Williwaw Peak

The feel

This is a long day past Williwaw Lakes to a summit of 5435 ft, starting from the Glen Alps trailhead at 2200 ft. The west face of Williwaw Peak is a great triangular mass that dominates the head of the valley.

The trail starts on an access path just left of the pay kiosk, then meets the old gravel Powerline Pass road after 0.3 miles, with a boardwalk over what used to be notoriously muddy sections. Cell service is patchy at best.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 16 miles total, with about 5800 ft of gain, rated hard. The first Williwaw Lake is 5.9 miles from Glen Alps.

Time

About 10.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

The trailhead parking fills quickly on sunny weekends or evenings.

Parking

Glen Alps trailhead, with a pay kiosk.

Fees and passes

$5 day use, or an Alaska State Parks pass.

Dogs

Pets must be on a leash in the parking lot and under control on trails and in the backcountry.

Cell signal

Patchy at best.

Mingo says

Clear your whole day for this one. Reach Glen Alps before a sunny weekend fills the lot.

Before you go

• Bring $5 or an Alaska State Parks pass for the Glen Alps kiosk.
• Treat drinking water to avoid giardiasis.
• Camp only over 1/2 mile from the trailhead and use a portable stove, since open fires are prohibited.

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