Beyond the foothills at Anchorage's edge
lies the third largest state park in America
- a half-million acres of some of the most
accessible hiking, skiing, camping, wildlife
viewing, snowmachining, rafting, and
climbing in Alaska. Those of us lucky enough
to live here feel the influence of Chugach
State Park almost daily. The mountainous
backdrop to Anchorage reminds us that,
although we live in an urban setting, we
really reside in the middle of a vast
wilderness. The Chugach foothills are a
beacon for changing weather, and resident
wildlife have been known to wander into
town. Chugach is listed as one of the top
ten state parks in the country by America's
Best.
Those of you who are visiting are able to
discover Chugach State Park and take home
memories of high alpine wildflowers,
browsing moose, soaring eagles, roaring
glacier-fed rivers, the howl of a wolf,
unrivaled mountainous vistas, clearwater
streams dancing through a mature spruce
forest, and maybe even a glimpse of a
grizzly bear.
As a resident or visitor, Chugach State Park
is awaiting your discovery. Whether you
prefer frontcountry trails, backcountry
bushwhacking, one of our three campgrounds
at Eklutna Lake, Eagle River, or Bird Creek,
a visit to the Eagle River Nature Center, or
just to gaze upon the mountain view from
town, we at Alaska State Parks are dedicated
to helping you safely enjoy your visit and
most importantly, to ensure you have fun.
Chugach State Park Hiking Trails
Eagle River Nature Center
Located 40 minutes from downtown Anchorage
in the Upper Eagle River Valley, the Center
serves as the gateway to the half-million
acre paradise of Chugach State Park.
From a short nature trail loop to a 26-mile
traverse through the heart of Chugach State
Park, there are trails for beginners to
advanced hikers and skiers. Open year round,
staff naturalists and volunteer docents lead
recreational hikes and daily summer walks,
and host Kneehigh Naturalist, Junior
Naturalist, astronomy and craft Programs.
www.ernc.org
Flattop Mountain
Anchorage's most-popular day-hike, this
3,510-foot mountain with its characteristic
plateau summit holds excitement for both the
beginner and expert hiker. The round-trip
hike is just over three miles, with an
elevation gain of 1,252 feet. Strong hikers
can complete the route in an hour.
Good boots are recommended on this trail
that starts as a gravel path but ends with a
steep rock scramble. Dress appropriately and
pack extra clothing, water and some food.
Access Flattop via the Glen Alps entrance to
Chugach State Park, use caution along the
cliffs and be aware of falling rocks kicked
loose by other hikers.
Turnagain Trail
Once a telegraph line corridor and part of a
mail route before Anchorage was a city, this
trail is a pleasant amble along the moody
Turnagain Arm. Accessed via Potter Creek
(Mile 115.1 Seward Highway), McHugh Creek
(Mile 111.9), Rainbow (Mile 108.3) or Windy
Corner (Mile 106.7), the Turnagain Trail
traverse is 9. 4 miles one way.
Set aside five to eight hours while hiking
up mild hills and across a plateau peppered
with leafy trees and gurgling streams. Dall
sheep and the occasional bear can be spotted
along this sheltered trail, which has a high
point of 900 feet and is excellent for
novice hikers.
Williwaw Valley
Efforts pay off handsomely with this lengthy
but scenic 14-mile round-trip hike. With
emerald lakes shimmering in the shadow of
Mount Williwaw (5,445 feet elevation), Dall
sheep traversing the ridgetops and
wildflowers wearing nature's cologne
liberally, the Williwaw Lakes hike best
represents Southcentral wilderness.
Accessed via the Glen Alps or Prospect
Heights entrances to Chugach State Park, the
trail gains 1,585 feet while running
parallel to Middle Fork Campbell Creek.
Expect to spend eight to 12 hours in a good
pair of hiking boots, watch for moose and
ptarmigan in the valley and remain
self-sufficient. Plenty of campsites dot the
Williwaw valley, and the hike works well as
an overnighter.
America's Best Top 10 Outdoor
Activities
Cycling Tours -
USA's Top 10 Bicycling Tours and
by
State
Climbing - Guide
Service to America's highest mountains and more
Fly Fishing
-Discover America's best fly fishing hot spots
Fishing Vacations -
Great American Fishing Holes and Links
Hot Air Balloon Racing
- Hot Air Balloons and Festivals
Golf Courses -
America's 25 Greatest Golf Courses
Rafting Trips -
America's favorite Rafting Adventures
Rock Climbing in
National Parks
Rock Climbing in the
United States
Sea Kayaking - Best
of the East and West Coasts
Kayaking - Top 10
White Water Rivers in the US
Skydiving - Top 10
most scenic places to skydive in the US.
Sleigh Rides -
Romantic and Family Sleigh Rides
Snowboarding - Best
in the West and East
Snowmobiling - USA's
Top 10 Snowmobiling Areas
Ski Areas - USA's
Top 10 Western & Eastern Ski Areas
Cross Country Skiing
- From Alaska to Maine
Equestrian Vacations
- Best horseback vacations
Chugach State Park in Alaska in one of America's Best top 10 state parks. We are constantly revising our lists as we experience and visit state parks all around the United States. So, if you
feel we are missing one, please email
us and let us
know!