South End Trail(edit)

Overview

This is an easy out and back trail in Alaska. The trail splits up a few hundred yards down the trail. If you go to the right it takes you to a fence line where you can see a boat dry dock. Eventually the trail heads towards the water where it opens up and you can occasionally hear the Sea Lions roar. The very far point of the trail has some spots where you can take good pictures of Pillar mountain, Barometer mountain and other mountains as well as the occasional float planes that fly by. If you take the split to the left it goes thru a more wooded area that passes a rocky beach and eventually heads up to the same open point. This place had way more trees a few years ago (2019) but due to the clearing of some land next to it and strong wind storms there are many downed trees but they have done a good job of keeping the main trail clear and accessible.

Getting Started

The parking for the hike is well marked and is right before the end of the road which ends where the float planes take off from. Not many cars fit hear maybe about 8 but you can park along the road (which is not very busy). The trailhead is well marked and to the right of the parking lot.

Taking Children

On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best for children under 8, this trail is a 8/10. Not technical unless there is ice on the trial. Most of the trail has a gradual ascent/descent and has a good width to it. Not many cliff points except at the far point were it opens up but most of the trail does a good job of stay away from the edge except the very far point of the point.