From time to time I find myself up at Red Dog mine doing contract work. The landscape around the mine is fascinating and workers often go for hikes (or backcountry skiing) after work. In the summer, the daylight stretches long after work hours giving ample time for a post-work adventure.
Some popular routes are Smiley Mountain, Volcano, Anxiety Ridge, and Deadlock Mountain. I’ve tried a couple of these already but not the last. Hiking in the tundra this far north in Alaska is no easy feat. The ground is uneven and while there are no trees, the bushes can get very dense. There is also dangerous wildlife around, steep slopes and river crossings. Deadlock is definitely a worthwhile evening objective and the opportunity presented itself this year.
