Resurrection River Trail

The Resurrection River Trail climbs from the Exit Glacier area into the alpine zone at the edge of the Harding Icefield, one of the largest non-polar ice fields in North America at 700 square miles. The trail follows the braided Resurrection River through Sitka spruce and cottonwood forest in its lower sections before emerging onto open moraine terrain as elevation increases. The backcountry experience here is authentic Alaska wilderness: black and brown bears use the river corridor extensively during salmon runs, and moose calves are frequently encountered in the willow flats. The upper trail reaches broad alpine meadows carpeted with Arctic lupine, fireweed, and mountain avens, with panoramic views back toward Resurrection Bay and the Gulf of Alaska. Hikers who push to the icefield edge are rewarded with a view over a virtually trackless expanse of glaciated terrain stretching to the horizon. Two public-use cabins maintained by the Chugach National Forest (adjacent to the park) provide overnight shelter. River crossings can be challenging after heavy rain. Snow can persist on upper sections into late June. The trailhead is at the Exit Glacier day-use area.