Raven’s Brew Winterfest in Hoonah, Alaska, invites adventurers to experience the raw pulse of Southeast Alaska’s winter wilderness, blending rugged trails with the warmth of local culture. This annual festival celebrates the fierce chill of the season through guided hikes, kettles of spiced coffee, and the communal spirit of a town that embraces winter’s challenge rather than retreats from it. The setting is Hoonah, a small city perched on Chichagof Island’s edge, where the forest doesn’t just surround you—it reaches into your bones.

The highlight hike at Winterfest stretches just over 5 miles round trip, with an elevation gain hovering around 700 feet. The terrain is a mix of forested singletrack and damp, mossy paths that demand steady footing but offer immense reward. Giant Sitka spruce and hemlock stand like ancient guardians, their branches daring the wind to break their hold. Trails curve alongside small creeks, their frozen waters occasionally cracking like the wilderness itself is breathing beneath the ice.

Views from the summit overlook the icy blue of Icy Strait and the snow-capped peaks wrapping the horizon. The air is sharp and alive, a reminder that Alaska’s winter is fiercely itself—untamed but respectful when met with preparation and awareness. This is no casual stroll. Snow can blanket the trail early and disappear just as suddenly, so hikers should come ready for shifting conditions.

Hydration is often overlooked in cold weather, yet it’s critical here. Cold air draws moisture from your lungs faster, and the body burns calories to stay warm. Wearing waterproof footwear with good grip helps manage slick rocks and muddy sections. Dressing in layers is non-negotiable—temperatures shift quickly from biting cold on the ridge to milder patches under the canopy.

Winterfest also offers cultural immersion—local artisans and coffee brewers share stories and skills, making it more than a hike, but a holistic exploration of place and season. Whether you are stepping onto the trail for the first time or have logged dozens of winter hikes, this festival offers a practical but invigorating engagement with the elements and community.

For those planning the trip, arrive early in the day to maximize daylight and join warming stations set up along the route. Packing a thermos of Raven’s Brew coffee or tea keeps spirits buoyed and muscles ready. Keep a keen eye for bald eagles, frequent visitors to the icy shorelines below, and remember that the forest has its own rhythm—respect it, learn it.

Raven’s Brew Winterfest is a call to adventure that rewards the prepared: a clear, practical winter hike framed by local flavor and a landscape fiercely present, gasping and whispering with life beneath its winter coat.