I made that trip several times back in the late 70s on horse back. We hunted that area back then. Brought many a Moose and Black Bear out of there. Few Black Bears left, mostly Grizzlies now. Yea, that is a moose in the last picture. The trail from Bird Creek to Eagle River is a good one too. Tell her to go from Eagle River to Bird Creek. The view of Turnagain Arm is beautiful from up on high.
Make sure she knows to be aware of the dangers of Flat Top. Yea people say it's an easy hike, but I think it is the most dangerous trail in the Anchorage area. Many people have died on that one.
Ressurection Trail down on the Kenai is also a wonderful trail, just long. Takes about a week. My son and some of his friends go down to Mt Aleyeska, the ski slope at Girdwood. They go down during the summer to Mt Bike down the ski slopes. They ride the ski lift to the top, then bike down. They usually crash and burn at least once per trip.
I lived in Anchorage in the late 70s and early 80s, then in Eagle River back in the early 90s. You need to make at least one trip up here. But be aware, a lot of people that come up here to visit, end up going back home, selling out and moving to Alaska. Just met another couple two weeks ago that did just that. They came up here to visit their daughter living here in Fairbanks. They went back to Illinois, sold the farm, and moved out on Gilmore Trail here in the Fairbanks area. He already has a job at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.
Let her know she needs to make the float trip down the Gulkana River at least once, from Paxon Lake to Sourdough. Put in at lower Paxson Lake boat ramp, then cross the lake. The lake empties into the Gulkana. It takes from two to five days depending on water depth, and how many stops they make to fish, and to repair boats. Also use round boats (regular rafts) not catarafts. Take out at Sourdough Campground.
Alaska is beautiful, but unforgiving.
