Alaska Vacation Home: Alaska Hiking

Anchorage Area Alaska Hiking Information, Experiences, Photos and Video

Alaska hiking is plentiful and Alaska has an amazing trail system!

No matter your physical abilities or limitations, you'll find an Alaska hiking trail that is just right for you. The Anchorage region boasts trails second to none.

In fact Anchorage, itself, has more than 100 miles (161 km) of paved hiking and multi-use trails. Additionally, you'll find plenty of Alaska hiking locations in the nearby Chugach National Forest (2nd largest National Forest in the United States) and Chugach State Park (3rd largest State Park in the United States).

So, there are plenty of places to go! Please scroll down to see a list of the most popular Alaska hiking trails.

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Being Prepared When Hiking in Alaska Can Save Your Life

Remember the old scout motto...."be prepared"? Well, that is a good idea for those who plan to hike, while they are in Alaska.

Especially when it comes to the more lengthier hikes, you must be prepared.

If this will be your first real experience with wilderness hiking, then exercise caution when deciding on a hike to take. Stick with trails that are near help and close to "home".

If you are really wanting a backcountry Alaskan hiking experience, you should book a guided wilderness tour. I warn you though. It can get expensive, but you will have quite an adventure.

Being Prepared

Wear Layered Clothing - Hypothermia is a real danger, especially in Alaska. Yes, even in the summertime. Layering your clothing is essential. Here is a great video on what is meant by layered clothing for Alaska hiking.

Take Mosquito Repellant - Remember, the mosquito is Alaska's unofficial state bird. In extreme cases a mosquito net over a brimmed hat can be a good idea. A mosquito net can be purchased cheaply, at places like Wal-Mart, for $2.00 or so. Peak season for mosquitos is June and July. It is worse some years than others. Most of the time, simple mosquito spray is sufficient.
Know How to Act Around Wildlife - When hiking in Alaska, the possibility of seeing bear is always there. Some basic bear etiquette is 1) Never run from a bear. You can't outrun them! Facing them, walk away slowly. 2) Stay away from mother bears with cubs...this is very dangerous! 78% of all bear attacks are because of this. 3) Make noise. Let the bear know you are there. Never surprise a bear! READ MORE

Alaska Hike Search

What follows is a fact sheet of the most fun and popular hiking and walking trails in the Anchorage area. Areas covered Wasilla, Eagle River and Anchorage.

Wasilla and Palmer Alaska Area Hiking Trails

Eklutna Lake Trail

Twins Peaks Trail

Access: Eklutna Lake Trail Head
Distance: 3.2 miles (5.2 km) one-way
Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft (762 m)
Special Features:Scenic views, wildlife, and Berry picking In The summer
Special Notes:
Difficulty: Hard

Thunderbird Falls Trail

Access: Mile 25 Glenn Highway, Thunderbird Exit, Follow signs one mile
Distance: 1 Mile (1.6 km) one-way
Elevation Gain: 100 ft (30 m)
Special Features: Views Of the falls and canyon
Special Notes:
Difficulty: Easy

Peters Creek Trail

Access: Mile 21 Glenn Highway, Peters Creek Exit, Follow City Map Uphill To Malcolm Dr. and Trail Head
Distance: 5 miles (8.1km) one-way
Special Features: Scenic views
Special Notes:
Difficulty: Moderate

Hatcher Pass Independence Mine Area

Access: Access via Palmer-Fishook Rd. The road ends at the mine area...at the top of the mountain
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 200 feet (60m)
Special Features: Old gold mine buildings (restored), beautiful views
Special Notes: Best for those who hike more for the scenery and prefer a slow pace. Part of hiking is on asphalt sidewalks. Trail continues further beyond the asphalt.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Alaska Hiking Trails - The Butte (Palmer Alaska)

The Butte is a very popular close-in hiking location. At one time or another everyone from the Boy Scouts, church groups, tourists and everyone's neighbor has climbed The Butte. A lot of scenary for such a small climb.

Alcantra Athletic Complex Trail System

Access: Wasilla. Seldon Road to N. Winona St (Access Road to Larsen Elementary
Distance: 1.6 mile (2.5 km)
Elevation Gain: None
Special Features: Lush Spruce and Birch forest.
Special Notes: Part of residential green belt. Porta-Pottie. Plenty of parking. Path is 6 ft wide and paved. Cross-country ski in winter.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Eagle River Alaska Hiking Trails

Rodak Nature Trail

Access: Eagle River Nature Center
Distance: 2/3 of a mile (1 km)
Elevation Gain: 100 ft (30 m) drop from trailhead
Special Features: Salmon spawning in river, scenery with viewing area
Special Notes: gravel trail
Difficulty: Easy

Albert Loop Trail

Access: Eagle River Nature Center
Distance: 3 miles (5 km)
Elevation Gain: 100 feet (30 m) drop from trailhead
Special Features: River
Special Notes: Sometimes closed, due to bear activity, during salmon spawning season
Difficulty: Easy

Crow Creek Pass

Access: Eagle River Nature Center or Crow Creek Road in Girdwood
Distance: 26 miles (50 km)
Elevation Gain: 3500 ft (1066 m)from Eagle River. 2500 ft (762 m)from Crow Creek
Special Features: Scenic views, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, wildlife, mine ruins, public use cabins
Special Notes: Sometimes closed, due to bear activity, during salmon spawning season
Difficulty: Moderate

Anchorage Area Hiking Trails

Anchorage Overlook Trail

Access: Hillside Dr to Glen Alps Trailhead
Distance: 1/4 mile (.4 km)
Elevation Gain: 58 feet (16 m) drop from trailhead
Special Features: Views of Alaska Range, Anchorage, Cook Inlet, paved trail, viewing area
Difficulty: Easy

Flattop Mountain Trail

Access: Glen Alps Trailhead , take the stairs
Distance: 1.5 mile (2.4 km)
Elevation Gain: 1300 feet (396 m) to summit
Special Features: Views of Alaska Range, Anchorage, Cook Inlet, tundra, Turnagain Arm, mountain hemlock
Difficulty: Easy

Indian to Bird Bike Path

Access: South of Anchorage. Access via communities of Indian, Bird or Bird Creek Campground
Distance: 3 mile (5 km)
Elevation Gain: None
Special Features: View of Turnagain Arm
Special Notes: Paved trail. For walking, hiking or cycling
Difficulty: Easy

Your Alaska Hiking Recommendation

Where is your favorite place to hike in Alaska? Tell us about it! If you have a question about hiking in the Anchorage Alaska area, please ask it.

With so many places to hike, there is no way that I'll be able to hike them all. So I thank you for sharing your hiking experiences here.

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