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Wrangell - St. Elias National Park - Hidden Creek Trip:
This trip is a shorter part of a longer route we do, from Nugget Creek and the Kuskulana Glacier to Kennicott. This stretch starts at the Lakina River, in the Wrangell Mountains, just south of the glaring face of 16 000' Mt. Blackburn. We hike up towards the mountain, crosscreek and ascend into one of the prettiest little passes in th mountains - locals call it "Oz".
This hike is becoming more popular every year, and for good reason. It's not overly difficult, though still challenging enough for most folks. It's also flexible with lots of options for exploring the many hanging valleys and ridges along the way. The alpine pass between Hidden Creek drainage and the Lakina is simply gorgeous; gree hilsides, alpine lakes, hanging glaciers and cirques on the mountaintops.
Once over the pass, we descend the drainage alongside Hidden Creek down to Hidden Lake, what's known as a joukaloupe. Then we head north along the lateral moraine of the Kennicott Glacier to our destination at the Fosse.
More on this trip in the near future blah blah blah blah.. More on this trip in the near future blah blah blah blah..
More on this trip in the near future blah blah blah blah.. More on this trip in the near future blah blah blah blah..More on this trip in the near future blah blah blah blah.. More on this trip in the near future blah blah blah blah..More on this trip in the near future blah blah blah blah..More on this trip in the near future blah blah blah blah.. More on this trip in the near future blah blah blah blah..More on this trip in the near future blah blah blah blah..More on this trip in the near future blah blah blah blah..More on this trip in the near future blah blah blah blah.. More on this trip in the near future blah blah blah blah.. More on this trip in the near future blah blah blah blah..e'll be sure to allow plenty of time for day hikes and exploring, particularly in the earlier part of the trip in the Brooks Range. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is so little visited, more than likely we'll be walking in valleys and on ridges that are rarely travelled by man. Few people leave the wide braided river beds of the valley floors, yet it's well worth the effort to climb the ridges and peaks for some stunning views, or just to sit and wile away an afternoon.
It would be remiss not to mention mosquitoes regarding this trip. The arctic is famous for mosquitoes, and yes, they really can be that bad. But, with proper attire, mosquito repellent, bug netting, and a good attitude, it's possible to not have too many problems. Here again the river is your friend, as the wide braided channels of the stream provide little habitat for the mosquitoes, so they're found in far fewer numbers along the riverbed. Also, a nice breeze is often blowing up the riverbed, which helps keep them at bay.