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Iditarod National Historic Trail - Southern Trek

Image of an Iditarod National Historic Trail sign in the snow.

Trail Miles
120

Forests Involved

The Iditarod National Historic Trail - Southern Trek (INHT) comprises 120 miles of trail in south central Alaska in close proximity to over half of the state’s population. People can get outside in the summer and winter and enjoy a broad spectrum of motorized and non-motorized opportunities in and around the Chugach National Forest and learn about historic sites of Alaska’s Gold Rush era.

Traversing alpine tundra and wetter meadow ecosystems in the northernmost temperate rain forest, the trail system is maintained to provide public access and to protect fragile natural and cultural resources. Current work on the Southern Trek includes restoration of the 120 miles of existing trail and development of new trail to connect the communities of Seward, Moose Pass, Whittier, and Girdwood. Partners, other agencies, and interns and volunteers from local communities are assisting the Forest Service with accomplishing critical trail maintenance activities and trail expansion projects.

Trail Maintenance Priority Area map (PDF - 1.5MB)

Highlights:

  • In 2021, a successful volunteer event with Alaska (AK) Trail Stewards accomplished trail maintenance work. The AK Trails crew brushed out the first mile of Portage Pass and fixed drainages.
  • In 2021, The American Hiking Society held a volunteer vacation on the Seward Ranger District to complete trail work. Some work accomplished included replacing old native timber puncheons with treated lumber, light brushing, and tread widening.
  • FY23 project proposed to address heavy deferred maintenance on the following sections of the INHT: Nash Rd to Bear Lake, Lost Lake Trail, Primrose Trail, Johnson Pass Trail, Turnagain Pass Trail, Winner Creek Trail, Upper Winner Creek Trail, Crow Pass Trail, Portage Pass Trails, and the Trail of Blue Ice.
Image of people working on a trail.

Examples of Trail Maintenance Needs:

  • Remove overgrown brush
  • Repair and install trail bridges, puncheon, and turnpikes
  • Conduct general trail maintenance
  • Complete trail reconstruction and reroutes
  • Stabilize soil to reduce water erosion
Image of people standing next to trail tools.
Image of people working on a trail.
A before and after picture of trail work.
Our Partners:  
  • Alaska Trails
  • Chugachmiut
  • Chugach Children's Forest Partner Alaska Geographic
  • Girdwood Trails Committee
  • Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance
  • King Career Center, Anchorage School District
  •  Kenai Mountain - Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area Community Corridor Association
  • National Park Service, Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance
  • Student Conservation Association
  • Seward Iditarod Trail Blazers
  • State of Alaska, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
  • Trail Mix, Inc.

 
Image of a newly constructed bridge.

Learn More & Get Involved!

To know more about trail maintenance efforts in this priority area, contact:

Tyler Glenn, Recreation Program Manager