing. But, what I was most fascinated by was the trees ... ice covered, bending like arches, broken ... breathtaking.

Back up to the falls. Almost completely frozen and absolutely beautiful. I met Ballard who greeted me like a long-lost friend. I agreed to take a picture of her 2-legged companions, but only if I could have a picture with her.

On the way back, I found the cozy little hideaways in the trees. Yes, I peaked inside. No, there were no furry little hibernating creatures. If the spaces had been big enough for bears, I would not have gone poking about.

So ... despite the change of plans, it was a great day. Pretty warm for this time of year. I loved the solitude during most of my walking. I heard the sounds of nature, but sometimes it was almost so quiet that you could hear the silence. The true introvert in me rejoiced and felt completely renewed and relaxed. Maybe one of my favorite days in Anchorage so far. And maybe one of my favorite days ever. I do like my alone time. I felt completely recharged.