Ship Lake Pass Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Parking at the Glen Alps Trailhead requires a $5 parking fee per day or an annual Alaska State Parks pass.

This trail has an intermediate rating due to its grade, creek crossing and route finding.

At about 4,000 ft., Ship Lake Pass is a fairly high pass with great views of Ship Lake, the Powerline and the Bird peaks and it provides great access to the Ramp and Wedge Peaks. Backpackers usually continue onward down to Ship Lake and onto Ship Lake Trail to Indian Pass. This trail is typically accessed from the Glen Alps Trailhead via the Powerline Pass Trail. The turnoff is approximately 2.5 miles from the trailhead and is very apparent with a bike rack and bridge for the creek crossing.

The trail begins by crossing the south fork of Campbell Creek on the bridge and up through a few trees into the tundra. After about a mile from the turnoff, the trail flattens out and forks in several places. Stay on the largest trail possible until you near a small stream.

As you approach the stream, you'll want to stay left when the trail forks to get to an easier creek crossing. Once you cross the creek, the trail will take you up the valley floor between the O'Malley and Wedge ridgelines. The trail peters out as you make the final approach up to the pass and the tundra turns to firm scree.