Page 25 - Anchorage & Kenai Peninsula Bearfoot

Anchorage 0 with Bearfoot TURNAGAIN
SOUTH
Take an evening drive on Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage to see the sunset.
SOUTH OF ANCHORAGE Just south of Anchorage, Turnagain Arm offers breathtaking views of mountains, wildlife and the ocean. The mile markers go backwards as you head south from Anchorage toward Seward. Use the pull outs to scan for swans, eagles, sheep, bears, moose, salmon and beluga whales. The road runs beside the Alaska Railroad. Captain Cook got lost here and had to turn his ship - again - to get back out to sea. There are bore tides, great scenery, mud flats, ferocious traffic and wildlife that comes down out of the cliffs onto the busy road.
POTTER MARSH
Potter Marsh is where the Seward Highway enters Turnagain Arm. The Potter Marsh public use area has a parking lot, rest area, and a long boardwalk. Heading south out of Anchorage, look for the left-hand turn just after the road goes under an overpass. The Rabbit Creek Rifle Range is to the right. The marsh has over 130 bird species and many informa- tional signs.
MCHUGH CREEK HIKING This is a perfect place for an uphill scramble in a beautiful oceanside setting. Nice overlooks and viewpoints, with telescopes, tables and grills, and handicapped accessible walkways - along with re- strooms - make this a great place to take a short, controlled hike. This scenic picnic area is also the trailhead for several long hikes. Stay alert for bears in the area, and don't be tempted to walk on the deadly ocean mudflats across the road.
BIRD-TO-GIRD TRAIL
This is a paved trail that stretches for miles and of- fers opportunities to hike, bike and jog on hot sum- mer days. The trail starts at Bird Creek and runs over 13 miles to Girdwood. A biker's paradise. Just be sure to be alert for bears, so don't wear head- phones or earbuds when you use the trail.
FISHING AT BIRD CREEK
Bird Creek (Mile 101.5 Seward Highway) is a pop- ular silver salmon fishing spot in midsummer. An- chorage residents and visitors come here to fish the salmon that arrive on incoming tides. This area is muddy, so bring boots. Also, watch for bears.
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