Alaska: Hiking the Russian River

First thing Monday morning we drove a few hours down to the Russian River.

 It was a beautiful, easy hike... although slow going because we had a 3-year-old with us!

 Henry liked to take lots of rest stops for snacks.

At some point we ended up in two different groups.  Dad, Rachelle, Peter, Jacob, and William were really fast.  The rest of us took our time and stayed back with Henry.

 We all eventually made it to the waterfall though.  It was amazing to watch the salmon jump up the waterfall!

On the way back we split into two groups again.  This time because Rachelle couldn't take her stroller on the other trail.  So Jacob, Rachelle, Peter, and Mom headed back the same way we came.  The Cranes and my dad hiked along the river.

This trail was much harder than the paved path we had started on--but beautiful!

My dad even pointed out where he had shot his bear.

My dad led the way with the three boys right behind followed by me.

Rich and Henry brought up the rear.  Rich was amazing and carried Henry nearly the entire way.  It was a little treacherous for a 3-year-old to do on his own.  (Note: Rich is packing some heat--in case of a bear encounter.)

We stopped occasionally for snacks.

The boys really wanted to spot a bear.  Thankfully we didn't although we did see some other wildlife including a few golden eagles, lots of seagulls, salmon, and this large family of ducks.

We passed by a ton of fishermen--one of which had just caught a huge salmon.  We also saw fish skeletons galore--maybe eaten by a bear?!

I always love all the wildflowers I see in Alaska.

The boys were really great hikers and hardly complained at all.  They all said that it was worth it to go the extra long, hard way back because it was like a real hike and not just a walk.

At the very end of the hike we saw signs warning of a mother bear with cubs that had been seen in the area.  Thank goodness we didn't run into her.  But the boys found this tree which they were certain a bear had clawed.

When we finally made it back to the cars we discovered that the rest of our group had been waiting for over an hour!  We definitely took the long, scenic route--but I'm glad we did.


And just for fun--a few pictures of my little nephew, Peter, who was my seat-mate on the ride.  Isn't he the cutest?!