Purchased December 2016, reviewed December 2016, updated February 2017 My first test of these booties came on winter solstice in Alaska, on the west summit of McHugh Peak. The thermometer read -10 degrees, not factoring in the wind pouring over … Read More

« Trip Reports on Winterbear.com McHugh Peak Incident 232 Winter camping on the west summit of McHugh Peak December 22-23, 2016 I’m always bummed when adventure buddies leave Alaska, but there is a silver lining. Homesickness builds up until it’s … Read More

I often think of Rainbow Peak as a kind of “Flattop for locals.” Both peaks are easily accessible from Anchorage, take a half day or less to climb, and are almost the same height (3,543′ for Rainbow and 3,510′ for Flattop). Both sit on the edge of Chugach State Park and punch above their weight in terms of views. But Rainbow is without a doubt a longer, more difficult (and arguably, more rewarding) venture.… Read More

Trip Reports

« Trip Reports on Winterbear.com Cirque de Bird Late fall mini-epic through Chugach State Park September 27, 2016 A few things I’m thankful for: clean running water, wool socks, and friends who don’t blink when you ask them if they … Read More

Coming Soon!

The Guidebook is my collection of trip intel for popular Alaska hikes, floats, and other trips. Hike Times/”My Time” A consistent problem with hiking guides is wildly inconsistent estimated trip times. On online trip reports, it’s common to see comments … Read More

Ptarmigan Peak (4,911 ft.) Via the Rabbit Lake trailhead: 7 miles round trip, 3,250 ft. elevation gain. Difficulty: Class 3. My time: 3.5 hours Via the Glen Alps trailhead: 10 miles round trip, 3,140 ft. elevation gain. Difficulty: Class 3 … Read More

Photography I make most of my photography available under Creative Commons license for free, (nearly) unrestricted public use. This has led to many interesting uses of my photos, and to some productive commercial or public-service partnerships. Over the years I’ve … Read More

Eagle Peak (6,909 ft.) South face route: 10.2 miles each way, 5,470 ft. elevation gain. Difficulty: Class 3+. My time: 14 hours round trip ▼KMZ South ridge route: 10.8 miles each way, 5,790 ft. elevation gain. Difficulty: Class 3+. My … Read More