I'd hiked up this trail before, but never to the second bench and beyond, which leads to Pepper Peak and ridge walking. We continued past the second bench another half mile or so to the lookout spot over Eklutna Lake and stopped there for lunch. Next time, in summer, I'll plan for a long day to hike up Pepper and walk the ridge toward Twin Peaks. The views from up here are stunning.
Distance one-way: 2.5+
Distance one-way: 2.5+