Mount POW/MIA – Gold Star Peak

Mount POW/MIA – Gold Star Peak

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Mount POW/MIA – Gold Star Peak

Mount POW/MIA is a mountain that was dedicated in November of 1999 to any military personnel that have ever been determined as a Prisoner of War or been Missing In Action It is the largest and tallest living military monument. The route to Mt. POW-MIA is nearly identical to Gold Star Peak

This hike is fairly unknown to the general public and can be difficult. The trail starts just at mile 5 on Eklutna Lake Road making it a 2mile drive/walk from BWBC down ELR towards the highway. If you want to drive, park in a gravel pullout on the south side of the road at about mile 4.5, opposite telephone pole number 74. The trail leaves the road at telephone pole number 85, which requires you to walk along the road about half a mile to milepost 5 (an area where parking is not possible). There is survey tape marking a steep trail for about the first 1/2 mile. The trail mostly levels out into a field before continuing an uphill climb. Plan several hours for the hike with steep vertical gain. This hike is a spring/summer/fall hike. Due to the steepness, winter hiking is difficult at best. 

The first summit you will reach is Gold Star Peak. From there, follow the ridge line to the east for about 1/4 mile to reach Mt. POW/MIA. At the summit there is a POW/MIA flag, register, and plaque dedicated to James Wesley Widdis, Jr. Northwest of the summit, about 100 feet, if there is little or no snow, is a picnic table for picnicking pleasure. As with all hiking in Alaska, I highly recommend you take bear spray and make lots of noise as you hike no matter where you go. 

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