Lackey Trail - Center Plateau Trail

Almost everybody in Alaska who takes four-wheeling serious is on alaska4x4network.com. Hence this network was a good source of information for us and we hooked up with a lot of off-roaders who were willing to take us out on a run. While spending some time with friends in Homer we wanted to hit a trail in the area, and Bryan and Dan from Six-States in Soldotna organized a trip. Eight vehicles met up in Ninilchik at 11am and drove the dusty dirt road to the first trail head. We ended up exploring two trails within a network of roads in these hills: Lackey Trail and Center Plateau Trail.

Lackey Trail proved ideal for rigs of different modifications. Most difficult spots feature a by-pass. We followed along a grassy, narrow path until we got to a mean mud hole. Some of us made it through but some went around. It was a great photo opportunity and the ensuing twisted 'half-pipe' with loose dirt provided for a serious challenge. Along the relatively easy road there were several sections of loose dirt, just wet enough to get one into trouble. One big hole avoided by everybody else was nicely manouvered through by John with his self-described 'junk yard' rig, a one-ton Chevy with Jeep body. We got through with no major breakages. Tim's front axle was creating problems, but he was able to continue.
Soon we looped back to the dirt road and pushed on to a second trail close by. We paused at a small 'play area', a quarry-like spot with loose rocks. There we waited until Doug was done fixing his clutch which didn't like the extreme articulation in the wash. This trail led us to the top of a plateau where we had a wonderful 360 degree view over meadows, hills, mountains, ocean, and glaciers. We snaked along between bushes and got to a grassy area with a creek running through it. Water puddles were showing in several locations amongst the mud. A few of us decided to take on this challenge and we all got through without major issues. We explored the trail even further; after a water crossing and several mud holes we had to turn around because even the most capable truck in the group couldn't go any further.
So we made our way back to where we came from and gathered at a road crossing to exchange ideas and experiences.

Finally it was time to head back to the highway again. We had spent seven hours on about 30 miles through this beautiful back country and enjoyed a gorgeous, hot day. Everybody in the group made the trail in one piece and was able to continue back home.

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