Auriol Trail
Date Added: July 9, 2009
Last Update: July 9, 2009
The Auriol Trail is close to Haines Junction and is a popular day and overnight hike. The actual trail itself does not go above tree level, but an extended hike from the trail into the alpine is highly recommended.
Distance: 15 km
Elevation Gain: 367 m (1204 ft)
Time: 4.5 hours
Directions
From Haines Junction, drive towards Haines, Alaska for about 5 km. There will be a sign indicating the Auriol Trail turnoff is 2 km away. Park in the pull-out. There is a sign at the pull-out with a map of the trail.
View Larger Map
Description
The trail starts by crossing a small clearing and then stays in the trees for the most part. It is well-used and hard to miss.
The trail climbs gently through a mix of poplar, spruce, and pine forest. After a while, the trail will pass by a small lake and meet up with Auriol Creek.
After about 7.5 km, or halfway, there is a small campsite with 3 tent pads, a fire pit, an outhouse, and a place to hang your food. Auriol Creek runs right by the campground, so there is plenty of water.
About 500 m from the campground you will come to a bridge. This is the best point to head towards the mountains and the alpine. Follow the creek, crossing it ever so often in order to pick your way up towards the Auriol bowl. You will have to climb one of the steep morraines that run by the creek. Pick the one with the least amount of brush on its top.
From the top of the morraines, you can easily hike towards the bowl. There is a beautiful apline lake at the base of the bowl. Be careful not to get too close to the lake, as the rock covered ice around it is highly volatile and ever-crumbling into the lake.
After you've explored the alpine, make your way back to the bridge and continue to follow the trail as it makes a loop. Once again you will pass through a nice mix of forests on the way back to the trailhead.
Sponsors
