Summer  WISE/BLM Hikes and Activities

WISE works with the US Bureau of Land Management Glennallen Field Office to  lead a series of  youth-centered hikes each summer in the Copper River Basin. Boreal forest, mountains, rivers, kettle lakes, mud volcanoes, and waterfalls provide the backdrop for engaging activities and lessons on Leave No Trace principles and environmental science. 

​These activities are geared towards youth, but all ages are welcome.  
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For day hikes, all participants should be prepared with a day pack, sturdy hiking shoes,  raincoat, warm layers, lunch/snacks, water bottle, and any medications or first aid needs.  You may also want a camera, binoculars, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellant.  For camps, participants will be sent a “what-to-bring list,” and there will be loaner gear available.

    WISE/BLM Take It Outside Hike Schedule
Please sign up for hikes in advance by calling (907) 822-3575, or emailing [email protected].

June 1st, 10am- Liberty Falls Trail Hike. Celebrate National Trails Day! Meet at the trailhead, which is just up the road from the campground at mile 23.4 Edgerton Highway. WISE will not have transportation for this hike. The hike is 2.3 miles round trip, fairly steep and includes walking near cliffs and scrambling up rocks.  Recommended for 8 and up.

June 26th, 10am & 2pm- Tolsona Mud Volcanoes Hikes. Put on some old clothes and prepare for muddy fun, while leaning about a rare geological phenomenon. Meet at Tolsona Wilderness Campground, mile 173 Glenn Highway.  The trail is about 2 miles round trip, with some muddy and uneven footing.  

July 6th, 11am- Thompson Pass Hike. Explore the subalpine ecosystem, including flowers, lichens, and a par of high mountain lakes. Mile 26 Richardson Highway. The trail is about 3 miles round trip.  There are some easy hills, and the trail is a nice smooth road.  Be ready for rainy or windy weather.

August 1st, 11am- Gulkana Glacier Hike. This hike will take us near but not on the glacier, and includes an exciting suspension bridge! Mile 197.5 Richardson Highway.  The trail is about 4 miles round trip, with rough and rocky footing.

August 15th, 9am- Willow Mountain Hike. Be sure to have sturdy footwear,  extra layers and plenty of water and snacks for this ultimately challenging and rewarding hike! Mile 85 Richardson Highway.  It is about 4 miles round trip and very steep,  with 2000' elevation gain. Recommended for 8 and up.
What to Bring for Hikes and Day Camps
  • Day Pack​​
  • Sturdy walking shoes
  • Warm Layers
  • Change of clothes for day camps
  • Raincoat and Rainpants
  • Water Bottle
  • Lunch and snacks 
  • Medications and first aid items you need
  • Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen
  • Insect repellant
  • Binoculars, camera