High Ridge Loop Trail

I had planned to climb Lazy Mountain via the Matanuska Peak Trail today with the Valley Wanderers. But we quickly changed all of our minds due to horrendous weather conditions. Freezing rain mixed with snow, and drizzle and high winds as an extra added attraction. Around noon, things started to clear up so Pam and I decided to do something less complicated. I suggested High Ridge Lake, since that's a nice quiet trail and likely to not be very snowy. It had warmed up by then and the wind had calmed down substantially. We met at the Crevasse Moraine Trailhead and took our usual route to the unmarked trail that leads to the left towards High Ridge and Biard Lakes. The conditions were quite nice. Mostly dry with very little ice or snow. Our little dogs ran along ahead and seemed to be enjoying themselves as usual. The trail is very heavily wooded so even with the leaves off the trees it's hard to get a clear view of either lake. It looks like ice is starting to form but they're still a long way from ice skateable. On the far side of Biard Lake we passed a couple of lone runners. One lady had a dog which caused a brief dog barking conversation. But we passed by without a major incident. I love this loop because few people even know about it. It is not shown on the Crevasse Moraine or Matanuska Lake trail maps. But the AllTrails app does show it. That's how I first discovered it after seeing High Ridge Lake on the map but no obvious way to reach it. There were a lot of trees down, many from the recent windstorm. We had to duck under or climb over several of them. Maybe one day ambitious trail crews will clean some of that up. Maybe one day someone will replace the cute little blue chair that offers the great view of Biard Lake. One arm is broken off. It's essential for all trail users to stop and sit there for a minute. Bella didn't want to get off of it today. Even she needed a little rest.

We had a great time and a nice 5.5-mile workout. I'll leave Lazy Mountain for a nicer weather day.

View from the blue chair

View from the blue chair