Hike Mt. Marathon, Seward

What: Mt. Marathon is one of the most popular mountains to hike in Seward, and one of the most popular yearly races in Alaska. Every year, there is a huge race on 4th of July where athletes test themselves to be the fastest to go up and down this epic mountain. Even if you’re not racing it, it is well worth climbing this mountain to enjoy amazing views of Seward and enjoy great berry picking during the summer season. With roughly 3000 ft of elevation gain and 4 miles roundtrip, this hike is rated as Hard.

When to go: Ideally traveled in the summer months between June and September; the trail can be acceessed outside the summer season but snow can build up quickly. The total hike should take about 3 hours.

How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/yd2d8AsuCcdkXGzD7
Alltrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/mount-marathon-hikers-trail

Tips:

• There are multiple paths to reaching the top – most take the Mt Marathon “hikers” trail or “jeep” trail on AllTrails. However, if you’d like there are routes that are more direct to the top and back.
• Parts of this trail can be very steep, particulary at the very beginning of the trail, and the very end of the trail. The middle section of the trail has some nice switchbacks that lead you to open lush valleys with views of Resurrection Bay.
• Once you reach the top of Mt Marathon, you will see that the trail continues to traverse further back into the mountain range – feel free to go as far back as you’d like, but be careful since the trail starts to narrow quite a bit.
• The berry picking on this trail can be amazing during the peak season between July and September.
• Certain helicopter tour companies can offer to drop you off 2/3rds of the way up the mountain, or even take you near the very top. This can be a great way to enjoy the mountain and enjoy a leisurely walk back down.