AK on the GO

Visit Baxter Bog for an urban hiking experience.

Have an inkling to head out on the trails but don’t want to schlep too far out of town? Baxter Bog is one of AK Fam’s favorite local trails, and thanks to a good friend who reminded us we had not yet shown her how to get there, we hit the snowy paths yesterday afternoon.

Located in between Baxter and Patterson Roads in east Anchorage, the Bog is wonderful any time of year with well-defined trails and a loop that takes one at least a mile around the gorgeous swamp (frozen of course right now) area, complete with birds, moose, and yes, frogs in the summertime. One can stand in the middle of the trail and see nothing but mountains and hear little else besides the crunching of feet and puffing of breath; it’s that quiet.

Safe, and accessible by jog stroller, sled, skis, or your own two feet, Baxter Bog recently underwent a renovation of its trails, and now they are wider and easier to navigate. Yesterday we ran into skiers who were traversing the inner sections, a jogger with two dogs, and others who simply had a notion to get outdoors for an hour or so. Our own children managed to hike the entire loop, playing tag and making snow angels at our rest stops. We returned home with flushed faces and much happier attitudes after following the chatter of magpies and the nubby tops of shubbery in the hopes of finding a browsing moose. 

Park either at Baxter Elementary (after-school hours only), or at the bottom of one of the many residential streets reached through access off of Tudor, Patterson, or Baxter roads.  It’s a perfect choice for visiting families who need a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown, or for an evening hike before bedtime.

Check out the Muni’s web site for more complete directions to this wonderful little haven; you’ll be glad you did.