Anchorage Parks and Recreation

Trail Report Review 2009

Trail Report Review  2009

  • An illegal camp found 100yds south of the upper picnic shelter site driveway in Russian Jack Springs Park off of Boniface Parkway picnic area entrance.  Large tent and approximately a pick up load of stuff seen around campsite. Report submitted 10-27-09 Forwarded to CWS and APD
  • On 10-17-09 I noticed two tents in separate Mt. View parks while I was out geocaching.  Coordinates are N 61 13.839 W 149 47.395 (GC13AXJ, Toy Box); N 61 13.774 W 149 47.074 (GCGPA1, GOALS).  These are the cache coordinates; the tents are quite close to them. Report submitted 10-27-09 Forwarded to CWS and APD
  • Tent, barbecue, chairs, grocery cart, and other items are located in the wooded area west of the Clark Middle School ballfield and north of the Bed, Bath & Beyond store (Glenn Square?).  WGS84 coordinates are N61° 13.333', W149° 49.007' Report submitted 10-27-09 Forwarded to CWS and APD
  • Multiple tents  in Goose Lake Park, maybe 100 yards N of parking lot - multiple use trail, in the dense woods below the NW corner of the raised baseball field that has the picnic shelter. Report submitted 10-26-09 Forwarded to CWS and APD
  • Two illegal camps seen 10-17. Not obviously alcohol abusing. Camp 1. Several large tents in Goose Lake Park in dense forest just NW of the raised baseball field / picnic site. Surprisingly close to well used areas. Camp 2. Tent on east bank of Chester Creek in Tikishla Park, about 250 yards north of the Northern Lights Boulevard culvert. Report submitted 10-23-09 Forwarded to CWS and APD
  • The bridges in Russian Jack Park over the stream are extremely slippery. Particularly dangerous is the bridge located at the bottom of a large hill with a t-intersection at the bottom of it. If wet from condensation or rain this becomes like ice. There are no warnings that the bridge is slippery or that an intersection is coming up.  Received a concussion on this bridge last week due to trying to stop because of a large group of skiers on roller skis using the area were taking up the entire trail.  I had to come to a complete stop on this bridge to avoid collision. It is not safe at all to adjust speed or turn on this bridge. because of the slipperiness. There is currently no signage indicating an intersection coming up, or that you will not be able to stop on the bridge if needed. Report submitted 9-21-09 Forwarded to North Park Maintenance
  • An illegal camp, with clear plastic tarp and gear seen south of foot ball stadium, between Chester Creek and bike trail. (south side of creek, close to eastern bridge) near light post 78 and 7. Report submitted 9-17-09 Forwarded to CWS and APD
  • As reported to me by a second party, there is a tree across the trail on the Campbell Creek trail between Minnesota and Victor.  Report submitted 9-17-09  Forwarded to South Park Maintenance
  • Second trail light west from Lake Otis near pond on the Chester Creek Trail is out creating a very dark stretch at night.  Report submitted 9-16-09  Forwarded to PFM & North Park Maintenance
  • Rock pulled from support wall on Chester Creek Trail is sliding its way toward trail and is actually a few inches out onto the trail. It's on one of the holes on the disc golf course, between the tunnels. Report submitted 9-16-09  Forwarded to North Park Maintenance.
  • The E 48th road project contractor AIC has reported that there have been numerous trail users proceeding into the closed construction area and underneath the road bridge, which is a serious liability and safety issue.  Disregarding the closure barriers and pedestrian fencing is putting unauthorized trail users at risk and are causing potential liability issues for the MOA and contractor.  Please respect the project trail closures and follow the signed detour routes Report submitted 9-11-09
  • Trail use will be impacted on two trails in Far North Bicentennial Park during National Public Lands Day, September 26.  Volunteers and BLM will improve the low and muddy trail segment of the  Old Rondy Trail (Tour of Anchorage Route) at the South Fork Bridge of Campbell by extending the existing gravel trail some 450 ft to the bridge.  Work may extend beyond 9/26 with the installation of 2 culverts.  Work to complete the Moose Meadow Trail Safety Makeover will begin two weeks prior to 9/26 with selective thinning of black spruce thickets to increase off trail visibility by a crew of sawyers.  On 9/26 volunteers will pull / drag and spread out cut brush and downed black spruce into the forest along the trail.  All trail users are welcome to join P&R, Trail Watch and BLM in this Take Pride in America event. (see TW home page for details)
  • Notice to Baxter Bog trail users - Baxter Bog Boardwalk Overlook Project has commenced in Baxter Bog Park.  This project, managed by the Parks and Recreation Department, includes the installation of pilings and a boardwalk overlook in Baxter Bog Park. Baxter Bog Park trails will be open and accessible during the project; however, portions of Baxter Bog Park will be temporarily unavailable during portions of the project. Report submitted 9-8-09
  • Found what appear to be remains of an inactive campsite with personal effects.  WGS84 GPS coordinates are N61° 10.567, W149° 47.769.  This location is approximately south of the new 48th St. Extension Bridge and just east of the mushing trail. Report submitted 9-1-09 Forwarded to APD and CWS

  • Observed multiple tent camps at several locations in Davis Park.  Some sites are complete with double tarp shelters over tents and folding chairs.  These locations are along the north side of the park close to the military fence.  WGS84 datum GPS coordinates are:
    1) N61° 13.797, W149° 47.087
    2)N61° 13.877, W149° 47.174
    3)N61° 13.875, W149° 47.113
    4)N61° 13.865, W149° 47.079. Report submitted 9-1-09 Forwarded to APD and CWS

  • Trail lights along Westchester Lagoon have not been on in the early morning (5am-6am) from the west end of the lagoon all the way to Minnesota Bypass.  Report submitted 8/31 Forwarded to Facility Maintenance - Note - Lights along Westchester are on timer & photo cell.  Will check light sensor and timer.  Please report back status near end of September 

  • Beavers have been busy on both sides of University Lake trail since 8/29.  2 obstructions on the trail: the first and largest is on the north side of the lake as you approach the soccer fields from the west with 1 large tree and 2 smaller ones almost completely blocking the trail.  The second is a partial obstruction blocking half the trail on the south side just east of the bridge. Report submitted 8-30-09 Forwarded to Park Maintenance and APU

  • Outhouse tipped at Davenport Ball Parks on Lake Otis. Graffiti tags for "Bloods" along trail removed from C Street to Goose Lake on Chester Creek. One patch left at Goose Hill but too wet to paint this morning. Metal BBQ left at Hannah’s Cove on the Coastal Trail. Report submitted 8-29-09 Forwarded to Park Maintenance and Graffiti Busters

  • Extensive graffiti seen on Chester Creek Trail on telephone pedestal at Eastchester Park, just east of New Seward and foot bridge at Tiksihla Park.  Gang like graffiti also seen on bike trail sign on side trail just west of Bragaw between N Lights and 20th. Report submitted 8-28-09 Forwarded to APD and Graffiti Busters

  • Silver and pink salmon seen in Chester Creek and Lagoon. Fish snaggers also seen at the Lake Otis / Hillstrand Pond and reported to F&G Troopers.  For reference their phone number is 907-352-5401. Report submitted 8-10-09 Report to APD
  • Old Rondy Trail (Tour of Anchorage Route) will be closed to north bound travel (travel to Tudor Road Bridge) at E. Campbell Creek Trail intersection east of Chuck Albrecht Softball Complex starting Tuesday, August 4.  The trail segment closure to Tudor Road Bridge and trail detour is due to the E 48th overpass placement / bridge construction.  A trail detour will be established directing north bound travelers coming from the BLM Campbell Tract west on Campbell Creek Trail to Elmore Road and then north to Tudor Road / Bridge and points north.   Tudor Road Bridge / University Lake / UAA & APU bound trail users that are traveling east on E. Campbell Creek Trail will be directed to use the detour at the intersection of Elmore Road and E 48th. South bound Old Rondy Trail (Tour of Anchorage Route) users on E. Campbell Creek Trail will not be impacted. This detour will be effective until further notice.  Report submitted 8-3-09
  • Trail Watch signs destroyed at A and C streets (both at A Street and one at C Street).  Trash and bottles along creek at Mulcahy between Chester Creek trail bridges. Yea! 1 night without graffiti in the Seward tunnel! Report submitted 7-25-09 Forwarded to APD and CWS
  • Trail Watch signs destroyed at A and C streets (both at A Street and one at C Street).  Trash and bottles along creek at Mulcahy between Chester Creek trail bridges. Yea! 1 night without graffiti in the Seward tunnel! Report submitted 7-25-09. Forwarded to N. Park Maintenance
  • Observed tent and trash at light pole 74-5 south of Chester Creek Bike Trail at Mulcahy / Anchorage Football Stadium. Report submitted 7-24-09 Forwarded to APD and CWS
  • Large graffiti tag is on the cement picnic bathroom building on the paved bike trail in Russian Jack Springs Park just south of the Boniface Parkway trailhead parking lot.  Report submitted 7-22-09 Forwarded to APD and Graffiti Busters
  • On the Campbell Creek Trail, between Taku and Dowling teenage boys are harassing trail users. One played chicken with me on my northbound ride and on the return trip one boy cut off my father in law by turning his bike perpendicular to the trail.  Fortunately my father in law only had a few cuts after being ejected over the handle bars. The boys wouldn't give me any info and I forgot my cell phone so wasn't able to contact the police.  Later talked with an officer and he said he would try to get someone to checkout the Taku to Dowling trail. Please be aware in this area.  Report submitted 7-22-09 Forwarded to APD
  • Trail users should use caution at the small wooden bridge just off the paved Russian Jack Springs multi use trail below the hill from the chalet.  The wooden bridge crossing of upper Chester Creek on a soft surface trail collapsed with many of the boards broken from an illegal vehicle on the trail. This bridge / stream crossing is closed until further notice.  Report submitted 7-21-09
  • Graffiti found on signs at Tikishla Park at E. 20th parking lot.  Park user reported Mt bike stolen from park 7/16 when her children were playing on swings.  She found the pull behind child carrier on Tikishla Trail connection to Chester Creek Trail but no bike. Additionally trail directional signs were missing at trail junction just north of N. Lights Bridge.  Report submitted 7-21-09 Forwarded to N. Park Maintenance, Graffiti Busters & APD
  • Trail Watch will lead a safety makeover project July 18 on the Tikishla Park / Chester Creek Trails between Goose Lake and Lake Otis Parkway.  Brushing back undergrowth, thinning black spruce and opening up off trail visibility to reduce blind corners and wildlife surprises is scheduled.  Volunteers are needed to make this project successful.  Volunteers should report at 8:30a at the E20th Tikishla Park parking lot.  See TW home page for details.
  • The North Shore University Lake trail is being repaired / upgraded as part of a Anchorage Park Foundation Challenge grant with the Tudor Centre Trust and community contributions.  Work includes regrading to establish proper drainage and resurfacing of the trail tread.  Trail users, dog  walkers and park visitors should use caution and use established detours from June 30 to August 1.
  • Middle 2 lights out in New Seward Highway tunnel of Chester Creek Trail.  Also light under A Street is broken.  Sign at A Street / Fireweed Trail & Chester Creek Trail junction is bent, has graffiti, and is lying on the side of the trail.  Report submitted 7-2-09 Forwarded to Street Maintenance, Graffiti Busters & S. Park Maintenance
  • On the Raspberry Road trail; 2 major cracks, tire swallowers, between Jewel and Sand lake roads, have developed.  Not a P&R trail but not sure who to send to. Report submitted 6-30-09 Forwarded to Street Maintenance
  • Trail users are asked to use caution when on East Campbell Creek Trail between Piper Street and the mushing trail tunnels / Elmore Road.  The AFD Fire Wise/ State of Alaska Pioneer Peak Forest Fire crew will begin work as part of the East Campbell Creek Trail Watch Safety Makeover effort started on May 9.  The crews will compliment the volunteers efforts decreasing fire fuels and opening off trail visibility.  Trees, brush and wood debris will be chipped and spread back into the forest during the project.  This safety makeover effort is scheduled to begin the week of June 29 and should be completed barring any forest fire call to the interior in approximately 2 weeks.
  • Graffiti on both benches overlooking the Inlet at Lynn Ary Park.  Report submitted 6-29-09 Forwarded to Graffiti Busters
  • Old Rondy Trail over Campbell Creek; wooden bridge closest to Science Center; 2 planks broken, 3rd about to go.  Report submitted 6-29-09 Forwarded to S. Park Maintenance
  • On Sunday 6-28-09 at 5 pm between the western Lagoon tunnel and the Fish Creek bridge I observed a black male riding a dirt bike (motorized) at a high rate of speed toward the Lagoon.  The trail was packed with walkers, children, loose dogs, bikers, etc.  He saw me and my trail watch armband, but didn't seem to care.  Report submitted 6-28-09 Forwarded to APD
  • "No on 64" graffiti was on pavement and fencing on the Campbell Creek Trail, just south of Lynwood (North of Taku Lk). Graffiti "Vote No on 64" was also written on pavement north of Taku Lake almost to overhead rail crossing.  Report submitted 6-27-09 Forwarded to Graffiti Busters
  • Metal picnic table from the football stadium on the Chester Creek trail by the east Mulcahy bridge has graffiti on the table.  Graffiti was also in the A street overpass and in the Elderberry tunnel.  Report submitted 6-24-09 Forwarded N. Park Maintenance and Graffiti Busters
  • Erosion mats at the new Chester Creek outfall has been pulled back off the area it was covering in 3 places on the RR side of the project.  Report submitted 6-23-09 Forwarded to Park Planning Section.
  • Metal picnic table from Valley of the Moon has been moved to base of I street stairs. Pot smoker graffiti has been removed by trail watch volunteer.  Report submitted 6-23-09 Forwarded N. Park Maintenance
  • Boardwalk west of south tunnel at lagoon; Noticed a number of the mid trail bolt tops appear to have been  pried up (snow plow?) and presents a trip hazard. Most are on the western half of the board walk.  Report submitted 6-19-09 Forwarded S. Park Maintenance
  • Over 3200 Mayors Marathon runners and walkers will be on the trails Saturday June 20.  Marathoners will be on the Chester Creek trail from Goose Lake to Westchester and around the west end of the lagoon from 10a - 4:30p.  Half Marathoners and 5 Miler runners and walkers will be on the TK Coastal Trail from Cilthrow Center, past Earthquake Park to Westchester Lagoon from 9:30a - 2pm.  Please use caution when using these course routes.
  • Trail users are invited to join guest speakers from federal, state and city agencies celebrating the project completion of the Chester Creek Westchester Lagoon Aquatic Restoration Project on the T.K. Coastal Trail.  The completion project ceremonies are slated from 3:30p-5pm at the west end of the Westchester lagoon Friday, June 19. 
  • New graffiti on wooden fence just north of Fish Creek.  Graffiti reported more than a month ago at the Earthquake Park interpretative monument is still there. Report submitted 6-15-09. Forwarded to Graffiti Busters
  • The snow fence that has recently (last 2 weeks) been put up near Pt. Woronzof above the parking lot and towards the bottom of the hill, down from Pt. Woronzof Overlook blocks an alternative route into park. (by the bunker that goes into the hill).  People who ride tandem have used that area as an avoidance area for people going up hill on the left side of the trail. Possible suggestions to correct: put the snow fence in an L shape on the side closest to the trail and put up a sign indicating "Keep right" as you go up the hill.  Report submitted 6-14-09
  • Taku Lake trail detour is nearing the end with the recent paving by contractor.  Tentative trail opening is planned for Friday 6/19 per AWWU. Report submitted 6-16-09
  • Rough surface" sign part of Taku lake detour was placed on west side of lake/trail blocking the right side of trail which is the side of the detour. Sign moved off pavement, should remain off right side rather than block detour.
  • Trail is flooded under Minnesota (result of high water in Campbell Creek)  Report submitted 6-13-09
  • Graffiti Fish Creek bridge: need brown pt. 2nd spot on fence toward tunnel from bridge; need cream(?) color.  Report submitted 6-12-09. Forwarded to Graffiti Busters
  • Graffiti on the bathroom building at Mulcahy between  football stadium  and hockey/skateboard area.  Report submitted 6-12-09. Forwarded to Graffiti Busters
  • The new Ship Creek Trail, at the east end, there's a ton of busted glass at the top of the driveway/road into W. Tyson Elementary School.  Report submitted 6-8-09.  Referred to ASD Maintenance
  • Campbell Creek Trail east of Elmore Road to the Tudor Road Bridge is closed due to E 48th / MLK Jr Drive construction and trail realignment.  Trail users should us the signed temporary detour route on the west side of Elmore Road that will connect to the Tudor Road Bridge / Campbell Creek Trail at the Tudor Road intersection.  Report submitted 6-3-09
  • Garbage and single tent in dense cover in Tikishla Park, north of Northern Lights located at end of single track leading north from former camper park to a previously trashed area almost in the wetland. Different camp than the one reported 5/29.  Report submitted 6-1-09.  Forwarded to APD & Community Work Service
  • Trash and furniture from camp 40 yards west of cement table in the old camper park area of north Goose Lake Park off N. Lights found. Can reach it by using access road.  Report submitted 5-29-09.  Forwarded to APD & Community Work Service
  • 2 tents northwest of UAA Drive, Northern Lights intersection in north Goose Lake / Tikishla Park. In the woods about 50 yards.  Report submitted 5-29-09.  Forwarded to APD & Community Work Service
  • Based on historic bear activity, last summer’s bear encounters, and proximity to a salmon stream used by bears, the Parks & Recreation Department has closed Mellen's Way / Rover's Run trail for the summer of 2009.  Rover’s Run runs along the south bank of the south fork of Campbell Creek, extending from Viewpoint Trail (Tour of Anchorage Route) to the South Gas Line Trail in Far North Bicentennial Park  A segment of Moose Meadow Trail that intersects Rover’s Run Trail is also closed.  Mellen's Way / Rover’s Run will remain closed until the trail is considered safe for community use. Trail users should use alternative trail routes this summer.  Report submitted 5-29-09
  • Trail Watch will conduct two (2) safety makeover projects in Far North Bicentennial Park as part of the June 6, National Trails Day.  Brushing back alder and opening up off trail visibility to reduce blind corners and wildlife surprises is scheduled on the Tank Trail from North Bivouac trail head and Moose Meadow Trail from Campbell Airstrip trail head.  Volunteers should report at 8:30a at the respective trail heads.  See TW home page for details.
  • New trail along Pine at intersection of Pine and DeBarr is blocked by a car driven or pulled up onto the trail after an accident.  Report submitted 5-16-09. Forwarded to APD
  • Glass swept into piles on Glenn Highway trail at Boniface ... didn't have anything to pick it up with, glass breakage was extensive so just tried to sweep it into the central part of the "intersection" with the tunnel.  Report submitted 5-14-09.Forwarded to AK DOT & Street Maintenance.
  • Extensive glass breakage cleanup alongside the disc golf course ahead of the city's brushing the Chester Creek Trail. Took awhile using just a whisk broom. Report submitted 5-14-09. Forwarded to N. Park Maintenance (greenbelt trail)
  • Thanks for sweeping the Chester Creek trail; work still remains as far as getting sand/glass/leaves off Ship Creek trail especially where it parallels Viking Road. Also need to get the heavy sand cover off the trail/sidewalk from the Glenn to DeBarr along Boniface. It's pretty nasty.  Report submitted 5-14-09. Forwarded to N. Park Maintenance (greenbelt trail) and Street Maintenance (street trail).
  • Two hikers reported seeing 2 black bears on the Coastal Trail near the compost place at approximately 5:30pm.  Between Kincaid and Earthquake Park, there were 5 moose, and an eagle watching the Pt Woronzof parking lot.  Report submitted 5-9-09. 
  • Westbound from Valley of the Moon, the third tunnel still has some ice in it.  Report submitted 5-9-09. 
  • Underpass at Reeves BLVD and the creek on the Ship Creek Trail is loaded with graffiti from the winter.  Report submitted 5-9-09.  Forwarded to Facility Maintenance & Graffiti Busters.
  • Tunnels ice free except for the L Street / Minnesota. Three (3) active camps in the usual area south of the trail, south of Sully parking lot and AFS Stadium.  Report submitted 5-7-09.  Forwarded to APD & Community Work Service
  • Soft surface trails are extremely fragile due to spring breakup.  Please try alternative routes using the more than 150 miles of harden trails while are the soft surface trails dry.  The tire ruts, footprints and hoof prints you leave are unwanted during the summer season.
  • Lights are burnt out/damaged in underpass at Gambell on Chester Creek Trail.  Underpass has ice in it and is marked with graffiti.  Report submitted 5-4-09. 
  • Trail users should use caution in the following construction areas during the Bike to Work Week and early summer season: 1) AWWU Sewer upgrades - West Campbell Creek Trail - 76th / Taku Lake parking lot to C Street underpass, 2) Elmore Road / Tudor Road intersection upgrade - Tudor Road trail & south side Tudor Road Bridge approach, 4) E 48th Construction - East Campbell Creek Trail / Elmore Road to Tudor Road & 5) Goose Lake Pavilion upgrades - Parking Lot trail .
  • I Street stairs, top platform has 2 sections of guard rail missing. Need 2 2x4x8 to fix. They are the lowest of 3 rails.  Report submitted 5-3-09.  Forwarded to Facility Maintenance
  • Trail Watch first Safety makeover project scheduled on East Campbell Creek Trail between Elmore Road and Piper Street on Saturday, May 9.  Volunteers should report at 8:30a behind Public Works Complex E 48th and Elmore.  See TW home page for details.
  • Between Kincaid and Pt Woronzof - approximately 300 snow geese across from the compost facility, 2 sand hill cranes, an eagle, 2 mallards, and a moose. Truly a dream ride.  Report submitted 4-26-09
  • Coastal Trail is good from Kincaid to Fish Creek. Past Fish Creek where the wooden fence on the curve is corn snow, ice, and 5" deep puddles in spots.  Report submitted 4-26-09
  • Two different active tents in the woods south of the bike trail, between A street bike path and the Fairbanks bridge closest to the hockey rink. Numerous other trash piles in the same area.  Report submitted 4-26-09.  Forwarded to Community Work Service
  • Large 3" wide cracks between light post 123 and 124, and between 118 and 119. Graffiti on the playground equipment at Valley of the Moon and at the Gorillas by C street.  Report submitted 4-26-09.  Forwarded to Graffiti Busters and N. Park Maintenance for summer repair
  • There's still snow in spots. I saw one moose, about 50 snow geese, and an aggressive spruce grouse or ptarmigan. The bird was following one guy and he said it nipped at his heal.  Report submitted 4-2-09
  • Trail is 50% clear of snow and ice except in tunnels from Valley of the Moon Park to EQ Park with <1" of slushy ice covering trail. Past Earthquake Park to Kincaid the trail is 80% clear with patches of snow or partially covered trail that is completely bike ride-able.  Report submitted 4-20-09
  • Goose Lake-Painted out the graffiti on the building, life jacket rack, "rock ball", and scrubbed the picnic shelter in the play field. Building will need white and the light brown paint to make it as new.  Report submitted 4-9-09
  • Tables Bench at Lake Otis pond still broken. Needs a 6 foot 2x4. Report submitted 3-14-09.  Forwarded to N. Park Maintenance for spring action
  • Occupied Tent in Tikishla Park, from Davenport parking lot due south by east at the base of the hill near the old rondy trail going south, right, upstream, closer to Northern Lights.  Report submitted 1-23-09.  Forwarded to Community Work Service & APD
  • Trail is generally hard enough for bikes. Trail has quite a bit of debris but no trees down. There is overflow by light pole 116  between the Seward/Gamble and Lake Otis tunnel. A street underpass is flooded to creek level. Sears shopping cart in the creek.   Report submitted 1-17-09.  Forwarded to Community Work Service
  • In the tunnel at Ambassador Drive by the Alaska Native Business Building, going to university lake. on diplomacy drive. there is lots of grafitti that needs to be painted over.  Report submitted 1-3-09.  Forwarded to Graffiti Busters for spring action