Southcentral Community: Moose Pass
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Surrounded by the Chugach National Forest, Moose Pass is a picturesque mountain village nestled on the shoreline of upper Trail Lake. Only 100 miles south of Anchorage and 26 miles north of Seward on the Seward Highway, Moose Pass is a place you should stop off to see and a great little place to stay.
Oscar Christensen and his partner, Mickey Natt, came by horse and dog sled to Moose Pass in 1909. They built a small log cabin, and then a log roadhouse to serve as an inn and supply house for the miners up north. The original Iditarod Trail, used to transport gold and supplies, was blazed through the area in 1910 and 1911. This small town was known for mining, logging and as a transfer point for those headed north with supplies, or south with gold. The Alaska Railroad Company built a small freight shed and receiving platform for heavy machinery in 1927.
The first mail service to the residents was by train. Sacks of mail were tossed off the train and sorted inefficiently. The dissatisfaction with the inefficiency of this service prompted the establishment of a Post Office in 1928. Leora (Estes) Roycroft became the first Postmaster and officially named the community Moose Pass. The Christensen Roadhouse used teams of horses for summertime hauling of supplies and mail delivery. The Estes family used dog sled teams for winter mail delivery.
Estes Brothers Grocery & Waterwheel is a unique country store that offers groceries and supplies as well as houses the visitor information center along with historic photos and artifacts. The large waterwheel on the west side of the road is a local landmark and on its third generation. The Estes family built the waterwheel in 1927 to run their sawmill and for personal use. It has been rebuilt twice and to this day generates power to the grocery store.
There are dozens of scenic hiking trails scattered throughout the Chugach National Forest, many within a short distance of Moose Pass. Carter Lake Trail, Devil’s Pass Trail, Johnson Pass Trail, Lost Lake Trail are just a few. Visit the Chugach National Forest page on the website for more information.
Details
Float Planes on Lake near Moose Pass
Population: 218
Location: Moose Pass is located 26 miles north of Seward on the Kenai Peninsula. It is on the southwest shore of Upper Trail Lake.
Access: By road via the Seward Highway, 100 miles south of Anchorage and 26 miles north of Seward.
Accommodations: Lodges, cabins, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds in the area, limited services.
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