Tony Knowles Coastal Trail at Westchester Lagoon
 One of the things Alaska’s governor is best known for
during his administration as Anchorage’s mayor was his dedication to improving
the recreational activities of the city. One
of the best examples is the bike path running along the western edge of town.
The trail is used year round – cross-country skiing in the winter and
by walkers, bicyclists and roller bladers throughout the summer.
One end of the trail is located at Kincaid Park.
To begin at this end, follow the instructions to the Kincaid Recreation
Center in the Kincaid adventure description.
There are several entry points to the trail in downtown Anchorage.
I like Westchester Lagoon because numerous
bike paths meet here that can take an adventurer all over the city.
Head south on L Street and turn right on 12th Avenue and take
a left on N Street. Take a right on
15th Avenue. Just before
the road hooks to the right there will be a small park on the left called
Margaret Egan Sullivan Park. One
can park in the small parking lot, along the side of the road or in the larger
parking lot right after the hook in the road where 15th ends.
When you are in the parking lot, the bicycle trail goes back toward town
and out to the coast. For this
adventure, head toward the west (the lagoon will be on your left side). At
the Y in the trail, go to the left and continue around the lagoon toward a radio
tower and through a tunnel underneath a raised railroad bed.
 The Margaret Egan Sullivan Park features a great place to
picnic, with several picnic tables on the greenbelt along the lagoon.
There is also a small dock next to the small parking lot for launching a canoe, kayak or rubber raft.
In the winter, this dock provides a great place to put ice skates on to explore
the frozen lake. Lots
and lots of waterfowl live in this area – a birders paradise!
There is also an area with exercise and stretching equipment, but most
kids are able to adapt it quite well for playground use.
Be sure to wear bug repellant. With
all the water in this area, the coastal trail is prime habitat for mosquitoes.
The coastal trail runs about nine miles to the south where
it ends at Kincaid Park. The trail does
not gain or lose much elevation, and most climbs or descents are quite easy.
The toughest climb is the last half mile up to the Kincaid Park
Recreation Center. This trail is
quite popular and although no "Pacific Beach", it is still busy enough to require
some  caution. The trail is very
well maintained, but there are some rough patches here and there.
You will find people on the trail just walking and enjoying the scenery,
power walking, riding a bicycle, roller blading, and even using summer skis.
They are taking their babies out in strollers, walking their dog, or
walking their spouse. Please use
courtesy while riding this trail by staying to the right and letting others know
when you intend to pass. Also, make
sure not to be riding so fast that you cannot come to a full stop within 20
feet. There are many blind turns,
especially in wooded areas past Point Woronzov.
There is also a danger of moose. Coming between a moose and her young is the biggest mistake
anybody can make, a virtual guarantee that one will be trampled.
If you see a moose, stop and assess the situation.
If it is grazing along the path, wait until it moves on.
There may be areas along the trail that smell bad.
Sometimes the scent can be particularly bad just past Point Woronzov.
The city’s sewage is sent out into the inlet after it is treated, and
the outlet is not far from the trail. Given
the level of the tide and the direction of the wind, there may be a time when
holding your breath would be beneficial!
If you ride on a clear day you will have excellent
opportunities to capture shots of Mt. Susitna (a.k.a. “Sleeping Lady”).
There are turnouts with park benches in many of the places where there
will be a good view. Many different varieties of wildflower grow along the
trail, and there are long stretches where you will enjoy the peace of the forest
canopy. Also, look for a turnoff
marked by large red arches into Earthquake Park.
This area has interesting information about the 1964 Good Friday
earthquake that destroyed downtown Anchorage.
Built on a material geologists call “liquefaction”, downtown
Anchorage will likely suffer much damage when the next big one hits.
Let’s hope we are not on the coastal trail when it does!
One thing I appreciate about this trail is that it does not
cross many roads. As most of my
bicycling injuries have been the result of direct contact with cars, I feel
safer on this trail than anyplace else in Anchorage. The trail crosses a road only twice, both at Point Woronzov,
and the crossings are clearly marked (trail users are required to stop).
However, these roads do not see much traffic, so there is no waiting.
The trail runs right along the coast.
But instead of beaches, you will see mud flats.
Be very careful not to venture out onto the mud, not only here but
anywhere in Alaska. The tides are
very high around Anchorage and the mud is a kind of quick-setting cement.
We have lost tourists who went our on the mud flats only to get stuck and
drown when the tide returned. Not
all areas of the mud are so dangerous, but better to avoid it unless you have a
guide who can show you safer areas. One
beach that is safe gravel and easily accessible is below the Point Woronzov
parking lot. Placer gold has been
discovered on the beach. The books
we’ve read on mining the beach recommend panning over near the cement tower.
Wait until high tide and begin panning at the water line, moving out toward the
inlet as the water level descends.
The city is currently planning an extension of this trail
to keep it going through the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge.
While it may not be ready anytime soon, we are looking forward to the
opportunity to see even more of the beautiful coastline, which is currently
inaccessible.
Riding the trail the 20 miles out to Kincaid and back, and
stopping to take a picture or two here and there typically takes Claimjumper and
I about two hours. Give yourself
plenty of time to enjoy!
If you would like to rent bicycles, Downtown Bicycle
Rentals near the visitors center can set you up with bicycle, helmet, map and
bike lock. We have not rented from this company, but felt that it would be
better to include them even though we have not tried their services. They
can be reached by calling 279-5293. They are located very close to one of
the beginning points of the coastal trail. Follow the trail from where
they start you off and you will connect at Westchester Lagoon.
Last Visited: July 2000
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