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Karen Garcia Narrative displays on the Girdwood to Indian paved bike path provide a resting place while offering information on natural fauna and the history of the area. |
By Karen Garcia
Turnagain Times Correspondent
Along Turnagain Arm, running parallel to the Seward Highway, is a well-maintained and recently expanded paved 13-mile bike path, stretching from Girdwood to Indian.
Portions of the bike path in the higher points along the mountainsides are paved remnants of the Old Seward Highway.
One of the most popular stretches of the bike path is the Girdwood to Bird Point section, which is six miles in length and has an elevation gain of 275 feet. With very few areas of steep gradient, this path is great for smaller children and those who aren’t looking for anything strenuous.
The path primarily functions as an avenue for recreational activities including biking, hiking, and rollerblading, but also serves as a practical and economical means of traveling between the three communities of Girdwood, Bird and Indian.
Commonly referred to as the “Gird to Bird” trail among locals, it’s appeal stems largely from the spectacular scenery afforded along its route, including panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains and lush birch and spruce forests.
Beginning near the intersection of the Seward and Alyeska highways, the path initially navigates through marshy tidewater turf populated by an ethereal forest of dead, skeletal trees. The demise of these trees is generally attributed to the infamous 9.2 magnitude earthquake of 1964, which allowed salty tidewater to flood the area and effectively poison the spruce to death. This area also supports abundant bird activity from mid-May through July, with hermit thrushes and alder flycatchers a common sight.
Small streams and waterfalls then pepper the moderately forested area until the path emerges into a clearing created by a major avalanche chute. A small sign informs the reader that in April of 1920, this area experienced a major snowslide that killed six railroad workers (and injured 19). Railroad lines snake along near the highway below, hugging the sinuous coast of Turnagain Arm.
Pavilions, rest rooms, barbeque pits, and benches punctuate the path at regular intervals, so there are ample opportunities for snack or relaxation breaks.
Interpretative signs are also present at most of these rest stops, detailing the history of the surrounding area and its flora and fauna. Bird Point also has a campground available for overnight travelers; however, this is a very popular campground, especially on weekends, so reserving a site in advance is highly recommended.
The majority of the path was constructed along the alignment of the old highway after the Scenic Seward Highway was moved closer to the ocean. Previously only seven miles in length, the path was extended to include an additional six miles to Indian just north of Bird heading towards Anchorage, which was celebrated with a ribbon cutting on June 3, 2006.
If you don’t own a bike and want to cycle the path (or cycle anywhere else, for that matter) bike rentals are available at Girdwood Ski and Cyclery on Alyeska Highway, just down the road from the path’s Girdwood trailhead.