Meanwhile, back in Alaska . . . On the June day that we had our McCarthy Road adventure and toured the dilapidated Kennecott Mill (you can read that post here), we had time beforehand to take a hike along Kennicott Glacier to its intersection with Root Glacier.  Kennicott Glacier is a stone’s throw from the Mill, but until you get closer to it and can see ice and hear the sounds of running glacial melt water, it is difficult to believe that what you see is not just piles of dirt.  It resembles an area of mine tailings more than a glacier.

Kennicott Glacier is visible to the right below the Mill

The dirt-covered surface of Kennicott Glacier

The trail to Root Glacier is moderately strenuous, about three miles round trip, although you can choose to extend that significantly by climbing onto and walking on Root Glacier.  If you do, exercise caution as the surface is frozen and slippery.  The distant scenery is spectacular, while the hiking trail takes you through sparse forest, profusely blooming lupine, and along and across two creeks .  This is grizzly bear country, although we did not see any bears or evidence of their presence.

Purple lupine

Jumbo Creek

Kennicott and Root Glaciers

Hikers on Root Glacier

In Alaska opportunities to interact with glaciers are abundant, as are glaciers themselves.  Get up close and get acquainted with as many as you can.