Alaska is a state of vast wilderness. In contrast to the logging roads that crisscross National Forest land in the Lower 48 and the well-developed trail systems of National Parks like Yosemite, most of Alaska’s state and federal lands (about 88% of the total acres) have limited access for the average user.
Except in winter. With the freezing of lakes, creeks, rivers and the coming of snow, much more of Alaska becomes accessible with snowmobiles (termed snowmachines or snowgos in Alaska). One favorite destination of Anchorage riders is the area around Eureka Lodge. Approximately one hundred miles north of Anchorage, the Glenn Highway passes the Matanuska Glacier and climbs out of the valley between the Talkeetna Mountains and the Chugach Mountains, and opens out onto a splendid vista of flats and mountains. It is beautiful country to drive through, whether summer or winter. But in winter, it becomes a snowmachiner’s paradise.
The folks at Eureka Lodge maintain 165 miles of trail in the area. Terrain includes steep mountains, wide-open flats, and winding creeks. The wide variety of trails challenge both the beginning and experienced rider. And of course, everyone appreciates the scenery.After a long day on the trail, the restaurant at Eureka Lodge can be a welcome place to warm up. They offer a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu at reasonable prices. Even if you don’t order a meal, stop in for a bottomless cup of coffee for 25 cents! Accompanied by a generous slice of pie, it’s a pleasant way to end a day on the trail.
Eureka’s proximity to Anchorage makes it a popular destination for a day trip. Weekends are especially busy, so if you are looking for solitude, a weekday trip may be better. However, even on the weekends, an adventuresome and experienced rider can find solitude beyond the trail system, for there are literally thousands of square miles available to explore. If you don’t have your own machine, or are visiting from out of state, there are several shops in the Anchorage area that rent snowmachines, trailers, and riding gear.
One can see a lot of country in the winter. As the days lengthen and temperatures moderate, you’ll find many Alaskans loading up their snowmachines and heading out for a day or two of exploration. Join them!
