Hiking, Biking and more
With 280 miles worth of hiking in Chugach State Park alone, there's no doubt Alaska makes for an adventurer's paradise. There is a trail for every skill level and scenery preference, as well as paved paths throughout the city if you wish to bike or skate.
Aside from getting exercise, these locations also offer many places to forage for berries, mushrooms and wildflowers!
Personally, I scout out hikes using the "All Trails" app, where you can read reviews, see pictures and collect information beforehand. It is also handy during the hike as you can set it to track your path, ensuring you stay on the trail and can easily measure distance traveled.
This page is a work in progress and will be updated as I familiarize myself with the area and accomplish more treks, during more seasons.
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Here you will find information and pictures from the following locations:
FLIGHT TOUR - ANCHORAGE
This is a great way to take in the diverse scenery all located centrally around Anchorage.
Departing with views of the city, you will soon be greeted by many mountains, rivers, glaciers and the ocean.
Additionally, you may also get to witness wildlife such as Dahl sheep, bear, moose or even whales beneath you.
TONY KNOWLES COASTAL TRAIL - ANCHORAGE
This is probably the most popular trail in Anchorage, as it is approximately 11 miles long and winds through the forest, ocean and city.
It is paved and available year-round making it a great choice for walking, biking and cross-country skiing. This trail is easy, relatively flat, and provides a good variety of scenery and wildlife-spotting opportunities.
There are also many parks and side trails along the way, including a nice break near Point Woronzof which offers great views of downtown and a cool viewing experience as planes fly in and out over the harbor.
UNIVERSITY LAKE - ANCHORAGE
Technically classified as a dog park, this is an amazing walk for any season at any hour.
Just about a mile long, this path goes completely around the lake as you take in a variety of trees, mountains and water.
This is an especially nice stroll during sunset or during the "golden hour" as the alpenglow hits the peak and the waters are incredibly calm, creating a perfect reflection.
Dogs or no dogs, this might be my favorite location for a short, local nature walk.
JEWEL LAKE & LITTLE CAMPBELL LAKE (SWIMMING HOLES) - ANCHORAGE
Some may not expect it to get hot enough to want to swim in Alaska, but you will be surprised to see (and feel) how warm it really gets.
If you decide you want to take a dip in one of the local lakes, Jewel Lake offers the typical sandy beach with a good hangout zone for a variety of activities.
Right down the road is Little Campbell Lake, which offers more of a wilderness retreat with a little more privacy should you choose to venture down the side trails.
Both are great locations to take children and enjoy some fun in the sun!
FLATTOP MOUNTAIN - ANCHORAGE
Probably the most popular hike within Anchorage, this is somewhat challenging and not for the faint of heart.
There are different routes that can be taken and if you are looking for a more gradual approach, the Rabbit Lake trailhead will lead you to the top from the other side and be much less extreme near the summit.
Taking the trail from the Glen Alps lookout has a moderate incline with more intense rock scrambling near the top.
Whichever path you choose, the summit offers very rewarding views, and yes, it is flat on top.
NEAR POINT - ANCHORAGE
If I am being honest, this is one of the more difficult and strenuous hikes I have ever done.
I am by no means a professional hiker so this could be a piece of cake to others.
I took the trail via Stuckagain Heights which initially led through a very thick and steep forest. From there, it was much more open with some great views of the city.
It was still quite a trek to the summit, at which point it was totally worth it!
TURNAGAIN ARM - ANCHORAGE TO GIRDWOOD
This 40-mile stretch of coastal beauty offers many different hikes along the way.
Beluga point is a popular pull-off destination as it is located right off the highway, where the other trails are all scattered throughout Chugach State Park and will give you a much higher vantage point.
There are many sections to this trail that you can enter/exit at any time.
ALEYSKA - GIRDWOOD
Hike in the summer or hit the slopes in the winter!
Aleyska offers many trails as well as an aerial tram if you wish to reach the summit during the summer.
Skiing or snowboarding during the winter offers incredible views of Girdwood and Turnagain Arm.
MT. BALDY - EAGLE RIVER
A short drive from Anchorage is a great hike with some incredible views atop Mt. Baldy.
The hike itself is rather gradual and well maintained.
The drive to the parking lot also offers some rewarding views of the city and is a popular lookout spot for aurora chasers!
EAGLE RIVER NATURE CENTER - EAGLE RIVER
Also located in Eagle River is the Nature Center which offers some amazing hikes for all skill levels during all seasons.
Just a short walk will take you to a couple of different boardwalks or if you're feeling up for a longer trek there are a variety of other trails in the area., along with different options for camping.
This is definitely a peaceful location that will leave you feeling relaxed right in the heart of nature.
SOUTH FORK FALLS - EAGLE RIVER
Also known as Barbara falls, this is a relatively short walk to a nice size waterfall.
If you follow the path all the way you will end up at the overlook looking down at the falls.
If you want to get right up to them, take the trail the veers to the right before the crossing bridge. It is not marked so you have to be on the lookout for it.
These waterfalls are beautiful during all seasons!
THUNDERBIRD FALLS - EKLUTNA
This is also a relatively easy hike, although it is longer and more steep than South Fork.
Following the trail all the way to the end also ends at an overlook, but you can also choose to follow the switchback that leads (mostly) to the falls.
During the summer it is more difficult to get close, as there is a creek that runs through the gorge, and you would have to cross it in order to get around the bend that leads to the face of the falls.
During winter, however, this creek is frozen which allows you to cross directly over to it and right up to the falls.
EKLUTNA LAKE - EKLUTNA
This is a great place to spend a day, whether hiking the neighboring trails or going out on the water.
During summer you may choose to kayak or paddle board; during winter the lake is frozen where you can walk, ice skate, cross country ski or even ride a fat tire bike!
EKLUTNA TAILRACE - PALMER
This is a very popular location for hiking, fishing and scenic views. An easy walk from the parking lot will lead you over the bridge where you will see the beauty of the blue glacier water as it merges with the water from the power plant. This location is stunning during all times of the year.
REFLECTIONS LAKE - PALMER
The name says it all - located right off the highway, this location offers a short easy stroll around a lake that more times than not, also reflects the Pioneer Peak mountain range in the background.
WEST BUTTE TRAIL - PALMER
A moderate hike with some incredible views of Palmer, the Matanuska river valley and the Knik Glacier.
There are a few sections that involve climbing rocks and/or stairs but railings are provided for stability and safety.
WASILLA CREEK TRAIL - WASILLA
This is another easy stroll along a boardwalk with some great views of Pioneer Peak at the end!
ANGEL ROCKS - FAIRBANKS
This trail is moderately longer and steeper than some, however, it has many incredible views that make everything worth it.
Hiking in the fall provided an endless sea of gold, while the path was covered in fallen leaves.
It truly was a special experience, and I would imagine it's just as beautiful during any season.
WEDGEWOOD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - FAIRBANKS
This is a nice walk if you are in Fairbanks and looking for an easy, relaxing stroll around a small lake.
Note: this is a wildlife sanctuary so although the odds of viewing wildlife are high, pets are also prohibited.
