Upper Summers Bay Trail

Yesterday Dakota wanted to get out and play, we decided to go check on a possible cave we had spotted the week earlier while hike around on some of the local trails and ridges above Unalaska.   The official name of the trail we were going to explore is called Upper Summers Bay.  It’s two miles round trip and is classified as difficult.  I agree that it is difficult but not a strenuous kind of difficult.  Actually I think it’s dangerous.  This trail is

The Cave ~ N53'52.077' W 166'28.486' (968ft)

seldom used.  In fact crossing several winter run-off mud slides I didn’t see one track , leading me to believe that Dakota and I are the only ones who have been there this year.

For this hike we started at the pass of Overland Drive again and followed the Upper Mount Newhall Trail about 2/3 of the way around towards Ski Bowl.  From there we left the trail and headed in the direction of where the cave might be.  It took a little while and added another mile or so to the hike, but we finally found and confirmed a cave hidden on the SW face of a small gully.  I find it interesting because there are no trails or paths around it, although about a quarter mile away there is debris from some old structures that have long been blown over.

I’m not showing the location of the cave here, I’m saving it and will be posting a Geo Cache.  I’m not sure yet what to  place in it, but I want to make it fun and adventurous for people who decide to get out and find it.

From here we made our way back to the trail.  It took about thirty minutes or so to get back on track and from there we headed to the end of the trail.  The weather was good although windy but we had some great views of Summers Bay, Illuliak Bay and the Bering Sea.

Start Here - Post & Rocks

This next part might confuse people.  I’m going to start the trail report in the normal manner from start to finish, however the images were all taken as you come BACK FROM the end of the trail, that is why they look towards Ski Bowl.

From the pass at Ski Bowl, looking NE I’ve hammered a post in to where the trail starts and placed some rocks around it.  I don’t expect that to last very long with the winds that roll over the pass but, it should last the summer.  The trail takes off and remains fairly level.  Almost immediately your going to pass a small man made cave on your left.  I’m sure it was used for something when the military was around.   There used to be several shacks at the pass for when there was an old tow rope system for skiing there.

Rock Face Crossing

The first part of the trail is in pretty good shape, after a few minutes your going to cross some scree and washed out areas of the trail.  These areas are very dangerous.  The trail is not used often and what would normally be packed down and secure is exactly opposite.  The trail across mud and scree is very loose and unstable.  I warn you of this because if you lose your footing you could slide and fall a few hundred feet.

There are several sections of the trail that are not together.  What I mean by this is that the trail might end and then you have to climb up or down several feet over and around cliff faces to get back on the trail.  It’s at this point I’d like to suggest that you do not attempt this trail unless your really good

Rock Cliff Crossing

on your feet.  There were three sections of trail that bothered me enough to make sure I wrote that they actually bothered me.
Another suggestive point I’d like to pass on is that if it is really windy, rainy (or the ground is wet) or if it’s foggy please don’t try this section of trail unless your familiar with it.  It is difficult enough in good weather.

Keep your head up and look forward along the sections of the trail that are visible, this will keep you at the right elevation.  There are several sections of the trail that are over grown with grass flowers

Mud Slide

and ferns.  I’ve said this before if you see a track of ferns – that is probably the trail so if you do loose your way, see if the ferns can help (I have a photo of this in the gallery)

Although this trail is short by itself, you can connect the Ski Bowl Trail or the Upper Mount Newhall Trail with it to make a nice half day trip.  As I’ve said the trail isn’t used much and because of this there are several sections where the trail is no wider than your foot – so again, be careful and keep steady footing.

Overlooking Summers Bay

The end of the trail just kind of fades away near the end of the mountain ridge.  From there you can make your way on fairly flat ground again with great views of Summers Bay & Lake, Split Top Mountain, Mt. Coxcomb, Overland Drive, Ugadaga Bay, Peace of Mind, Beaver Inlet and the entire valley Summers Bay rests in.

There is no protection from the elements there, so even if it’s nice out, pack for the other just in case.  If your taking a dog you might want to consider packing some water as there isn’t any water from the pass out.  Dakota never stays on the trail long, she is always chasing after ground squirrels, birds and rocks.  This makes her very hot and thirsty.  Also if you feel like camping, there are several spots at the end of the trail that are flat and grassy and would offer some great tenting.  Just remember to tie everything down well.

For the rest of the Upper Summers Bay Trail photographs, check out the gallery. (still uploading them)