Knik - Yentna Station
Start/Finish
Checkpoint
Dogdrop
This stretch is nominally 50 miles but is actually a few miles longer, generally running about 55 miles. They will leave Knik Lake westbound on the old Iditarod Trail, running across low, mostly wooded hills, open swamps, and a number of lakes. The trail crosses the Little Susitna River at the 18-mile point, then works over to Flathorn Lake across an area of level swamps and woods cut by a few sharp ravines (about 30 miles). After a couple more swamps and tree lines you'll drop onto the Susitna River after 35 miles. They will go north up the broad Susitna for a few miles and then swing up the wide Yentna River, the Susitna's main tributary, for the last 17 miles to Yentna Station.
This entire stretch of trail is very heavily used all winter and is often in very bad shape. There will be ruts, bumps, rough spots, and moguls. They will meet lots of snowmachines, particularly on the river, some of them moving very fast and perhaps not as alert as they should be because of the numerous parties along the trail. Most of the trail is wide enough to allow easy passing. They watch for moose until they get to the Susitna River.
