About twenty miles north of Anchorage and about 4000 feet straight up is Site Summit, one of the last surviving intact Nike Missile installations (abandoned) from the Cold War in the United States. It’s an amazingly barren place, since the treeline at 63 degrees latitude is, as you can imagine, pretty damn low. In the winter, winds routinely reach 100+ miles per hour, and wind chill can dip below -70 degrees F.
It makes an excellent hike, both in the summer and in the winter, as long as you go on a good day. Several weeks ago the Offspring and I made a snowshoe trek to the top of the mountain, and as promised, here are some pics. Several times I was accused of trying to kill him. This is rather humorous, since not only is it easier for him to dance on top of the snow while I slog through it, but I also wouldn’t bump him off because he’s not worth very much unless he’s breathing.
It’s easier to reach the top in the winter, since you don’t have to weave around the bushes, you go over them:
One of the bunkers that was used to store ammunition and nuclear materials. The insides are filled with graffiti from vandals and squatters:
In my opinion, any squatter that makes that hike is in pretty damn good shape and has earned the right to stay there for a few nights.
Here’s a look at most of the installation from the neighboring mountain. This summer I’d like to make another trek and wander through the buildings themselves with my camera.
And finally, this is what makes the hike worth it:
April 14th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Awesome pics. Would love to explore the bunkers. Yes, I’m deviant that way.
April 14th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
My dad pulled that kind of stuff on me when I was younger. I’m still convinced he was trying to kill me. You should be nice to him while you can still outhike him. You’ll be an old man someday. These days, after a bike ride with me, my dad can’t walk for a week.
The view looks worth it, though.
April 14th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
During my years in Anchorage, I never made the hike all the way to the bunkers. Wish I had, now. I look forward to seeing your summer shots – I can imagine all sorts of interesting effects with super wide angle and flash.
April 14th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
That last shot is gorgeous! That sure would be an interesting place to explore during summer weather!
April 15th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Mia: you’re not the only one. It’s a popular place for deviants.
April 15th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Morgan: I’m very nice to the kid. He just likes to complain while he has a blast.
And no, I’m not planning on ever being an old man.
April 15th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Heidi: it’s a hell of a hike, but worth it. The insides should be pretty interesting, I think, with a lot of photographic opportunities.
April 15th, 2009 at 9:31 am
Montucky: I’ve made the hike to the top before in the summer, but never went inside the compound - guess there’s still a bit of law-abiding citizen inside me. (Technically, it’s trespassing, since the Army still owns the grounds, though they don’t really seem to care.)
Don’t worry. That bit has disappeared. This summer, I’m going exploring!
April 15th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Thank heavens you and Montucky like to hike and take pictures. That way I can sit here and concentrate on my chewing while vicariously enjoying the outdoors.
Great photos.
April 17th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
No problem. I know that sometimes chewing can be mighty tiresome.
April 28th, 2009 at 4:32 am
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