Thunder Mountain/Heintzleman Ridge has two trailheads, one from the
Thunder Mountain trail on Jennifer Drive near Mendenhall Loop road,
the second at mile 7 Old Glacier Highway. Both are quite steep with
few trail markers, and it is easy to lose the path with many
crossing game trails. Hikers will need to step over roots and
deadfall trees, don't even think about trying to bring a stroller
up here. The route rises through conifer forest and several alpine
meadows, to a high open ridge filled with flowers and offering
stunning outlooks over Mendenhall wetlands to Douglas and Admiralty
Islands. This trail was named for a regional forester who became
Alaska Territorial governor.
Wear water resistant footwear. Make noise as you hike, we saw a
small black bear on the next valley over as we descended from the
ridge. If you bring your dog, be alert for porcupines and other
wildlife, bring your pliers.
Cache is a 2x5x7 inch clear lock-n-lock tupperware. This site
offers a nice view of the Mendenhall glacier, and was a welcome
oxygen break during the climb.
Congratulations to BerrySeekers3 on first to find!
Small note on cache maintenance: Goodsamfam has
graciously offered to assist. Thanks!