South Fork Group Hike | Rainy Trails & Fall Energy with TrailMates
- Sara Burda
- Sep 20
- 3 min read
Trail Details: South Fork Trail to the Bridge
📍 Location: South Fork Trail, Eagle River, AK
🥾 Distance: ~5 miles out-and-back (main group)
⛰️ Elevation Gain: Light and steady
🌿 Terrain: Wide, compacted trail with a few rolling hills
🍂 Season: Early fall—misty air, rain-slick trails, and golden tones peeking through the valley
Evenings Like This Are Why We Hike
Fall is here in Alaska, and the trails are showing it. On Thursday, September 19th, our TrailMates crew gathered at the South Fork Trailhead, rain jackets zipped and hoods up, ready to lean into the moody magic of a rainy evening hike.
If you’ve ever stepped onto a trail in the fall drizzle, you know the feeling: the smell of wet earth, the sound of raindrops pattering on leaves, and that cool bite in the air that makes you feel alive. That’s the scene we stepped into, led by the calm and encouraging Kevin Lurie, who reminded us that sometimes the best hikes are the ones where the weather makes you earn it.
These midweek resets hit differently in the fall. The shorter days, the crisp air, and the splash of color in the valley create a kind of energy that’s hard to describe—but you can feel it.
Big Energy on a Rainy Trail
From the start, spirits were high. Hikers showed up with rain gear, trekking poles, and plenty of jokes about “embracing the soggy life.” A few folks admitted they almost stayed home when they saw the forecast—but were glad they didn’t.
“I thought the rain would make this miserable, but it’s the opposite. The group energy just made the trail feel alive.”
The damp trail only added to the adventure. We splashed through puddles, sidestepped mud patches, and laughed every time someone declared, “Well, my socks are officially wet now.” Instead of dragging us down, the weather seemed to lift us up.
Kevin’s steady presence set the tone: no rush, no stress, just a reminder to enjoy each step, raindrops and all.
Bridge Views in the Mist
Our turnaround point, the South Fork bridge, felt extra special in the fall mist. Instead of wide-open sun, we were met with clouds rolling low over the valley, soft light diffusing across the peaks, and a creek that roared a little louder after the rain.
TrailMates gathered on the bridge, rain jackets dripping, grinning ear to ear. Some snapped photos with foggy backdrops, while others just stood quietly, soaking in the raw beauty of it all.
“There’s something about these rainy hikes that makes you feel more connected—like you’ve all gone through something together.”
Why These Hikes Matter
Fall hikes remind us of a bigger truth: connection matters most when conditions aren’t perfect. The rain didn’t stop the laughter, and the mud didn’t keep us from moving forward. In fact, it amplified everything TrailMates is about—resilience, community, and finding joy no matter what the weather looks like.
These midweek hikes aren’t about perfect trail conditions or sunny skies. They’re about showing up, linking arms with strangers who quickly become friends, and realizing that being together in the outdoors resets more than just your body—it resets your mind.
From Solo to Squad: Finding Belonging
One first-time hiker shared afterward:
“I almost didn’t come because of the rain, but now I can’t imagine missing it. I showed up alone and left with a whole group of people cheering me on. That’s TrailMates.”
🌱 Thinking About Joining Us?
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’d fit in or keep up, the answer is yes. TrailMates hikes are for everyone—rain or shine, solo or with friends. You don’t need fancy gear, just a spirit of curiosity and a willingness to show up.
🧭 Check out the TrailMates events page to see what’s coming up next.
Support the Movement
TrailMates thrives because of community support. If you believe in building connection through Alaska’s wild spaces, consider helping us keep these adventures free and accessible:
Every contribution helps us train leaders, offer more events, and grow this incredible hiking community.
🧢 Rep the TrailMates Vibe
Want to carry the spirit of these hikes with you? Our TrailMates merch—from hoodies to hats—helps keep hikes free and spreads the vibe that everyone belongs on the trail.
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