Twin Peaks Trail Hike Recap: TrailMates Take on Eklutna Lake’s Stunning Overlook

Bluebird Day at Eklutna Lake

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, our TrailMates crew gathered at the trailhead for the Twin Peaks Trail near beautiful Eklutna Lake. With hike leader Christina guiding the way, we set out at 11:00 a.m. ready to take on about 6–7 miles roundtrip and 2,490 feet of elevation gain.

The day couldn’t have been better: blue skies, crisp fall air, and the kind of sunshine that makes you pause and just soak it in. The trail offered the perfect mix of steady switchbacks, forest shade, and jaw-dropping overlooks that reminded us why hiking in Alaska is simply unmatched.

And of course, what made the day truly special was the people. Familiar faces and first-timers blended into one crew, sharing encouragement, snacks, and laughs every step of the way.

Hiking Together, Finding Joy Along the Way

The Twin Peaks Trail doesn’t waste time; it winds upward right away. But as always with TrailMates, nobody hikes alone. Little groups formed naturally, laughter carried up the switchbacks, and encouragement echoed through the trees.

And then came the surprises:

✨ Bright red berries clung to the trailside, ripe for the picking. Hikers paused to taste the sweet-tart pop of Alaska’s fall flavors, a little trail snack gifted by nature.

✨ Dall sheep grazed high on the ridges above us, their white coats glowing against the brown slopes. Spotting them felt like a private wildlife show—one of those quiet reminders of how wild and alive Alaska’s mountains really are.

“This is the kind of hike where you stop every five minutes—not because you’re tired, but because there’s just too much beauty to take in at once.”

From Strangers to Trailmates

The Twin Peaks Trail wastes no time—right out of the gate, you’re gaining elevation. The path twists up through birch and spruce, offering just enough breaks in the trees to catch glimpses of Eklutna Lake shimmering below. It’s a workout, but with friends around you, the climb feels lighter.

TrailMates hikes have this way of breaking into smaller groups that somehow always stay connected. On this hike, clusters formed naturally: some hikers powered up the switchbacks, others took a steady, conversational pace. No matter where you landed in the line, there was always someone cheering you on or sharing a trail tip.

“I thought I’d be out here struggling alone, but instead I feel like I’ve got a built-in cheer squad.”

And that’s the magic—what could feel like a solo challenge quickly transforms into a community adventure.

At the Overlook: Views Worth Every Step

After steady climbing, the trail finally opened to the Twin Peaks Overlook. And wow—what a reward.

Eklutna Lake stretched out like a sheet of turquoise glass, mountains wrapped around it in every direction, and the afternoon light hit the peaks just right. Packs hit the ground, boots kicked off, and the group settled into a mix of trail chatter and quiet awe.

Some TrailMates sprawled out on sun-warmed rocks, others snapped photos to freeze the moment, and a few just stood still, letting the view soak all the way in.

“This is why we show up. The climb challenges us, but the view—and the people you share it with—make it unforgettable.”

The Downhill Party

The climb up took some steady effort, but the way down? That was pure joy. The switchbacks turned into this rolling runway of laughter, easy chatter, and a few berry-picking pit stops along the way. And the Dall sheep? Still posted up above us, almost like they were waving goodbye.

Our trail shoes kicked up dust, trekking poles clicked against the rocks, and the kind of fun, effortless conversations you only get on the downhill carried us all the way back. By the time we hit the parking lot, it didn’t feel like a bunch of strangers who had just finished a hike—it felt like friends wrapping up an adventure together.

Why This Matters: Trails + Community

Yes, the sheep, the berries, the sunshine—all of that made the day incredible. But what really made it stick was the connection.

Hiking clears your head, strengthens your body, and opens your heart. Add a community like TrailMates, and suddenly you’ve got encouragement, belonging, and friendships that outlast the trail.

"That’s what makes every hike special. Not just the destination, but the people who walk it with you!"

Join Us for More Alaska Hikes

Inspired? You should be. Because the best part is—you can be part of this. TrailMates hosts community hikes around Anchorage, Eagle River, and beyond, welcoming all levels and all kinds of hikers.

👉 Join us for future TrailMates adventures—visit our Events Page to sign up.

💚 Love the mission? Donate to TrailMates to help us keep building free, inclusive, community-driven adventures in the outdoors.

✨ Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about summits and stats. It’s about sunshine, sheep, berries, and the people you get to share it all with.