Beware myriad false summits -- Bird Ridge is a particularly coy mountain to newcomers exploring the mountain's steep slopes overlooking Turnagain Arm.
A first-time hiker on the spine about 25 miles south of Anchorage can easily be fooled -- several times, actually -- into thinking the summit looms near. In all but one case, it decidedly does not.
Another piece of advice: Take ample water because the only source on Bird Ridge is what you bring.
A generous supply of water proves particularly clutch on a sweltering day. That was true on a scorching afternoon in June when guest dog Maisy McGee, a seemingly indefatigable border collie mix, joined me for a panting, tongue-dragging journey to roughly 3,500 feet elevation.
Our reward came from breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm, the Kenai Peninsula and the Bird and Indian valleys. Our refuge came from some small remaining snow fields where we sprawled ourselves for respite and snacks -- a friend tells me those snowfields have long since melted.
Hot day
The day Maisy and I ascended Bird Ridge felt close to suffocating in the trees and bushes that surround the first third of the trail. She at least could plead she was hiking in a fur coat. I pleaded late middle-age.
In any event, we began in the big parking lot at Mile 101.7 of the Seward Highway. From there, a paved trail leads sharply uphill to restrooms, and the dirt-and-gravel trail to Bird Ridge is obvious.
The trail begins with a short, steep climb. Then a rolling section takes you up a very short climb to a pole that will direct you left to the principal trail. The first five minutes of steady hiking after that will get the attention of your lungs and legs, and another five minutes will furnish your first clear views of Turnagain Arm.
The trail weaves through the forest, over tree roots and imbedded rocks. Often, there are two or more paths up short sections of the climb -- all are roughly equal distance -- and those ribbons soon rejoin at the main trail.
As the trees thin, turn around and enjoy the spectacular view. An hour or less of hiking will bring you to the first true overlook, which is a splendid place to take a break, suck down some water and nibble a snack -- at least Maisy approved.
Soon, a section of boulders must be negotiated, but they are nothing paralyzing. Once past that stretch, gorgeous views really open up, and false summits await.
Abundant wildflowers
On the upside, you often begin to catch cooling breezes blowing across the trail. On the downside, the first breezes Maisy and her temporary master experienced felt more like dragon's breath.
The steeper pitches of Bird Ridge give way to occasional mild stretches higher up the mountain, where wildflowers are abundant.
Still, it's a stout hike to the rock spire many folks consider the summit. Ambitious hikers can go beyond, and past a crest where a small pipe stems vertically from the ground, to higher elevation.
The perch where the pipe is located was good enough for us, and provided a brilliant place to take pictures, rehydrate and snack.
Take care on the descent. The pitch of the mountain and the occasionally loose terrain of the trail can easily lead to a slip or worse.
Besides, slow going prolongs the glorious view before the trail returns you to the woods and soon your vehicle.
With a stout, rewarding hike behind you, getting back in the car is not without its merits. As least Maisy thought so, judging by the nap she took on the drive home.
Reach Doyle Woody at dwoody@alaskadispatch.com and follow him on Twitter at @JaromirBlagr
IF YOU GO
• Length: Anywhere from 2-12 miles will deliver a gorgeous view, and what most folks consider the summit is about a 5-mile round trip.
• Elevation gain: About 3,500 feet to the point most folks call the summit.
• Parking fee: $5 for Chugach State Park pass.
• Directions: Roughly 25 miles south of Anchorage, main parking lot at Seward Highway Mile 101.7.