0.4

Trail levels off and follows a bluff east through birch, aspen and cottonwoods. Note that the trail here is wide enough for a wagon.

0.4

Trail levels off and follows a bluff east through birch, aspen and cottonwoods. Note that the trail here is wide enough for a wagon.

1.9

Viewpoint. Trail is mostly downhill as you leave the bluff and approach McHugh Valley.

2.5

Side trail to a spruce clearing.

2.8

The peaks you see inland are McHugh to the north and South Suicide to the northeast. Dominant tree is now spruce.

2.9

Side trail leads to animal trails.

3.2

Trail sign at the Y. Follow trail to the south to the McHugh Trailhead; trail to the north leads to Table Rock.

3.3

McHugh Trailhead

At the picnic area, Mile 112 Seward Highway, there are toilets, picnic tables, water, charcoal grills, a scenic overlook and a bulletin board. The trailhead to Potter is in the upper parking lot and the trailhead to Rainbow is in the lower parking lot.

3.3

Trailhead to Rainbow at the stairs in the lower parking lot.

3.35

Trail crosses bridge over McHugh Creek and heads uphill.

3.4

At the Y. Follow the sign pointing east to Rainbow. The trail to the north follows the creek uphill and heads toward McHugh Peak.

3.7

Trail levels off and crosses a scree slope, evidence of an avalanche area. The trail then narrows, an indication that it may not follow the original wagon trail. The trail alternates between rocky slopes with few trees, where the views are excellent, and areas with large trees and undergrowth.

4.6

Listen for an underground steam as it surfaces briefly.

4.65

Notice that there is no undergrowth in this spruce forest because the thick branches prevent rain water from reaching the ground.

4.9

Viewpoint on a rocky ledge. Trail turns inland, winding behind a knoll and Begula Point.

5.0

Side trails lead off either side of the main trail. One goes north, uphill; the other crosses a knoll with a view of Turnagain Arm and continues to Begula Point and the highway.

5.3

Tail slopes up again.

5.65

Three-log bridge crosses a gully.

5.9

Good views from the trail, as it levels off.

6.3

Trail follows switchbacks downhill into Rainbow Valley.

6.8

Trail runs along a small creek.

6.9

Bridge crosses the creek.

7.1

Trail crosses gravel road and continues on other side.

7.2

Trail follows Rainbow Creek.

7.35

Bridge crosses Rainbow Creek.

7.5

Rainbow trailhead and parking lot.

7.5

Rainbow Trailhead and parking lot. Trail begins uphill.

7.6

Trail levels off.

8.2

Spruce tree growing over trail leads to top of a rock ledge and views of Windy Corner and the town of Hope across the arm.

9.25

Switchbacks head down to the highway.

9.4

Windy Corner Trailhead at Mile 106 Seward Highway.