Tiehacker Mountain Trail

The feel

The route begins in forest and turns muddy along the Bear Lake Trail. It gets steeper on the Tiehacker Mountain Trail, and you push through some bushwhacking until the tree line. Above the alders and grasses, a goat track runs along the ridge edge, with Bear Lake Glacier to the south and Bear Lake at the base of the mountain.

From the ridge you see Lost Lake and the Resurrection Peaks to the west, the town of Seward and Resurrection Bay, and Kenai Lake 10 miles to the north. Hoary marmots, mountain goats, ptarmigan and eagles are often seen. The mountain is named for the men who cut railroad ties by hand for the Alaska Railroad.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 7.1 miles total, with a very steep climb of about 4032 ft. Forest, then mud and brush with some bushwhacking, then rocky ground and an open ridge.

Time

About 5.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

Usually busy. Best July through September.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed.

Kids

Rated hard.

Hazards

Rocky footing, snow and crevasses near the Tiehacker Glacier, and black bears, which are rare but possible. Winter routes can cross avalanche prone slopes.

Bathrooms and water

No facilities.

Season and access

Popular July through September, and described as a year-round local favorite.

Mingo says

Go from July through September, the best time to visit. The glacier is usually covered with snow until late summer.

Before you go

• Bring bear spray and hiking boots with good traction.
• Pack something warm for the summit.
• Check www.cnfaic.org for avalanche conditions before a winter trip.

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