Hope Point
Table of contents
Route Description for Hope Point
The Hope Point Hike is challenging but very rewarding! The views from the top of Hope Point are amazing, however, there are several things you need to be aware of when preparing for your hike to Hope Point: always be ready for the weather to go bad even on the sunniest days – strong sudden winds and rain is very common in this part of Alaska. Also, don’t forget to take lots of water with you as there won’t be any water sources along the trail and you will be exposed to the sun (if it’s sunny, of course) on most part of this hike. Beware that some parts of the trail might get a bit slick after rainy days.
To hike to Hope Point, take the trail from the car park – it’s well marked and hard to miss. Point Hope shares the trailhead with Gull Rock Trail. In the first part of the hike, you will be walking through the woods, and shortly after beginning Gull Rock Trail will split away, so stay on Point Hope Trail (take left at the junction). After crossing the Porcupine Creek, you will start ascending. The old trail to Hope Point used to be very steep, but a new switchbacking path was put between 2015 and 2016 to reduce the erosion damage and make hiking the Hope Point more pleasant.
Soon you will reach the tree line, so continue on the wide path. The trail will get a bit harder here as the path will get steeper. The views of Turnagain Arm will slowly emerge and motivate you to go higher up.
After reaching the rock cairn, continue on.
The last part of the trail to Hope Point might take a bit of scrambling and using your hands. You will know when you’ve reached the summit because of the summit marker, and the views are just breathtaking! Observe Resurrection Creek Valley, Turnagain Arm, Fire Island, and Cook Inlet.
Find other amazing hikes around Anchorage:
Insider Hints for Hope Point
- Stay in Porcupine Campground – beautiful campsite on the shore of Turnagain Arm.
- Take your binoculars with you – Turnagain Arm is a good place to spot beluga whales!
- Visit Hope and Sunrise Museum to check the photographs and artifacts from Gold Rush times of Turnagain Arm.
Getting to the Hope Point Trailhead
From Anchorage, take Seward Highway towards south and go around 70.3mi until you reach intersection with road towards Hope on your right. Take the right turn. Follow Hope Highway for another 16.9mi. As you approach Hope, the road will narrow down bit by bit. Take left before entering Porcupine Campground (where the Hope Highway ends) and you’ll shortly reach your car park.Route Information
When to do:
July - September
Pets allowed:
Yes
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Good
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Hope Point Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
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