Moose Pass

"Skiing, snowmobiling, skating, dog mushing hunting and trapping keep folks busy in the winter. Gardening, fishing, guests and tourists as well as bicycling keep up busy in the summer"

Moose Pass, population just over 200 people, boasts grocery, dining, lodging, towing and auto repair; general stores, gift and needle craft shops; gun and knife shops and other businesses.

A gravel airstrip (unattended) is maintained year-round at Lawing, south of town. An air service will pick up clients at Lower trail Lake with prior arrangements.

Moose still do pass thorough the area - many choosing to linger for the winter, adding a new dimension to the work "traffic" for people driving through.

Moose Pass figured historically in gold mining activities and railroad construction. In the 1920s before the auto road was completed, you could engage a guide and pack horses at a roadhouse in Moose Pass, if you could afford the price.

During the 1930s, 60 to 70 people lived year round between Moose Pass and Hope with additional miners and prospectors adding to the population in the summer.

Moose Pass is a quiet town today and residents like it that way. They are proud of their modern, two-room school and their community hall with its large meeting room, library and space for the fire company and its equipment.

Methodist and Baptist churches adjust meeting times to the season. Call for information.

The Moose Pass Sportsman's Club, the recognized governing body for the community is a non-profit organization that seeks to meet local needs that are not resolved by borough or state agencies. The annual summer festival provides funds for upkeep and maintenance of the community hall which houses a small library and the volunteer fire department trucks and equipment. Some of the proceeds also buys Christmas presents for children of lower income families and helps residents who may have been "burned out" or suffered some other calamity.

The Moose Pass Volunteer Fire Company meets monthly for fire training.

What to see and do:

A bike trail runs from the ball diamond, a half mile north of town, to the south end - great for stretching your legs, giving the kids a chance to run and enjoying the scenery while taking a highway break.

Joggers and kids on bikes, moms with strollers and folks just out walking the dog have made the moose Pass bike trail sort of a community get-together place, there's always someone out walking to say hello.

Moose Pass is the logical base for a variety of hiking, camping and fishing excursions. Trails to Johnson, Grant, Crescent, and Carter lakes, campgrounds at Trail River and Ptarmigan Creek are all popular.

See Ed Estes wooden water wheel and sharpening stone next to the grocery store in the middle of town.

Ice fishing in winter. Try Trail Lake

Fishing is available in summer; fall brings out the moose and bear hunters. You can be flown into prime spots.

In the fall, find blueberries along the trails south of town and cranberries on hillsides north of town.

In winter, trails and Trail Lake offer snowmachining, skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and dog mushing.

Summer Festival: Moose Pass celebrates the Summer Solstice in June at what is billed as a good old-fashioned family outside fair. Chicken barbecue, hot dogs, chill beverages and home baked goodies are augmented by a horseshoes toss, carnival booths, children's games and a softball tournament between Moose Pass and Cooper Landing residents. Volunteer firemen (and other who wish to join them) vie in a three-game contest of skill and endurance.