We are looking for more voices to help out with trail reports, adventure reports and reviews of fun things to see and do around Cordova.  Many people want to get outside and they have questions about where to go and what it currently might be like in different areas, you can help by writing a trail report or a review!

Submit your review or report to:

[email protected]

Each month we will will pick two submissions to add to this site.   Writers of published submissions will receive a reward of a $10 gift certificate to use as cash at Cordova Gear, located at 104 W. Davis Avenue, Cordova, Alaska. Your name can be added or omitted as the author, just be sure to let us know what you prefer when you send us your submission.

The ride out Power Creek road is always interesting, you never know what you will get to see.  It might be bird, a bear, fish spewing or maybe you'll see a new or old friend.  Today we got to see some bright red salmon in the clear water.  It is a relaxing no pressure ride without too many ups and downs.  Passing the smalls cascades of water and the pools they create before dumping into the lake are nice to listen to and also create a cool area on a warm day.  The salmon berries are looking promising and a few were ripe enough to eat!  This solitary Merganser seemed happy having some quiet alone time!

Another rare beautiful day in town that had to be taken advantage of. Got a small group together and made the split second decision to hike to the top of Mt. Eyak. The dog, and a friend of mine were all set, with water bottles that were filled to the top nearly spilling only to quench our thirst. With multiple 5 minute breaks, we made it to the peak and back in 4 hours. We got sidetracked by the countless islands surrounding and barricading the town that we were now looking over and continued to mesmerize. At this point we were approaching the intimidating ropes that helped with our not-so-great rock climbing skills. I took a slight glance up at our destination just in time to spot a mountain goat, who also got the memo about the positive weather report today. This was just another excuse to take a break, while we watched it walk off, but also convincing ourselves to keep going because we were just so close. We made sure the trail was clear and safe, then continued to proceed with caution. Finally, taking the last push off the rocks I found myself, with my jaw dropping to the ground, and a full on 360 degree view of the place I get to call home, basking in the sun, perfectly sitting in between two mountains. On our way back down, we were hoping wild life wouldn't make an appearance and we were lucky enough that they didn't. It started to get a little breezy, but wasn't anything that was too bothering, rather pleasing. Sooner or later we made it to where we had started, but this time walking at a faster pace back to my car.

A fun hour hike takes you up to the top of the ski lift and back down. It takes a half hour up at a steady pace and the same time down if you want to be nice to your knees. The trail was dry before this week's new rain, with the only mud at the very top. I wore my Keen Uneek sandals which performed wonderfully. Super lightweight, vented, and yet with a great sole for climbing. I only got one rock in them on the way down, but the partial open back let me get rid of it while on the move. So nice! The last of the magenta shooting stars were on display, as were many other yellow and white wildflowers. There were also bugs in the woddier areas, so bring bug spray or apply beforehand. Also sunscreen as it gets warm up there even if overcast, this is evidenced by all the tree trunks and rocks white-washed by the sun near the top. If you love to be prepared then dress in layers, if you're more of a minimalist wear only your smallest layer. I was supremely comfortable with shorts, sandals and a tank top, it was overcast, and probably in the mid-high 50's. Your temperature will rise as quickly as the terrain. I saw many different forms of bear deterrent being carried by fellow hikers, from long rifles and handguns to screaming children and personal-speakers blaring Creedence. After performing your own risk assessment (time of year/day/weather/amount of people/etc.) you can decide what you're most comfortable with. I carried a handful of keys, a steel water bottle, and a positive attitude. Had my risk assessment for the day been higher I would have upped my deterrent accordingly.

Spending the 4th of July outside is the perfect way to enjoy summer.  We began at the Ski Hill parking lot because we had an anxious puppy with us who needed to get out and and go as much as the rest of us.  Everything is so green right now, there must be at least a hundred shades of green or more in the landscapes.  It looked like it might stay overcast, but as we hiked the sun peaked through the clouds every now and then.  The new cat track on Mt. Eyak is a very pleasant walk.  There has been some talk about a black bear around, but we did not see any sign and kept a nice chat going to let any creatures know we were coming through.  After taking a quick break at the picnic table to enjoy the view (near the top of the lift) we continued on up the trail toward the cut off trail that leads to Crater Lake Trail.  The trail was quite dry with a few muddy sections in the area above the lift before the cut off, easy walking.  The sign for the cut off is on the ground, but it is easy to see the trail to the right that heads over the Crater Lake Trail.  In this area we did see bear sign and make extra effort to sing, talk loudly and keep the dog close to us in hopes of alerting the animals of our route.  We also heard a marmot whistle at us but could not figure out where the animal was.

Sunshine Bowl area is so beautiful to walk through this time of year and it is constantly amazing how the views change with every bend of the trail.  Another break at the picnic table halfway through the cut off trail gave us time to drink some water.  Then onward through dappled light and old growth trees that really are magical.  We went down the steps to the Crater Lake trail and turned left on Crater Lake Trail. ​The flowers are so bright and colorful they seem unreal.  Next trip a flower book will help with identification of forgotten flower names.  Along the sidehill trail area there was a bit more bear sign, making some noise was a priority in this area too.  Then up and over and then we were at the lake.  It was nice to lounge in the grass and wade for awhile, the sun even came out so a bit of sky watching felt really good!

On the way down our marmot friend began to say hello again and this time we got lucky and got a photo!  There was a baby with this large marmot!  It was all downhill from there as we headed down the Crater Lake Trail past the bench, ending at Skaters Cabin.  The best way to spend Independence Day Ever!

Today on a rather dreary but not half bad day, a drive out past Sheridan River then turning left onto the next side road, was a perfect way to begin a ride to road test a new fat tire bike from Cordova Gear.  Parking in the first turnout to the right was an easy way to get going.  The cushy feel of the seemingly big bike is surprising, fat bikes look big and seem like they should be more effort to ride, but they are light and easy to handle.  Hopping off and circling around a puddle that could have been deep seemed like a good idea, it was really brown and who knows how deep it was.  Then on to an open area and down to the river bed, at first it looked like difficult going but with a shift or two, it was easy riding and the view of Sheridan Glacier from a different perspective was a treat!  Sand and gravel with little watery areas (that are clear and obviously not too deep) make it interesting and fun to explore this area. Riding away from the main road and next the Sheridan river with a view of the glacier as the sunshine made more of and effort to shine than it had all day, made the ride a joy!   Next time might be a good idea to bring along some bear protection.  No bears seen today, but they are most likely nearby.  This area is on the list for more exploration soon!