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A picturesque out and back to Crescent Lake.


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Map Key

12.4

Miles

20.0

KM

100%

Singletrack

1,563' 476 m

High

602' 183 m

Low

1,438' 438 m

Up

1,435' 437 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (3°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Dogs are allowed off-leash, but the trail may be open to trapping during much of the year. Because of this, the USFS recommends keeping pets leashed for their safety.

Overview

The Crescent Creek Trail ride is a beautiful out and back ride that climbs and descends through a series of hanging valleys.

This ride is great if you only have a half day to ride and want to experience some of the great scenery and mountain biking that the Kenai has to offer.

Need to Know

Bear and moose are present in the area. The best way to avoid an interaction is to not surprising an animal. Use bells, sing and/or travel in a group.

This is a popular trail so be aware of hikers and backpackers along the route.

Description

Starting from Crescent Creek trailhead you'll start out in dense forest pedaling steadily through a few switchbacks. As the initial climb tops out, the trail traverses across the toe of a slope and continues along a side hill with a deep valley below.

The steepness of the slope alternates between long mellow and short punchy sections. There are also a few segments where the trail tip toes along narrow singletrack below some rock walls. It's very scenic through here - just watch the trail ahead.

After crossing an avalanche field (sometimes covered in snow), pedal a bit more and then cross a bridge to the south side of the creek. From here the climb ramps up a bit until you reach the Crescent Lake valley. It's mostly open through here with a few cool sections of flagged pine trees. As the trail levels out, the views get really big.

From here to the lake, the route rolls gently downhill across a moraine to a bridge at the bottom of the lake. Enjoy a snack here and take in the views before retracing your steps back the way you came.

Contacts

Shared By:

Leslie Kehmeier

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 18 votes

#787

Overall
  4.6 from 18 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
28%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Alaska

#787

Overall
5 Views Last Month
6,449 Since Jun 10, 2014
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Narrow singletrack flanked one one side by stone walls and the other by Crescent Creek
Jun 12, 2014 near Bear Creek, AK
Cruising along the moraine from Crescent Lake
Jun 12, 2014 near Bear Creek, AK
Taking a break and enjoying the views of this Alpine Meadow.
Dec 8, 2016 near Bear Creek, AK
Around 4 miles, I think. Just before entering Bearatithia-really prime bear terrain the last 2 miles to the lake so be loud!
Jul 6, 2016 near Bear Creek, AK
A large bridge over Crescent Creek.
Dec 8, 2016 near Bear Creek, AK
This is about 2 miles into the trail. About a mile or so long section appropriately called Spongebob Funpants.
Jul 6, 2016 near Bear Creek, AK
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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