Heitman Mountain Trail(edit)

Overview

This hike is about 8.6 miles round trip and the steepest parts are in the first 1/3 and last 1/3 of the hike. As you complete the first 1/3 or, a little bit more than a mile, of the hike you will reach Heitman lake, if it’s a hot enough day or you like pretty cold water it’s a good place for a dip, picnic or just to relax. The next 1/3 of the hike is a rather gradual ascent with combination of thicket and rock as well as some good scenic views of the lake. As you reach the last 1/3 of the hike it will open up and you will be able to see Salonie creek and Kashevaroff Mountain to the right side. The last part of the hike starts to hook to the left and ascend again, if there is still snow on the ground you may lose the trail temporarily. The last 1/2 mile is a fairly narrow ridgeline which then opens up to the mountain top. If the day is clear you should be able to see the coast guard base and the airport from the top.

Getting Started

There is a parking area is off of the Chiniak Hwy to the right side that fits more or less about 10 to 15 vehicles. If you pass Cliff Point Estates on the left you just passed the parking area. The the trailhead is marked with Heitman Lake and Heitman Mountain.

Taking Children

For those taking kids it’s about a 4/10. This may be a difficult trail to complete with children younger than 10. But if you’re just going up to the lake it should be fine just take your time on the ascent due to occasional lose dirt and some spots with occasional mud.