Falls Creek Trail (Moose Pass)

The feel

An old mining road, just under 4 miles, climbs through spruce and hemlock forest and stays close to Falls Creek. It then comes out onto alder-covered hillsides and ends at the bottom end of an alpine valley. Some sections are steep and rugged.

The upper parts open up to views of Kenai and Lower Trail Lakes and the surrounding mountains. The trail is open year round and used for cross-country skiing, hiking and horseback riding. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 7.8 miles total, with 2086 ft of gain. A steep and rugged old mining road through spruce and hemlock, then alder, to an alpine valley.

Time

About 4.5 hours out and back.

Parking

At mile 24 Seward Highway turn east onto Solar Mountain Road, cross the railroad tracks and park along the roadside on the far side of the tracks.

Fees and passes

No permit is required to hike Chugach National Forest trails.

Dogs

Welcome on a leash.

Hazards

Bears; bring bear spray and stay alert. Avalanche danger past mile 2 in winter.

Season and access

Open year-round, though winter use past mile 2 is not recommended due to avalanche danger. Closed to ATVs past mile 3 to protect alpine vegetation and closed to pack and saddle stock April 1 to June 30.

Mingo says

Save energy for the steep, rugged sections, because the upper parts reward you with lake views. Bikes and horses are not recommended past mile 2, so plan the hike on foot.

Before you go

• Park on the roadside past the railroad tracks on Solar Mountain Road.
• Carry bear spray.
• Tell someone where you are going and pack for the weather, since no permit is required.
• The Seward Ranger District phone is 907-288-3178.

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