Description of Trail: This is probably one of Alaska’s most stunning glacially carved valleys. The elevation lines of changing ecosystems is quite clear on this trail. Once you get above the spruce forest, there are great views of Turnagain Arm. You’ll then wind through willow and scrub. As you head south, up the chute, there is less and less vegetation and eventually it is just rocky tundra scrub. The McHugh Creek runs down the middle and is quite dramatic in some sections. At the end is Rabbit Lake as your final reward. There is a good chance of seeing eagles, hawks, moose, and ptarmigan on this trail.
The trail heads steeply up for the first 3 miles and it seems like forever just to get to this point but the views are so worth the effort, especially Turnagain Arm. It’s a tough hike, but I would put it on my top 10 of possible day hikes if you are visiting.