Trail elves caught in the act on Riley

Thanks to Paul Swift, Dave Swift, and Ken Ewald for clearing the 20-plus clusters of trees fallen across Alaska State Parks’ Mount Riley Trail.

Each year hikers and skiers get used to climbing over and around snags on a trail. Then one summer day, they find that same trail has been cleared, like magic! With no evidence of those responsible. So one felt lucky to catch Paul and Dave and Ken in the act on Mount Riley on June 5, National Trails Day. Three days later, we found that the Seven Mile Saddle Trail had been “magically” cleared by Dave Swift.

Thanks to all you anonymous woodland elves for your dedication – for the time and energy you volunteer year after year to keep Haines trails clear.

Also we would like to see the trail registers returned. They provide interesting and often useful information to other hikers about bears, plants, travel hazards, etc. and help create a sense of community among hikers.

Katey Palmer and Laurie Dadourian