This is one of my favorite hikes. It's very steep and not always a well marked and maintained trail. But it has very special meaning. We started at the parking lot with 5 people. But Chris decided not to hike, and shortly after we started up, Connie decided it was a little too difficult for her today. I was sad to hear she had to turn back. But Jane, Diane and I continued on to the top. It was really cold at first, but since it's such a steep climb we quickly warmed up and had to shed some layers. Bella was really enjoying herself and quickly took the lead, somehow knowing exactly where we were planning to go. I think if she is on a trail heading up, she always assumes that up will be the intended route. It was cold enough that the ground was still frozen but we knew once the sun hit it, we would be dealing with mud again. It was very steep until we reached the saddle, then we took a nice short break. From there it becomes at least as steep or worse and also involves lots of loose rocks and scree, plus areas involving rock scrambling. Bella of course, reached the monument on the top before any of us. The top of Gold Star has a pole that is covered with dog tags from our fallen heroes. It's a monument to the families of those who were lost in wars. After spending some time there, we walked the steep rocky ridge another half mile to POW/MIA Peak and took a long break beneath the two flags flying there. There is also a dog shaped silhouette memorial to the military dogs of the Vietnam War on a small hill just past the memorial pole. I feel the whole place is sacred land. Plus the views in every direction are spectacular. It was possible to see Denali in the distance plus Eklutna Lake far below, and all the surrounding mountains. Once heading down, we found things to be very slippery and we all put on our microspikes to try to prevent falls. We were right about the frozen ground on the way up becoming mud on the way down. It was pretty slippery but the spikes definitely helped keep us all on our feet most of the time. Diane and I both had our turn falling over, but no injuries. I recommend this hike to everyone, but keeping in mind that even though it's only about 5 miles round trip, it's really hard. But totally worth it!
Some information about Gold Star Peak: https://www.goldstarpeak.org/about-us/
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| Eklutna Lake and Bold Peak |
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| Twin Peaks |
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| Bella at the Monument Pole |
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| Bella honoring the Vietnam dogs |
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| POW.MIA Flags |
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| Along the ridge |
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