ケチカン・ゲートウェイ・ボロー周辺の簡単なハイキングとウォーキング

The idyllic shores of Perseverance Lake are a popular destination, especially on weekends. When the weather is warm enough, swimmers — both human and canine — may even take a dip off the "swimmer's rock."

This trail is for runners who enjoy rocks, roots, and the other technical challenges that come from running on a combination of boardwalk, old logging road, and even a few stair steps. Keep an eye out for ravens and bald eagles, which you might see soaring overhead or roosting in trees near the trail.

For many visitors, the Rainbird trail is most easily accessed from the Third Avenue trailhead, closer to the cruise ship docks. However, if you have a rental car, this parking area at the University of Alaska Southeast makes a convenient starting place — or a turnaround spot, if you started running back on Third Avenue.

The trail is difficult to walk when it's wet. There are a few places where it's not really worth doing for a view

For many visitors, the Rainbird trail is most easily accessed from the Third Avenue trailhead, closer to the cruise ship docks. However, if you have a rental car, this parking area at the University of Alaska Southeast makes a convenient starting place — or a turnaround spot, if you started hiking back on Third Avenue. If you decide you don't want to hike all the way back, you can even call a taxi to pick you up here.

Although some maps might show this section of trail as the Rainbow Trail, the Forest Service officially designates it as part of the Rainbird Trail, which is ultimately accessible from three different trailheads. This trail is characterized by sections of boardwalk, old logging road, and even a few sets of steep stairs. Keep an eye out for ravens and bald eagles, which you might see soaring overhead or roosting in trees near the trail.

The flat nature trail around Ward Lake is designated as ADA accessible, however it is a gravel surface. Look for benches and interpretive signs spaced around the lake, along with areas for fishing, berry-picking and picnicking. Heads up: Some parts of this trail pass so close to the lake, they sometimes flood during periods of heavy rain.

The idyllic shores of Perseverance Lake are a popular day-hiking destination, especially on weekends. When the weather is warm enough, swimmers — both human and canine — may even take a dip off the "swimmer's rock." When the trail forked shortly before the bridge across Perseverance Creek, you turned left to get here. If you were to turn right instead, you could continue in a long, challenging traverse to Carlanna Lakes, with an optional detour to Minerva Mountain in between. (There is no mass transit service at the Carlanna and Perseverance trailheads, so you would have to arrange for a taxi or other vehicle transfer to get back to your starting point.)