Tikishla Peak

Overview

Tikishla Peak, a beautiful mountain in the Chugach Front Range, is located up the North Fork of Campbell Creek. This peak stands guard over much of Anchorage, its two high points readily discernible and very intriguing to any ambitious hiker....Although accessible from Anchorage, its distance and notable elevation gain make it harder to summit then other Front Range peaks....In the Dena'iai language, Tikishla means "black bear," a fitting name for a powerful mountain.

Getting There

Check with the Military Police(see below) before starting at the Stuckagain Trailhead off Basher Rd which is off of Campbell Airstrip. Follow the trail down to the North Fork of Campbell Creek, cross at the small bridge, follow the trail to The Dome then assess your route from there... some people might continue to the summit of Knoya Peak then follow the northwest ridge from its summit over to Tikishla, this route is more prone to have snow cover on the final 1/2 mile to the summit.... Another approach from The Dome is to drop back down to the North Fork of Campbell Creek, staying clear of the alder down low, follow the creek up the valley, the southwest ridge that leads to the summit of Tikishla Peak is obvious.... follow the ridge, route finding is important as you get higher.....An easy descent is to follow the obvious scree fields on the southern flanks of Tikishla down to Campbell Creek and walk out from there, plan a route up high or thick conifers and alder will block your path and make walking out more of an adventure then it has to be....An Alternative approach starts from Prospect Heights Trailhead, hikes up and over Near Point, then down into the North Fork Campbell Creek valley and up Tikishla Peak. Refer to the 50 Hikes in Chugach State Park guidebook, which is an excellent resource for hikes in the area.

Red Tape

Tikishla Peak is unique in that its located on the Fort Richardson Military Reservation, and not within the boundaries of Chugach State Park. This peak is owned by the U.S. Army, call the military police at (907) 284-0823, for permission to hike/climb.
Also check in with the Chugach State Park to see if any fees, permits, etc... are necessary to access or camp in the park boundaries.

When To Climb

For myself, October was the perfect time... cool temperatures, blue skies, just a dusting of snow up high and not a person in sight.... Long summer days in June and July would also be very nice....In the right conditions, this peak can be climbed year round.

Camping

Ask the military police @ (907) 284-0823 about their policy regarding camping.
Backcountry camping is allowed in Chugach State Park just make sure to Leave No Trace.

Mountain Conditions

General weather conditions can be observed the old fashion way from Anchorage.... more technologically adept people might check out
NOAA Alaska Forecast
< http://www.srh.noaa.gov/data/forecasts/AKZ101.php?warncounty=AKC020&city=Anchorage >

Miscellaneous Info

In 50 Hikes in Chugach State Park, Tikishla Peak's summit is recorded as being 5,150'. True elevation is 5,230'. The Anchorage A-7 1:63,360 map shows elevation to be <5200'. Do research before leaving, double check sources, and bring a detailed topo map.

Random Thoughts

It would seem a shame that the U.S. Army owns mountains in the Chugach Front Range. The southeastern quadrant of Fort Richardson Military Reservation might as well be handed over to the Chugach State Park, as if it was that easy! Is their any history of trying to redraw the military reservations border?....I'd like to propose an expansion of Chugach State Park to encompass the mountains, Tikishla Peak, Knoya Peak and Kanchee Peak.....the military might have reasons for holding onto it, high mountain training perhaps?, but the idea of redefining the border, and conserving this invaluable land so close to this metropolis, is an even better idea......

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Images

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