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The Goat Trail
| Duration: |
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5-8 days |
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| Length: |
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25 miles |
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| Difficulty: |
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Moderate/Strenuous |
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| Features: |
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RV, SC, ST ** |
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| USGS Maps: |
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McCarthy C3, C4, B4 |
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| Rate: |
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$275/person
(unguided) |
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This classic Alaskan hike follows the geographic division between the Wrangell and St. Elias ranges and along an historic route leading from McCarthy to the Chisana gold fields.
A scenic flight among high mountains and glacial rivers takes you to the Skolai landing strip (4500'). Spending a day or two in Skolai allows you to explore ‘Hole in the Wall’ Glacier or hike the alpine bench overlooking Russell Glacier which provides spectacular vistas of the University Range (16,421’). From Skolai, the route climbs over 6000' Chitistone Pass, through Chitistone Gorge and and descends to follow the Chitistone River down to the landing strip at Glacier Creek.
Steep cliffs interrupted by waterfalls border this canyon, which is home for black and grizzly bears, wolves, wolverine, red fox and mountain goats. Hikers may opt to travel in the reverse direction, beginning at Glacier Creek and ending at Skolai.
**This route may involve difficult river crossings (RV) and steep traverses (ST), exposed scree (SC).
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