• 6.7 Miles (one way)
• 4-6 Hours (one way)
• Begins behind Fred's Creek cabin
• Ends at summit crater of Mt. Edgecumbe
• Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
• Recommended Season: Mid spring through fall
• Level of Difficulty: Difficult.  Muddy and wet in places.  Last 3 miles steep climb.  Bears may be present.

Access

The trailhead is behind Fred's Creek cabin on the southeastern shore of Kruzof Island, about 10 miles west of Sitka.  Accessible by boat, roughly half an hour skiff ride from Sitka.

History

This trail was constructed in the early 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps to provide recreational access to the summit of Mt. Edgecumbe.

Special Features

This National Recreation Trail leads to the top of Mount Edgecumbe volcano, although the last portion is marked only by posts.  The vista from the summit is spectacular on a clear day. 

Description

The trail begins behind Fred's Creek cabin in a Sitka spruce flat.  Heading west, it gradually rises while running through several miles of muskeg alternating with forest.  About four miles up the trail, at an elevation of 700 feet, a spur trail leads to a three-sided shelter.  About a mile beyond the shelter, the trail steepens considerably as it climbs the mountain's flank.  The timberline is reached at about 2,000 feet and the trail ends here.  Above this, the ground is covered by red volcanic ash and fragile vegetation.  To reach the crater rim, follow the white trail posts.