North of Anchorage
Eagle River, Chugiak, Eklutna, Palmer, Wasilla, Chickaloon
Chugach National Forest Chugach National Forest ranks second in size only to Tongass National Forest in southeastern Alaska. Chugach totals 5.5 million acres, about the size of New Hampshire. On the eastern edge of Anchorage, the largest city in the state, and offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Thunderbird Falls Thunderbird Falls is located 25 miles north of Anchorage in the Chugach State Park. This is an easy hike with rolling terrain. The trail is packed gravel and 10-feet wide. You can easily push a stroller along the trail. The main trail ends at a boardwalk overlooking Thunderbird Fall which is 200-feet high. There is also a side trail near the end that goes along the river to the base of the falls, but the trail is not as well developed. We love this hike and it is usually the first hike we do each year. We can easily do the whole hike, including the driving, in approximately two hours.
Eagle River Nature Center Take a drive to Eagle River and go up into the canyon to the Eagle River Nature Center. Enjoy a nature hike, an interpretive tour of the center, or just breathe the fresh air. Look out for moose and bear!
Eklutna Historical Park Twenty-six miles from Anchorage, is the historical location of the Dena'ina Athabaskan people. Dating back to 1650, this site has tiny buildings called "Spirit Houses" atop the graves of many generations of deceased. Next door, the Heritage House Museum is filled with photographs and craft displays portraying the native lifestyle and Russian influence. The oldest building in the greater Anchorage area (dated back to 1830) is the St. Nicholas Church, located in this park.
Knik Glacier Tour Experience the thrill of flying on the water in our fully enclosed Airboat. We'll Travel seven miles up the Knik River (approximately 1/2 hour) passing the occasional stray iceberg, waterfalls and some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Keep your camera ready as wildlife sightings are common. As your captain approaches the Knik Glacier get ready to Oooh!! and Ahhhhh! as south central Alaska's most impressive icebergs will be there to greet you.
Reindeer Farm Located outside of scenic Palmer, Alaska, the Reindeer Farm offers a variety of enjoyable Alaskan activities, including reindeer tours, a gift shop, horseback rides, and nearby hiking trails. Feed and pet these majestic northern animals, and you will even see moose, elk, bison, and blacktail deer.
The Musk Ox Farm Situated in Palmer, Alaska, the Musk Ox Farm is a private non-profit organization dedicated to the development and domestication of the musk ox, Ovibos moschatus for the purpose of providing additional subsistence income opportunities for Alaskas first people. The Musk Ox Project began to introduce a gentle, non-intrusive form of agriculture to the Arctic in 1954. Our musk oxen are the foundation of an Alaskan cottage industry for natives living in remote coastal villages.
Independence Mine State Historical Park Learn what it was like to live and work in one of Alaska's largest gold mining camps. Begin your tour of the Independence Mine State Historical Park at the Mine Mangers's House, which houses the Visitor Center and museum. Inside you'll see displays about mining, natural history and the Independence Mine story. Take a self-guided interpretive tour through the mine camp. Sign up for a guided tour that takes you inside some of the mining camp's historic buildings. Pan for gold. It's allowed in the park with a pan and shovel only. Visit the Assay Office to view displays explaining assaying, retorting and other mining techniques.
Hatcher Pass Hatcher Pass is one of the most visited destinations by both locals and visitors, Hatchers Pass offers a true glimpse into the spirit of Alaska Pioneers. The mountainous area is infectious with its grand vistas, and historical artifacts that remain scattered throughout the mountain ranges. Today cabins left from the Gold Rush still rest on the summit of the highest peaks to the lowest areas of the valley. The range of visitors to Hatcher Pass vary from families to professional mountaineers, its truly a place for everyone.