Lower Winner Creek (bike)

The feel

The first 3/4 mile from Alyeska has wooden bridges and boardwalks over wet areas, then a dirt path through spruce and hemlock forest with waterfalls, ferns and blueberries. The trail runs through rainforest, down a canyon and over a gorge. The first section is great for young kids, and some sections are technical for bikes. The Snowcat bridge has open slats, so take care. The hand tram over Glacier Creek is closed and a bridge is planned.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Singletrack and boardwalk, 2.5 to 2.9 miles one way, with less than 100 FT of gain. An easy to moderate ride on a well-maintained trail, with some sections technical for bikes.

Time

1-3 hours.

Crowds and best time

A 2017 volunteer count recorded 258 users in four hours.

Parking

Park in one of Alyeska Resort's lots and walk to the trailhead behind the tram base, or park 3 miles up Crow Creek Road at the Winner Creek Gorge parking lot, which avoids the crowds and parking at Alyeska.

Dogs

Dog friendly.

Kids

Kid friendly, and the first section is great for young kids.

Hazards

The Snowcat bridge has open slats. Some sections are technical for bikes. The hand tram is closed.

Season and access

Jun-Oct. The first half is pretty packed down in winter.

Mingo says

Ride it Jun-Oct. Most people do not bike this trail in winter.

Before you go

• Do not plan to cross by the hand tram, which is closed.
• Walk the Snowcat bridge slowly, because the slats are open.
• Pack ice cleats for winter, since the descent to the gorge can be icy.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.