The Mountaineers Books. Copyright 2002, 5th Edition. ISBN: 0-89886-791-6. Softcover. 256 pages. Dimensions 5.25" x 8.25" x .75". 78 B&W photos, 62 maps, 4 tables. 

(From the back cover) "Can one actually love a guidebook - as one loves, say, well-broken boots and a favorite alpine meadow? Yes, especially when it's 55 Ways, a companion to several generations of hikers and climbers, and the most complete and reliable guide to some of the grandest country in Alaska." - Peter Porco, Anchorage News

"Along with rain gear, food, warm clothes, and water, 55 Ways is an essential piece of gear for anyone exploring Southcentral Alaska...and with each new edition, it just keeps getting better." - Jim Stratton, Director, Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation

MORE THAN 70,000 COPIES SOLD!
 
 Since 1972, 55 Ways has been the most useful guidebook available for discovering Southcentral Alaska. The completely revised fifth edition features seven all-new, comprehensive trips and 18 new guide routes. Whether you are seeking a stroll along an iceberg-studded beach (the recently opened Shoup Bay trail) or a four-day trek into Alaska's high country (Kesugi Ridge), 55 Ways offers the ideal destination.

- More than 160 "ways" to experience the backcountry of Southcentral Alaska, from public-use cabins to tundra hikes.
- Twenty trips on the Kenai Peninsula, 19 trips in Chugach State Park, and 16 trips in the Matanuska - Susitna Borough, Denali State Park, and the Copper River Basin. 
- A new Trip Summary Table compares routes by location, length, level of difficulty, and ease for children.
- Difficulty levels range from rambles to rugged, multi-day excursions.

Helen D. Nienhueser has been hiking Alaska's backcountry since 1959. She has chaired the Alaska governor's trails board. Helen' son and co-author, John Wolfe Jr, is an environmental planner and a volunteer for the Alaska Mountain and Wilderness Huts Association.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Preface to the Fifth Edition
About This Book

Kenai Peninsula
1. Grewingk Glacier
2. Homer Beach Walk
3. Swan Lake and Swanson River Canoe Routes
4. Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area
5. Fuller Lakes nad Skyline Traverse
6. Russian Lakes - Resurrection River Trail System
7. Crescent Lake
8. Caines Head
9. Mount Marathon, Race Point
10. Exit Glacier and Harding Ice Field
11. Lost Lake Traverse
12. Ptarmigan Lake
13. Johnson Pass
14. Resurrection Pass Trail System
15. Palmer Creek Lakes
16. Hope Point
17. Gull Rock
18. Turnagin Pass Ski Tour

Portage to Potter
19. Byron Glacier View
20. Portage Pass
21. Winner Creek Gorge - Girdwood Iditarod Loop
22. Crow Pass and Eagle River Traverse
23. Bird Ridge
24. Indian Valley
25. Falls Creek
26. McHugh and Rabbit Lakes
27. Turnagin Arm Trail

Anchorage Bowl
28. Flattop
29. The Ramp
30. Williwaw Lakes
31. Wolverine Peak
32. Near Point and Tikishla Peak
33. Rendezvous Peak

North of Anchorage
34. South Fork of Eagle River
35. The Perch
36. Round Top and Black Tail Rocks
37. Thunder Bird Falls
38. East Twin Pass
39. Bold Peak Valley
40. Pioneer Ridge
41. Bodenburg Butte
42. Lazy Mountain and Mtanuska Peak Trail
43. Reed Lakes
44. Craigie Creek
45. Nancy Lake Canoe Trails
46. Peters Hills
47. Kesugi Ridge (Curry Ridge)

Chickaloon-Nabesna-Valdez
48. Hicks Creek - Chitna Pass
49. Syncline Mountain
50. Mentasta Mountains
51. Dixie Pass
52. Kennecott Mines
53. Worthington Glacier Overlook
54. Historic Valdez Trail
55. Shoup Bay

Appendix
Land Managers
Additional Information Sources
Public Transportation
Canoe, Kayak, and Outdoor Gear Rentals and Map Sales
Conservation and Outdoor Organizations

Index