There’s never a dull moment when hiking across Alaska’s landscape. Its vast beauty is unparalleled, and there’s always something new to see. This hiking trail takes you across a glacier to a downed bomber plane. If you’re interested in history, you’ll want to make this journey.
The Bomber Glacier/Reed Lakes Trail is a challenging hike, but if you’re up for the challenge, it’s well worth your effort. Located in the stunning Talkeetna Mountains, this trail takes you through some beautiful scenery and across a glacier to the wreckage of a downed bomber plane.
Andy Brown/Alltrails
The trail is 12 miles out and back, and you’ll want to get an early start to complete it. As always, make sure you’re sufficiently prepared for a trek into Alaska’s wilderness.
Andy Brown/Alltrails
Much of the terrain is waterlogged and soggy, so you’ll want to wear some waterproof hiking boots. It’s always a good idea to bring an extra pair of socks along as well.
Andy Brown/Alltrails
Along the way, you’ll see jaw-dropping waterfalls, awe-inspiring peaks and cliffs, and gorgeous lakes.
Andy Brown/Alltrails
The Reed Lakes are like little gems set into the landscape. Enjoy a rest break or lunch stop here.
Cheryl Armbrust/Alltrails
To reach the plane wreckage, you’ll go over Bomber Pass, then descend down the glacier just a bit. It’s a fairly easy glacier trek as long as you have decent traction.
Winand Deerenberg/Getty Images
The plane crashed here during a training mission more than 60 years ago. On November 15, 1957, the crew was on its way home to Elmendorf Air Force Base when it encountered bad weather and drifted 27 miles off course into the mountains.
Paxson Woelber/flickr The pilot likely never saw the glacier in front of him before he hit it. Six crew members died instantly; one survivor was able to pull himself and three others from the wreckage to await rescue. If you hike to this wreckage, make sure to leave it as you found it and take only photos.
Have you ever hiked this trail? Tell our readers about your adventure in the comments. If you’re looking for more beautiful hiking trails in Alaska, check out this one that takes you to a remote, secluded lake.
Andy Brown/Alltrails
Cheryl Armbrust/Alltrails
Winand Deerenberg/Getty Images
Paxson Woelber/flickr
The pilot likely never saw the glacier in front of him before he hit it. Six crew members died instantly; one survivor was able to pull himself and three others from the wreckage to await rescue. If you hike to this wreckage, make sure to leave it as you found it and take only photos.
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