An Alaskan Experience
Hiking/ Nature viewing
This is a great place for hikers of all abilities to explore. There are short and long trails that take you out into Alaska. Parking is $5 (there is an automated machine). Beautiful scenery. Bring bear spray and stay with your group.
90 locals recommend
Eagle River Nature Center
32750 Eagle River RdThis is a great place for hikers of all abilities to explore. There are short and long trails that take you out into Alaska. Parking is $5 (there is an automated machine). Beautiful scenery. Bring bear spray and stay with your group.
This is a fun hike for all ages. The trail is well developed and lots of traffic usually. Be bear aware and bring bear spray. The views from Mt. Baldy and on to Blacktail Ridge are incredible of Anchorage, The Valley, and sometimes Denali and the Alaska Range. Bring water and hiking poles.
39 locals recommend
Mt. Baldy Trailhead
12900 Golden Eagle DrThis is a fun hike for all ages. The trail is well developed and lots of traffic usually. Be bear aware and bring bear spray. The views from Mt. Baldy and on to Blacktail Ridge are incredible of Anchorage, The Valley, and sometimes Denali and the Alaska Range. Bring water and hiking poles.
You can see Mt. Gordon Lyon from our house. It's a fairly easy hiking trail with access to other hiking opportunities in the Arctic Valley Ski area. Beautiful views and worth the effort!
Mount Gordon Lyon
You can see Mt. Gordon Lyon from our house. It's a fairly easy hiking trail with access to other hiking opportunities in the Arctic Valley Ski area. Beautiful views and worth the effort!
This is a great hike with incredible views of The Valley and Pioneer Peak in Palmer! There are over 500 stairs to help get to the top. Bring water and bear spray and watch for moose! Enjoy the view and have a picnic at the top. There is plenty of room for a large group to enjoy.
27 locals recommend
The Butte Trailhead
This is a great hike with incredible views of The Valley and Pioneer Peak in Palmer! There are over 500 stairs to help get to the top. Bring water and bear spray and watch for moose! Enjoy the view and have a picnic at the top. There is plenty of room for a large group to enjoy.
It's a must-see in Anchorage. You can access the top from the front or the back trails. I recommend the All Trails app to see which you would like best. (I love back trail on Sunnyside). Bring water, bear spray, and sunscreen!
241 locals recommend
Flattop Mountain
It's a must-see in Anchorage. You can access the top from the front or the back trails. I recommend the All Trails app to see which you would like best. (I love back trail on Sunnyside). Bring water, bear spray, and sunscreen!
One of our favorite places in Alaska and about 45 minutes from Eagle River. The Talkeetna Mountains in Hatcher Pass are incredible. A couple fun hikes that are accessible from a parking lot: April Bowl, Independence Mine, and Gold Cord Lake. Other hikes for a longer experience: Gold Mint Trail, Reed Lakes, or Bomber Traverse. Check the All Trails app for difficulty ratings and other information. Even if you don't hike, Hatcher Pass is an awesome place to explore. Fun for all ages.
146 locals recommend
Hatcher Pass
One of our favorite places in Alaska and about 45 minutes from Eagle River. The Talkeetna Mountains in Hatcher Pass are incredible. A couple fun hikes that are accessible from a parking lot: April Bowl, Independence Mine, and Gold Cord Lake. Other hikes for a longer experience: Gold Mint Trail, Reed Lakes, or Bomber Traverse. Check the All Trails app for difficulty ratings and other information. Even if you don't hike, Hatcher Pass is an awesome place to explore. Fun for all ages.
Nature Walk or Water Activities
Beach Lake is a small lake close to Eagle River. There is a hiking trail, water access, and a perfect place to spend the evening on the water in a canoe or kayak.
Beach Lake
Beach Lake is a small lake close to Eagle River. There is a hiking trail, water access, and a perfect place to spend the evening on the water in a canoe or kayak.
Sightseeing
A trip to Alaska would not be complete without a stop in Talkeetna. It's a quaint little town off the Park's Highway with charm and uniqueness. You have to experience it. It's about 100 miles from Eagle River and if the sky is clear, the views of Denali are unbeatable! Get a pizza at the local pizza place or go for a flight seeing tour. It's amazing.
130 locals recommend
Talkeetna
A trip to Alaska would not be complete without a stop in Talkeetna. It's a quaint little town off the Park's Highway with charm and uniqueness. You have to experience it. It's about 100 miles from Eagle River and if the sky is clear, the views of Denali are unbeatable! Get a pizza at the local pizza place or go for a flight seeing tour. It's amazing.
A little-known campsite off the beaten path with great amenities, but even better views! It's just past the South Denali Viewing area in Denali State Park about 130 miles north of Eagle River. There is camping, cabins, and hiking trails, but we go for the VIEWS of the Alaska Range and Denali. Incredible!
K'esugi Ken Campground
A little-known campsite off the beaten path with great amenities, but even better views! It's just past the South Denali Viewing area in Denali State Park about 130 miles north of Eagle River. There is camping, cabins, and hiking trails, but we go for the VIEWS of the Alaska Range and Denali. Incredible!
Traveler advice
What to pack
Bring hiking boots, comfortable shoes/sandals
One of the great things about South Central Alaska is the access to amazing hiking opportunities. You can chase waterfalls, hike mountains, walk along the rivers, or just in the neighborhoods. There are so many different places and you want to be prepared with good footwear.