Backcountry Trek: Hidden Creek Lake to Lakina River
Distance: 10 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Approx. hiking time: 3-4 days
Total elevation gain: +2569, -3051
Best season: Late June - early September
Access: Bush flight - McCarthy to Hidden Creek Lake
Maps: USGS McCarthy C-6, C-7
Challenges: Snowfield at the pass, side-hilling.
3 to 4 day trip that mostly falls in the moderate range, with plenty of opportunities for side trips and scrambles up nearby peaks. Lovely lakes near the pass make for excellent camping.
Even detailed route descriptions such as those found in the book are not a substitute for skills and experience. If you would like to do this route but don't feel that you are ready to tackle the Alaskan wilderness on your own, consider a guided trek.
If you are interested in doing this route as part of a guided trek, click here for more information on the Hidden Creek Traverse in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.