If you’re in Unalaska and looking for a beautiful short hike, the Bunker Hill Trail combines an easy hike, a beautiful view, and fascinating history for a great afternoon out. This is the perfect trail for a hike with family, as it’s easy enough and you are rewarded with a stunning panorama at the top.
If you're looking for something to do on Unalaska, get outside to experience the beauty of the island.
There's fascinating World War II history in this area, and there's a gorgeous, short hike that will lead you to the remnants of a World War II bunker.
The bunker is situated high on top of Bunker Hill, so named because of the concrete bunker resting on top.
Because of the lack of trees on the island, this made for a strategic location to situate a watch post for the coastal defense of the area. It was erected after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in 1942.
In fact, once you reach the top, you can explore the area and see the remnants left by the military.
Foundations are still visible from where the stationary guns were placed. They were situated in a place that they could actually fire from all 360 degrees.
The hike itself is short and sweet, an out and back trail all the way to the top.
There are two ways to hike it, starting from the old military road or the trail side facing Iliuliuk Harbor. The trail side is a little steeper, but both offer great views. If you're coming from the military road side there are no cars allowed, so you'll have to hike in from farther away.
The entire elevation gain for the trail is only 383 feet.
That, however, is all gained in a single mile, so there are switch backs to make it much easier to climb. The view is worth it, as you can even see pods of whales swimming through the bay in the summer. You may even see a pod of harbor porpoises.
The views from the bunker are a stunning 360 degrees of Alaskan beauty.
Check out bird's eye views of Captains Bay, Amaknak Island, Unalaska Bay, and Iliuliuk Harbor. This is also a great birding spot and you may even catch a glimpse of bald eagles, black oystercatchers, marbled murrelets, guillemots, or cormorants.
This amazing hike can be completed year round, but the views are certainly best in the summer.
Next time you're on the gorgeous island of Unalaska, be sure to take a quick hike up the Bunker Hill Trail to see panoramic views of the island you're staying on! You won't regret it.
Have you had a chance to climb the Bunker Hill Trail? What did you think? Would you do it again? Let us know in the comments below!
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