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This event was canceled

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UPDATE: I’m CANCELLING this hike due to lack of RSVPs attending. This summer has seen a lot of bear sightings, attacks, and activity. I wouldn’t feel comfortable unless I have at least 5-6 people signed up. See you next time!

Saturday, September 12
8:00 a.m. start
Center Ridge Trailhead, Turnagain Pass
Approximately 12 miles round trip
Join us for a beautiful long-distance hike on the Iditarod National Historic Trail through Turnagain Pass.
We'll start at the Center Ridge Trailhead near Mile 68.5 of the Seward Highway and head north toward the Eddies/Muskeg Meadows side of the pass, then turn around at approximately six miles and return the same way.
The Forest Service lists this section of the Turnagain Pass Trail as roughly 6 miles in either direction from Center Ridge, with rolling terrain and about 800 feet of net elevation gain on the mapped segment. Recent trail-development information confirms the Center Ridge-to-Eddies connection and distinguishes it from the southbound Johnson North section, which is not currently recommended for most trail users while bridge work is being completed. We are heading north, not south toward Johnson Pass.

### What to expect

This is a long moderate hike, not a technical mountain climb. Expect approximately 12 miles, several hours on trail, rolling climbs and descents, forest at lower elevations and increasingly open subalpine terrain.
Our goal is a comfortable but purposeful pace. With breaks, I expect us to be out approximately 5–6 hours.

### Meeting place

Meet at the Center Ridge Trailhead parking area on the Seward Highway in Turnagain Pass, around Mile 68.5.
Please be parked, geared up and ready to hike at 8:00 a.m.
We're starting early because afternoon showers are currently possible, and I'd rather be finishing than just getting into the backcountry if the weather deteriorates.

### Difficulty

Moderate — primarily because of the distance.
You should be comfortable hiking 10+ miles and maintaining a steady pace for several hours.
This is not a beginner hike simply because 12 miles is a substantial day.

### Wildlife

This is wilderness bear country. Bears and other wildlife may be present anywhere along the route.
Please:

  • Carry bear spray where you can reach it immediately
  • Stay reasonably close to the group
  • Make noise when visibility is limited
  • Do not approach wildlife
  • Secure all food and snacks

There are also berries in the Turnagain Pass subalpine, so bear awareness remains important even though this isn't a salmon-stream hike.

### What to bring

Bring 2+ liters of water, lunch and substantial snacks, bear spray, hiking boots/shoes, rain shell, warm layer, gloves/hat, trekking poles if you use them, and a small first-aid/emergency kit.
September weather in Turnagain Pass can change quickly, so bring more clothing than you think you'll need.

### Dogs

Dogs are welcome only if they are experienced, fit trail dogs capable of a 12-mile backcountry hike. Dogs must remain under their owner's control at all times.

### Pace and turnaround

We'll hike approximately six miles north, take a short lunch/rest break, and return the same way.
Because it's an out-and-back, the organizer may change the turnaround point based on weather, trail conditions, group pace or safety concerns.
Our goal is a fun 12-mile day—not hitting a mileage number at the expense of safety.

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