|
The Bremner Mines Trip is available as a backpacking adventure to either Ali's
Valley (also the terminus of the Iceberg
Lake Trip) or to Iceberg Lake. The route we'll discuss here goes
over 4 high alpine passes to Ali's Valley, which is about 4 days shorter
than the route ending at Iceberg Lake. We fly from McCarthy southwest
to the now abandoned Bremner Mines, and spend some time in the area
exploring the valley and remaining artifacts from the days when the
mines operated here. Then we start backpacking south and east, hiking
through several passes in pristine mountain country. We'll camp along
cold, clear streams, among fields of wildflowers, in some of the finest
campsites anywhere!
This
backpacking trip requires more than a moderate level of fitness, as
several of the passes we climb through involve steep and strenuous
ascents. We'll take it slowly, but we advise you to discuss this route
with us before deciding to book this trip. The rewards for the hard
work are amazing views and stunning campsites, gorgeous mountains
and valleys and a solitude you'll find few other places, but it does
require some effort and patience.
On the other hand, this trip allows plenty of room for customizing
the route and itinerary as well. There are numerous sidehikes available,
and different options for getting from start to finish. It's possible
to make this an extended backpacking trip, adding as many as 7 more
days to this trip, and still have plenty to do and see. Similarily,
if you're looking for a more leisurely stay for just a few days, this
trip can be planned to accomodate you as well. One possible option
is to fly in to either trailhead, and basecamp for 4 or 5 days. Because
of the heavy impact basecamping can have on a the fragile northern
tundra however, this option is best reserved for small groups of 3
or fewer people.
| Trip
dates: |
Aug 07 - 20, 2008 --- Exploratory Trip: Bremner Mines to Tebay Lakes
Aug 23 - Sept 2, 2008 --- Iceberg Lake to Bremner Mines. |
| Difficulty: |
Strenuous |
| Trip Highlights: |
Alpine campsites, glacier crossings, spectacular views. |
Backpacking
the Bremner Mines route takes you through the heart of the Chugach
Mountain Range, where you'll see glaciers, snow-covered peaks, broad
open alpine valleys glowing with blooming wildflowers and high mountain
passes. Campsites on this guided backpacking trip are second to none!
Wildlife viewing opportunities in the area include a good
chance of seeing both black and brown (grizzly) bears, marmots, ground
squirrels, mountain goats, and Dall sheep, as well as golden eagles
and peregrine falcon, both Willow and White-tailed Ptarmigan and a
variety of other birds as well. We'll be hiking and backpacking above
treeline the entire time, which means we get great views and some
sense of the vastness of the backcountry here. Camping on a knoll
at 7000 feet in the Chugach Mountains is sure to be an exciting and
memorable experience.
"Visit
an unspoiled piece of the world where there is little distinction
between experience and heaven. Your guide will listen to your needs
and respectfully respond, providing both guidance and space. For a
family it is an ideal place to reconnect, decompress from pressures
and to eliminate distractions. Go visit Wrangell-St. Elias, you'll
never forget it. It will live inside of you."-- Dr Ron Plotkin, PhD.
"Skolai Pass is the best place in the world to get away from the cellphones and the blackberries. I would love to go back and see the marmots again!" Barry Graynor.
|
|
