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50-655: Turnagain may refer to: Turnagain Arm , a waterway into the northwestern part of the Gulf of Alaska Cape Turnagain , a prominent headland on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island Turnagain Island (Queensland) , an island Turnagain Pass , a mountain pass just south of the municipal limits of Anchorage, Alaska Turnagain River ,

100-554: A Falcated Duck was spotted at Potter Marsh , a first for the area and the whole state of Alaska. The last sighting was on May 4, 2019 60°59′14″N 149°47′41″W  /  60.9872°N 149.7947°W  / 60.9872; -149.7947 Chugach State Park Chugach State Park covers 495,204 acres (2,004 square kilometers) covering a hilly region immediately east of Anchorage , in south-central Alaska . Established by legislation signed into law on August 6, 1970, by Alaska Governor Keith Miller , this state park

150-561: A beaver and salmon viewing deck. From the trail red salmon ( Oncorhynchus nerka ) and silver salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) can be seen as they spawn, especially in August. Brown bears ( Ursus arctos ) and grizzly bears ( Ursus arctos ssp. ) often feed on salmon in shallow water between the beaver dams. Hundreds of black bears ( Ursus americanus ) likewise live in the park. Area streams are excellent for birding as well. The American dipper ( Cinclus mexicanus ) can be seen during

200-615: A mere quarter mile (0.4 kilometers) from the trailhead leads to a sitting area and viewing deck that overlooks the city and rewards visitors with views of the Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range 80 miles (130 kilometers) in the distance. The trailhead is likewise the primary access to Flattop Mountain , the most hiked peak in the state. During the winter some trails in the area are prone to avalanches . Hikers are encouraged to inquire about current conditions before beginning travel in

250-536: A number of places. Chief among them are Portage Glacier , occupying the Portage Valley between the head of Turnagain Arm and Passage Canal , the two neighboring glaciers which form the headwaters of the Glacier River and Twentymile River , Explorer Glacier, and Skookum Glacier. Besides these, there are several smaller ones on tributaries of Glacier Creek . The Seward Highway follows a portion of

300-659: A river in the Canadian province of British Columbia See also [ edit ] All pages with titles containing Turnagain [REDACTED] Topics referred to by the same term This disambiguation page lists articles about distinct geographical locations with the same name. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Turnagain&oldid=901523153 " Category : Place name disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description

350-472: A succession of rocks, which as a whole are of remarkably uniform appearance and composition. They are of sedimentary origin and consist chiefly of fine-grained gray and bluish-black slates and gray arkoses. Interstratified with these, but in far less amount, are quartzose beds and occasional thin conglomerates. In a few places north of Turnagain Arm this series of rocks, called by Mendenhall "the Sunrise series",

400-427: A variety of plant life at different elevations. Dense forests, characteristically of white spruce ( Picea glauca ), paper birch ( Betula papyrifera ) and quaking aspen ( Populus tremuloides ), dominate the lower elevations. Ferns , mushrooms , and wildflowers such as dwarf dogwood ( Cornus canadensis ), fireweed ( Epilobium angustifolium ), and the parasitic northern groundcone ( Boschniakia rossica ) of

450-484: Is an old roadbed, the trail is a popular winter destination for skijoring and dogsledding . There are two remote campgrounds in the area in addition to a frontcountry campground open during the summer. Two public use cabins are available for rent on the Lakeside Trail. Non-motorized boats, and boats with an electric motor, are allowed on Eklutna Lake. The tallest point in the park, Bashful Peak , towers over

500-466: Is characterized by remarkably large tides of up to 40 feet (12 meters) which are the largest tides in the United States. The flood tide often begins with a tidal bore especially on large tides with a strong east wind, which has a height of 6 feet (1.8 m) at times, and runs in from the west at a speed of 5–6 miles (8.0–9.7 km) an hour. At low tide, the arm becomes a broad mud flat, cut by

550-402: Is cut by dikes of igneous rock of an aplitic or granitic character. These igneous rocks were not found in the region immediately south of the arm. The whole rock succession is closely folded, and the arkoses as well as the slates show cleavage, which is, however, much more perfectly developed in the slates. Immense deposits of gravel occur at a number of localities, but are especially noticeable in

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600-472: Is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Turnagain Arm Turnagain extends in an east–west direction, and is between 40–45 miles (64–72 km) long. It forms part of the northern boundary of Kenai Peninsula , and reaches on the east to within 12 miles (19 km) of Passage Canal , a western branch of Prince William Sound . Turnagain

650-559: Is exceeded in individual size by the spruces. The conifers ascend the mountain slopes to about 2,000 feet (610 m) but above that point rapidly disappear. Beyond this elevation are alder thickets, small patches of dwarf willows and birches, and vast stretches of waving grass from 1–3 feet (0.30–0.91 m) high. Still higher, the slopes and rounded backs of the ridges are cushioned with a mass of heather and heather-like shrubs, chiefly Empetrum nigrum . This extends up to an approximate altitude of 5,000 feet (1,500 m), above which there

700-457: Is low and comparatively flat, but is for the most part heavily wooded. The flora of the mountainous district about Turnagain Arm is different from that of the coastal plains of other parts of the inlet. The low country near Hope consists of a grassy tide flat, about 50 acres in extent, and a few miles of forest and occasional small swamps along the lower part of Resurrection Creek. Balsam poplars , paper birches , alders , and willows abound near

750-537: Is the only location in the park open to ATVs all year round. Turnagain Arm boasts the second highest tides in North America after the Bay of Fundy . These tides, which can reach 40 feet (12 meters), sometimes come in so quickly that they produce a wave known as a bore tide . Adventurous kayakers and surfers have taken to riding the tide as an extreme sport . Hikers should take care not to get stuck in

800-400: Is very little or no plant growth. The whole country is characterized by the abundance of high grass; otherwise it is a typical Hudsonian-Alpine region. Dall sheep , hoary marmot , American black bear , American marten , and long-tailed chickadee are noted. An endangered population of Beluga Whales are commonly seen traversing the waterway with rising and falling tides. On May 3, 2019,

850-460: The broomrape family cover the forest floor. At higher elevations wildflowers such as mountain avens ( Dryas octopetala ) and the Alaska state flower , the alpine forget-me-not ( Myosotis alpestris ), grow in profusion. The alpine milkvetch ( Astragalus alpinus ), bog wintergreen ( Pyrola asarifolia ) and wild geranium ( Geranium erianthum ) predominate on lower slopes, while further up

900-489: The quicksand -like mudflats that otherwise make up the beaches along Turnagain Arm. Turnagain Arm communities within the Municipality of Anchorage include Indian , Bird , and Girdwood , all along the north shore of the Arm. Portage , at the eastern tip or head of the Arm, is a former settlement destroyed in the 1964 Alaska earthquake . Beluga Point Site , also known as ANC-054, is an archaeological location on

950-517: The quicksand -like mudflats that otherwise make up the beaches along Turnagain Arm. The best place to see the Alaskan bore tide is along Seward Highway south of Anchorage , especially at Bird Point (milemarker 96). As a wilderness park within easy driving distance of the largest population center in Alaska, the park has been the site of contacts between bears and humans over the years. Most of

1000-559: The Eagle River can be accessed by the nearby Albert Loop Trail which passes through three miles (five kilometers) of mixed forests and leads to a river fed by glaciers hidden in the surrounding mountains. At those times in the fall when the park's ursine residents are using the area for their fishing purposes, the trail is closed so as to lessen bear - human interactions. In addition, the Rodak Nature Trail leads to

1050-776: The Municipality of Anchorage, a small portion of the park north of the Eklutna Lake area in the vicinity of Pioneer Peak lies within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough . Hunting and fishing are permitted in the Chugach under regulations established by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for game management unit 14c. Target practice is not allowed within the park boundaries. The Lakeside Trail travels 12.7 miles (20.4 kilometers) along

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1100-550: The Seward Highway. As with all campgrounds in the park, each camping site boasts a wooded spot for recreation and relaxation, a fire ring and picnic table, with potable water and latrines nearby. Park volunteers at campgrounds and elsewhere offer assistance and answer visitor questions. Firewood is often available nearby for a small fee. Though dirt bikes are prohibited, the Bird Valley Trail System

1150-709: The Turnagain Arm field. Glacier Creek enters Turnagain Arm from the north, 12 miles (19 km) from its eastern end. It is one of the larger tributaries of Turnagain Arm from the north and joins the Arm at a point 75 miles (121 km) from Seward by way of the Alaska Northern Railroad survey. The Dena'ina called Turnagain Arm Tutl'uh , meaning "back water". Turnagain Arm was named by William Bligh of HMS Bounty fame. Bligh served as Cook's Sailing Master on his third and final voyage,

1200-538: The aim of which was discovery of the Northwest Passage . Upon reaching the head of Cook Inlet in 1778, Bligh was of the opinion that both Knik Arm and Turnagain Arm were the mouths of rivers and not the opening to the Northwest Passage. Under Cook's orders Bligh organized a party to travel up Knik Arm, which quickly returned to report Knik Arm indeed led only to a river. Afterwards a second party

1250-533: The area. The Powerline Pass Trail is a popular location for dogsledding and skijoring . Though moose ( Alces alces gigas ) may be seen along many of the park's trails, a more predictable and convenient spot is the viewing platform at Glen Alps in fall and early winter. Dozens of moose are often seen below the platform and across the Campbell Creek Valley to the east. Wolves ( Canis lupus ) and Canadian lynx ( Lynx canadensis ) also live in

1300-450: The arm about 20 miles (32 km) east of the main body of Cook Inlet, and with Sixmile Creek, 8 miles (13 km) farther east; with its various branches, it drains a large part of the northeastern portion of Kenai Peninsula. Resurrection Creek flows in a direction slightly east of north. The town of Hope is located near its mouth. Palmer Creek is its largest tributary. Bear Creek flows into Turnagain Arm 0.5 miles (0.80 km) east of

1350-457: The end of the trail and heads over the tops of the Eklutna, Whiteout, Eagle and Raven glaciers, and ends 31 miles (50 kilometers) away at Crow Pass near Girdwood on the opposite side of the park. In wintertime, trail users are able to travel the same route by snowmobile (snowmachine), snowshoes or cross-country skis as permitted by regulation and weather conditions. As most of the trail

1400-488: The lake at a height of 8,005 feet (2,440 meters). Bush planes are able to land on the far (southern) side of Eklutna Lake at the unpaved Bold Airstrip. North of Eklutna, the southern summit of Pioneer Peak can be reached from Knik River Road via the Pioneer Ridge Trail beginning outside the park boundaries in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough . Visitors to Eklutna Lake have the opportunity to experience

1450-537: The lower trails. Dwarf blueberries ( Vaccinium caepitosum ), alpine bearberries ( Arctostaphylos alpina ) and crowberries ( Empetrum nigrum ) are found higher up. Correctly identifying berries before consuming them is important as some species are poisonous. A non-profit organization in association with the park operates the Eagle River Nature Center which exhibits interpretive information on wildlife and geological features. The basin of

1500-464: The mining camp at its mouth. The larger of the two forks, known as the East Fork, is itself formed by the confluence of a number of small streams. The more important of these are Gulch and Granite creeks on the north, and Lynx and Silvertip creeks on the south. The smaller fork, Canyon Creek , flows almost directly northward and, with its eastern tributary, Mills Creek , has been the chief producer of

1550-427: The most visited is Beluga Point , at milemarker 110.5, named for the beluga whales ( Delphinapterus leucas ) that frequent the area. Another popular viewpoint along the Seward Highway is Windy Corner at milemarker 106 where Dall sheep (Ovis dalli) are often visible just up the hill. The McHugh Creek Day use area features hiking trails and picnic areas. The Bird Creek Campground is located south of Anchorage off

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1600-469: The mouth of Resurrection Creek. It is nearly 6 miles (9.7 km) long, and follows a northwesterly course through a steep, narrow valley. Bear and Palmer creeks are the two producing streams of this part of the field, and both are connected with Hope by roads. The drainage area of Sixmile Creek is much larger than that of Resurrection Creek, and the stream is formed by the confluence of two large branches, which unite 10 miles (16 km) south of Sunrise ,

1650-848: The nature center. This popular trail travels 28 miles (45 kilometers) through the park connecting Eagle River and Girdwood as it traverses the Chugach Mountains . It affords incredible views and wildlife viewing opportunities. Even along the first view miles, hikers often see hoary marmots ( Marmota caligata ) and Arctic ground squirrels ( Urocitellus parryii ) , and occasionally mountain goats ( Oreamnos americanus ) or Dall sheep ( Ovis dalli ) . Hoary marmots live in alpine meadows , often adjacent to boulders or talus . These furry creatures hibernate from mid-September until April or early May. In summer, they can be heard making long whistle warning calls. Mountain goats and their kids and Dall sheep with lambs can be seen feeding on slopes above

1700-508: The nootka lupine ( Lupinus nootkatensis ), coastal paintbrush ( Castilleja unalaschcensis ), prickly saxifrage ( Saxifraga tricuspidata ), the poisonous yellow anemone ( Anemone richardsonii ) and eventually the mosses of the tundra will reward hikers. Berry picking is popular in late summer and early fall. Highbush cranberries ( Viburnum edule ), lingonberries ( Vaccinium vitis-idaea ), northern redcurrants ( Ribes triste ) and bog blueberries ( Vaccinium uliginosum ) grow along

1750-471: The north shore of the Arm, while Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is situated at the head of the Arm near the site of Portage. Major tributaries of Turnagain Arm include the Twentymile River , Portage River , and Placer River . Minor tributaries include Resurrection Creek , Bear Creek, Sixmile Creek , and Glacier Creek , with their branches. Resurrection Creek flows into the south side of

1800-694: The park but are seen less frequently. The willow ptarmigan ( Lagopus lagopus ) , Alaska's state bird , as well as the rock ptarmigan ( Lagopus muta ) and white-tailed ptarmigan ( Lagopus leucura ) frequent alpine tundra and subalpine shrub thickets. Meadow voles ( Microtus pennsylvanicus ) by contrast live underground in alpine and tundra habitats. Hikers may hear the chirps of the singing voles ( Microtus miurus ) . During fall, these rodents construct piles of grasses and plants near their burrows . Smaller mammals inhabiting this area include red foxes , porcupines , hares , ground squirrels , ermines , and pikas . The Seward Highway follows part of

1850-483: The shores of Eklutna Lake until it reaches the mile-long Eklutna Glacier Trail that leads in short order to the moraines at the foot of the colossal blue ice of Eklutna Glacier . In the summer, travelers go on foot, by mountain bike , ATV or on horseback , past the lake by way of largely flat trail to the glacier. A traverse with three huts maintained by the Mountaineering Club of Alaska begins at

1900-411: The south side. Mountains rise precipitously on both sides of the arm and reach altitudes of 5,000–6,000 feet (1,500–1,800 m). Their tops are ragged and bare. The timber rarely reaches higher than 1,500–2,000 feet (460–610 m). The smaller valleys are narrow and steep, but the larger ones frequently show by their U-shaped cross section the former presence of glaciers. Glaciers may be still seen at

1950-483: The southern edge of the Chugach State Park along Turnagain Arm. Turnagain Arm boasts the second highest tides in North America after the Bay of Fundy . These tides, which can reach 40 feet (12 meters), come in so quickly that they produce a wave known as a bore tide . Adventurous kayakers and surfers have taken to riding the tide as an extreme sport . Hikers should take care not to get stuck in

2000-561: The southern edge of the park along Turnagain Arm . This stretch of highway is listed as a National Scenic Byway and is designated as an All-American Road . Along Seward Highway is park headquarters located at the Potter Section House State Historic Site which once served as an important worker camp for the Alaska Railroad . There are several viewpoints along the Seward Highway. One of

2050-401: The stream channels. Historically small steamers entered and left on high water though the practice is now rare since most if not all the places that they went are now connected by road. The region adjacent to Turnagain Arm is very rugged. South Suicide Peak (Now known as South Yuyanq' Ch'ex) is the tallest mountain rising from the north side of Turnagain, and Mount Alpenglow the highest on

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2100-432: The streams tributary to Turnagain Arm from the north, and on a few of these claims, notably those on lower Crow Creek, mining was carried out in subsequent years. The output of placer gold was derived from the Turnagain Arm slope of the mountains. Development work on gold quartz lodes was confined largely to the Turnagain Arm basin. The eastern portion of Kenai Peninsula and the region about the head of Turnagain Arm present

2150-417: The streams, and spruces ( Picea canadensis and Picea sitchensis ) and hemlocks ( Tsuga mertensiana ) are common on the slopes and slightly elevated flats. A third species of spruce ( Picea mariana ) is found in the small peat bogs , along with smaller Hudsonian plants. ( Ledum ), crowberry ( Empetrum ), and dwarf birch ( Betula glandulosa ) are in profusion. Of the larger trees, the hemlock is abundant, but it

2200-477: The streams. Evidences of a former period of glacial activity are seen on all sides in broad-bottomed U-shaped valleys, polished rock surfaces, and transported boulders. The shores of Turnagain Arm afford frequent proof of ice action in glacial markings and striated pebbles. Hanging valleys are not uncommon. The east shore along the Kenai Peninsula, from the mouth of Turnagain Arm nearly to Kachemak Bay ,

2250-654: The time these encounters end peacefully, but there have been a number of maulings. In 1995 a bear was feeding on a moose kill with its cubs near the McHugh Creek trail when two hikers happened upon them. The sow killed them both. In 2007 a grizzly bear bit a woman at the Eagle River Nature Center. In 2012 a man was mauled while climbing Penguin Peak. In 2014 a brown bear mauled a runner at Bird Point. In 2017 there were two bear attacks in different areas of

2300-553: The trail during the late spring and summer. Although easily mistaken for each other, mountain goats have a fashion edge over sheep—their long leg hairs resemble pantaloons . The Hillside Trail System lies only 20 minutes east of downtown Anchorage. A privately run shuttle - Flattop Mountain Shuttle - provides round-trip transportation between downtown and the Glen Alps Trailhead . A wheelchair-accessible walk of

2350-403: The valleys of Sixmile Creek , Resurrection Creek , and Kenai River . The flat-topped benches have an elevation of nearly 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level around the lower end of Kenai Lake , and the same elevation was observed in the valleys of the streams mentioned. The bench gravels show a thickness of 100–200 feet (30–61 m) in the upper valleys, where they have been cut through by

2400-496: The winter months, which birders will also find a successful time to listen for the great horned owl ( Bubo virginianus ) and boreal owl ( Aegolius funereus ) . Visitors can rent yurts and cabins along the Eagle River in order to spend time out exploring the scenery and wildlife in the area. Camping is available at the Eagle River Campground. The Historic Iditarod Trail (or Crow Pass Trail) also passes by

2450-643: Was created to provide recreational opportunities, protect the scenic value of the Chugach Mountains and other geographic features, and ensure the safety of the water supply for Anchorage. The park, managed by Alaska State Parks , is the third-largest state park in the United States , and consists of geographically disparate areas each with different attractions and facilities. Only Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California and Wood-Tikchik State Park in western Alaska are larger. Though primarily in

2500-488: Was dispatched up Turnagain Arm and it too returned to report only a river lay ahead. As a result of this frustration the second body of water was given the disingenuous name "Turn Again". Early maps label Turnagain Arm as the "Turnagain River". The mineral resources of the Turnagain-Knik region are notable for gold placers and the gold quartz lodes. From 1896 to 1898, a large number of placer claims were staked on

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