I first hiked Kesugi Ridge in July 2008, one of the few times I actually "led" a group in Alaska. I've longed to return with more time to explore especially the north end near the headwaters of Little Coal Creek. So last Friday Nancy Champ and I set out for a Memorial Day trek hoping the weather would cooperate and the mountains would be visible.
Got a late start and didn't start hiking till 5:30. The trail leading up to the ridge is in good shape and was mostly dry. The lite drizzle actually felt nice as it cooled us off on our climb. In no time we were above treeline enjoying the scenic alpine tundra in all its fall colors. Red, yellow and orange all combined to paint a beautiful picture over the background of rock and green.
Once on the ridge, the rain picked up. Then the wind picked up. And then picked up some more. After crossing one of the upper branches of Little Coal Creek, we stumbled on a nice flat spot and somehow got the tent up. Inside, away from the wind and rain, we decided dinner wasn't gonna happen so we snuggled into the bags passed the rainy night in relative comfort.
Next day we stayed in the tent till the rain stopped. Following a breakfast of oatmeal (me) and ramen (Nancy) we hit the trail under clearing skies and sunshine. Right off we hit an obstacle - a rockslide that covered the trail. It slowed us down only a bit.
Once over the roacky area it was clear sailing, or walking. The sun was out and the views were great. Its neat to see the cairns that mark the trail stretching out before you as far as you can see. In bad weather, they are invaluable as many times the cloulds seem to sit right on the ridge.
We had planned on hiking only 5 or so miles and then camping, leaving the rest of the hike to Ermine Hill for Sunday. In light of the nice weather, we decided to push on and go as far as we could. About 4 pm we met the gang that had camped at Ermine Hill dayhiking north. We joined them as they returned to their camps as the weather turned again rainy and cool. By 7 pm, when we reached camp, we were cold wet and tired and hungry. Luckily the rain stopped as we set the tent up and ate a hot meal. We had no trouble falling asleep after our 11 mile day.
Saturday's weather was perfect for a hike up Harp Mountain. Champ and I left Anchorage under clear skies and met up with our group at the end of Hiland Road in Eagle River. The hike up Harp is long and steep but we made good time as the leg muscles slowly warmed up. We reached the top of Harp (5000 feet) and enjoyed awesome views of the surrounding area. 
Not surprisingly, the upper reaches of Harp were already dusted with snow, a sure sign that winter grows near. Champ was certainly happy to reconnect with the white stuff. He ate it and then rolled on his back sliding around and cooling off. 
After a quick snack and mandatory picture taking our group split up. Half returned to the trailhead while the rest walked the ridgeline back above Hanging Valley. Mostly good footing with only a few places where scrambling was necessary. A few miles later we reached the saddle that sits above the end of Hanging Valley. To our right well below us was a clear mouintain tarn, its waters shimmering in the afternoon sun. To our left, our destination Lookout Point several thousand feet above us and covered already in snow. On we marched.
As we walked upward the snow became deep enough for us to kick steps and ascend almost straight to the ridge above us. The reward was incredible views in all directions. Five thousand feet above Eagle River. After a short rest, the wind finally appeared and my sweat soaked body started to get cold. Once again the snow allowed us to make a quick descent back down to the saddle and then down to the floor of Hanging Valley. As we lost elevation the wind died off and the afternoon sunshine soon had us peeling layers and glistening. From there, it was a nice walk back to the trailhead, albeit we did do a bit of bushwhacking on the way.
