Eagle River Nature Center is highly worth it for about a 30 minute drive from Anchorage. As you make your way along the road in to the area, you're greeted with scenic views of the Chugach mountains. There are pullouts to take pictures of those and the river. The nature center is literally at the end of the road with a large lot ($5 parking fee) and the area trails & outside space open even when the building itself is closed. Sadly, we did go on a Tuesday (they're open Wednesday-Sunday) but we still enjoyed the scenery and a short trail. I had hoped to do the 3 mile Albert loop but it was closed due to bear activity feeding on salmon. That was expected since it's a normal closure for August. Still enjoyed the shorter Rodak trail which brings you to a deck and amazingly scenic overlook. There are longer trails but I had other plans for the day. We saw a beaver dam and some salmon from the viewing deck, no bears on our trail, but did carry bear spray as they are active and regular seen in the area. What a beautiful peaceful place. A must do when visiting Anchorage. read more

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This was a stunning place to get out and see the beauty of Alaska. The river, the mountains, the fall colors, the mushrooms and the wildlife. Thank you to all the helpers who reviewed this place so I could enjoy it too read more

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I absolutely love the views from the salmon viewing decks. This hike is short and easy, perfect for toddlers. The views here are some of my favorites and we have brought several visitors here. In the summer we saw salmon.. and in the winter the trail was groomed so that we could still walk. I know there are bears here sometimes, however we have not seen them, yet. read more

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OMG, this place was absolutely gorgeous for a day hike. I carried bear spray and and air horn just in case. Didn't see any bears or moose though. I got turned around and lost on dew lake trail. So, I didn't make it to the lake. The dew trail has plenty of tree roots and rocks on trails, especially on rapids cutoff. Lots of mud, so be careful. The trail to eagle river and views were breathtaking and beautiful. read more

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Deducting stars because Eagle River Nature Center (ERNC) are literal gate keepers. ERNC is located on public lands. Specifically, they are in Chugach State Park (CSP). I happily pay for an annual pass for Alaska State Parks. I have for the past 8 years. I love the parks. I'm even trying to climb every mountain in CSP (currently at 84 of 120). However, ERNC charges for additional parking fees...your Alaska State Park pass is worth nothing here. Why? How? How is this even legal? They also have an annual pass, it's $50. A pass that allows you to access every State Park in the entire state, INCLUDING CSP...upon which ERNC is located in, is $60. $50 to access a single trailhead in a single State Park while accessing EVERY STATE PARK IN THE STATE is $60 is highway robbery! A line of questioning you would reasonably ask me might go something like this: But, Andrew, didn't you give them 5-stars before?! Yes, I did! But, weren't they charging $5 then, too? They were but, I honestly had no idea they were. And, probably because of COVID, I was miraculously never ticketed and kept blissfully unaware. I found out when, with a 55lb pack strapped to by back after 30 minutes of prep in at my car...I finally set out to climb Yukla (which I was nervous about) and a volunteer from ERNC stopped me on the trial and made me go back and pay $5/day for the honor of parking while I camped in the backcountry. It was so jarring that I accidentally left my card in the credit card machine. Some questions you might be wondering about them: What is that money even going to, what does your $50/year get you? A gift shop, where they sell goods to tourists and the people that work there are largely volunteers? (which was closed during COVID) Yurts and cabins that are already expensive? A few miles of overly graded trails? It seems so ridiculous to park here and pay $5/day and not use any of these silly "perks" ERNC provides. Get the money by increasing gift shop prices, or yurt/cabin prices, or even charge more for an Alaska State Park pass. Or, hell, really beef up services! Serve beer and wine, have a foodtruck, employ security to prevent break-ins. Give me SOMETHING useful for this outrageous stacked charge. All are better options than nickel and diming Alaskans for land that belongs to everyone...and that they already pay a lot of money to access via an existing park pass. Crazy that Alaska tolerates people literally blocking and charging money for the public to access public lands. (the other, way more egregious examples of this are Matanuska Glacier and, to some extent, Ram Valley (RIP)) read more

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The staff was very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed visiting with them. Also enjoyed visiting with some Rotarians painting a mural just outside the center. The wildflowers they have planted around the museum are interesting and beautiful. Scenic drive off the highway to the Nature Center. Reasonable admission price. read more

If you are looking for some beautiful hiking trails that aren't too far from Anchorage, Eagle River Nature Center is a great place to go. There are a ton of hiking options here, from short, nearly flat trails that use boardwalks to cross the river, to steep, rugged trails that go on for miles. All of the trails are well marked, and some even have interpretive signage. The views from the trails are amazing, and while you won't really see any glaciers here, you do have a pretty good chance of spotting wildlife (bear spray is recommended). There's no charge to enter, but they do charge a parking fee. I did deduct a star because there's no bicycle parking/racks, so I had to walk my bike with me on my hike, which was a pain. Otherwise, it was a great experience! read more

Eagle River Nature Center - Hiking Near Me - Eagle River, Alaska

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In honor of Earth day figured I should review an area that I go to frequently as it's practically in my backyard! Only a 15 minute drive from my home & I can be in the outdoors with no cell reception. This is a breathtaking area with wonderful views of the glacially carved valley. The Eagle River Nature Center is a building right at the entrance of the trail system. The building is staffed during the day, has restrooms, a water fountain, and tons of cool information on the area & Alaskan wildlife. You can also purchase souvenirs & snacks. A non profit organization manages this piece of the Chugach state park. I believe without them this trail system & area would not be as well maintained or as loved by locals. The staff are mainly volunteers & they are all super friendly as well as extremely knowledgeable about the area. I love taking visitors here to chat with the staff. When I first moved to AK I was confused as to why this area wasn't included in the state park pass, but as I began using more of their services I understood why. It's $5 to park for a 24 hr period, or you can get a yearly pass for $50. This area has trails for everyone with the shortest one being under a mile. There are several different yurts/cabins for rent as well as tent camping areas all maintained by Friends of the Eagle River Nature Center. They host tons of different programs for kids & adults. A lot of them are free of charge. There are 4 different hiking trails including Crow Pass, which connects to Girdwood. We frequently hike Albert Loop & Rodak Trail for good kid friendly hiking. We also have enjoyed hiking Dew Mound trail & one day hope to tackle crow pass once my tot is a bit older. From April-October I take my son to their weekly toddler hiking program. Once he's older I will enroll him in the other programs that they offer. Outdoor education is so valuable & as someone who grew up in Chicago where outdoor opportunities weren't as readily available it's something I missed out on. So I am happy my child gets to experience such beauty right by his home. We really enjoy coming to ERNC & the only thing that would make this area better is if they could have food trucks & a beer garden in the summertime! read more

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Great hiking. Four different trails, the shortest being about a 3 mile loop, the longest being about 6 miles one way and 6 miles back. The Albert Loop (3 miles) has great views with access to Eagle River. Bring bear spray and bug spray. Parking fee. You'll likely lose service on the trail. read more

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What a BEAUTIFUL place. We did the three mile loop and it takes you along the river which is so stunning. The Mountain View's are gorgeous and we didn't encounter any bears or moose, thank god. There were plenty of folks on the trail to feel safe and I took pictures... the whole time. Beautiful spot and a lovely walk. read more

The Eagle River Nature Center is the very last stop on Eagle River Road. You can't miss it. The drive-in is breathtaking. Once at the center, parking is $5 per vehicle. The ERNC is a modest building you can peruse, but I usually come when they're closed so I've yet to be inside. I appreciate that they leave a white board outside the door detailing open/closed trails and the daily conditions of each trail. There are at least 3 different trails you can walk/jog/hike/ski/snowshoe depending on the time of year, your expertise, allotted time, etc. Even the shortest trail, the nature trail I believe, has great views. I've seen families, pro solo hikers, and even couples dressed in their Sunday best, posing for a photography session. Lastly, bears absolutely live in this area so come prepared and be "bear-aware," as people say. read more

Great place to take the whole family for a hike. My kids actually enjoy going here and getting out some energy. It's very beautiful. The drive up is lovely as well. My youngest is 3 months old so we got a backpack baby carrier to take on the trail. Years ago when one of my older kiddos was a baby we made the mistake of taking a stroller and it wasn't the best idea. Just watch out for moose and bears. Best to carry or get bear spray. read more

I grew up going to the Eagle River Nature Center and have been going to these trails since before I could walk. This remains one of my favorite spots because of the serene scenery, the quiet, and how nice the trails are. The maps are accurate and the trails are really easy. Parking is $5 and it is not included with your State Park annual pass. The trails are accessible all year long; however, there are typically closures in late summer to early fall for moose kills and bears feasting on salmon (public safety). There are public campgrounds and cabins you can backpack into, and are perfect for those first time trips since the trail is so easy. In the winter time, many people ski and snowshoe. Also, make sure you visit the hollowed our tree. This trail system connects to the historic Iditarod trail and is the usually how people choose to end (not begin) their trek for their route for the Crow's Pass trail out of Girdwood. read more

Eagle River Nature Center - The famous hollowed tree - Hiking Near Me - Eagle River, Alaska

The Eagle River Nature Center is one of many breathtaking and beautiful opportunities to see nature in the heart of the Chugach State Park. That's not surprising given how amazing the landscape is in Alaska; however, I'm impressed that the ERNC and trails around it are run by a non-profit organization. The organization formed after the State Park didn't have money to frequently open the visitor center here in the 1990s. That facility was converted to the non-profit Nature Center in 1995 with the contract extended in 2005 until 2030. The results is a convenient and educational excursion into nature just 45 minutes from Anchorage. If you are driving northeast from the city on Alaska Route 1 (aka the Glenn Highway) then you'll be driving past the Hiland Road/Eagle River Loop exit and the short 20 minute drive to the parking lot. Parking is $5 for the entire day. Since the ENRC is run by the non-profit instead of the state, Alaska State Park parking passes are NOT accepted. There is no additional cost of admission. Inside the center's main building you'll find plenty of informative exhibits and workers ready to give exploration tips or information about the park. From here, plan to take one of the many well-maintained trails depending on your energy, experience, and ability to get back before dark. * Rodak Nature Trail (0.75 mile) Easy 45-minute loop and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. * Albert Loop Trail (3 miles) Popular 90 to 120-minute nature hike, but closed Aug-Nov for bears to eat salmon; Perfect for winter cross country skiing. * Dew Mound Trail (6 miles) A moderate trail with 4 shorter options; The loop takes 4 to 5 hours in summer; Portions are prepped for cross country skiing in the winter. * Historic Iditarod Trail (23 miles) This moderate-to-strenuous one-way hike to Crows Pass follow part of the an old Iditarod Trail and will take 2-3 days. The first 3 miles are easy and worth doing by anyone, but after that it includes crossing the river and elevation gains over 3,000 feet. Much of the trail is closed in winter due to avalanche risk. No matter which trail you take, there are educational markers along the way. More importantly, the Eagle River Nature Center trails provide a year-round breathtaking landscape to feast your eyes and your soul. read more

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I just got back from the hike and it was awesome. I wish I could explore more of it and seen more things. I can't wait to go again and adventure even more. There was someone on horseback which is freaking amazing. I wanna go on horseback on these trails and do some overnight camping. That seems awesome. Can horses protect you from bears? read more

Eagle River Nature Center - Heading toward a large rock! - Hiking Near Me - Eagle River, Alaska

This review is for a late November visit to the Eagle River Nature Center. Located 35-40 minutes outside of Anchorage, the Eagle River Nature Center provides several great hiking trails along a creek and river. The Nature Center requires a nominal $5.00 fee for parking, but otherwise charges nothing for the visit. While the Center itself offers a few exhibits, including several skins and history on the area, the main attraction is the three hiking trails. The Rodak Nature Trail is a short (less than one mile) trail running along the creek and offering two observation platforms providing great views of the mountains and reflections off of the creek. The Albert Loop Trail is a three mile loop which begins down the Rodak Trail and then continues to the river and back to the Center. Finally, there is also a third Dew Mound Lake trail which we did not take but is listed as six miles. The easy walking trails are the Eagle River Nature Center provide for a great experience in the wilderness and are highly recommended for anyone visiting the Anchorage area! read more

Easy hike with beautiful views. It has a few different trails. You do have to pay for parking.

Beautiful place! A must see! Lots of trails, majestic views! Easy to get too! Staff is friendly and informative!

The ERNC non profit does a great job of maintaining trails, cabins, firewood, parking, and a variety of classes and activities. Well worth a visit, $5.00 parking, or a membership. Bear and moose, come prepared and aware. This is a great entry point into the Chugach! read more

The gentlemen who work here are so awesome! Friendly and helpful. The trails are exceptional, well maintained with great views. read more

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WOW this place definitely doesn't disappoint! Saw about 9 black bear (cubs and teens and possibly a mama). Go between 7-9pm and you'll get lucky! The park itself is beautiful and well maintained. read more

We really enjoyed walking around the nature trails and feeling safe being at a park that help would be near by. The beaver dam area was beautiful with the mountains in the background. The guys at the visitor center were very friendly and helpful. Apparently they have a camp ground area because people were also coming in the camp. The trails start at 45 minutes all the way up to hours depending on how much time you have. There is a mom bear with 2 Cubs in this area so happy site seeing! read more

Gorgeous trails any time of year!!! Permanent outhouses at the trail head and flush toilets inside the visitor center if you're there when it's open. Beautiful public use yurts and cabin as well! read more

We went on the Dew Lake and Dew mound trail. It was a good 6.8 mile hike. gradual ascend in the woods. Lots of shade for a hot sunny day. I was sad that we didn't see a lot of animals. However, the lake was tranquil and picturesque. On the way back we took Iditarod trail which ran along the river towards the end. The river was light blue and turquoise in the valley. I wonder if there are salmon in the river. the trails are well marked with orange neon signs in the trees. Easily identified. I heard in the winter it's also nice cross country ski trails. I look forward to going back and explore more. read more

A very beautiful and peaceful stroll in mid-September is just what I was looking for. The Nature Center is open 7 days a week in the summer, and just weekends in the winter. It's very educational, with informative boards on local flora and fauna, and includes bear pelts. Kids will get a kick out of the Center. The trails are always open, even if the Center is not. Parking fees always apply. The Rodak Trail leads from the Center to a series of trails and loops that could take you from an hour, to several hours if you are so inclined. Doing the Rodak Loop is great for kids because they have interpretive boards, leading to the salmon viewing deck. This connects to the famous Iditarod Trail, which keeps going 23 miles all the way to Crow's Pass near Girdwood. A short hike will along the trail are cabins and yurts that can be rented for about $55 a night and house several people. I'm attaching a map for reference. Unfortunately, the Albert Loop trail was closed for the fall season, as now's the time the bears are in the river for the salmon. A part of me wanted to inch past those barriers for a picture of a bear, but decided that's really not the best idea.....I don't want to win a Darwin Award. Anyway, this is great for kids and people looking for various experiences, from a short stroll to a multi-day hike in the wilderness. read more

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This place is beautiful! The trails are well maintained, year round. We went in the winter and it was beautiful. We pulled most of our camping gear in with a sled. The cabin/yurt wad dry. But their is fresh water available and plenty of dry wood. Only negative, it's really popular. So you want to book reservations months in advance! Love this place! read more

Eagle River Nature Center - Yurt camping. - Hiking Near Me - Eagle River, Alaska

This is a convenient and very accessible location to get out and take a walk in the woods. There's a small interpretive center that is fun to check out. I think such places are always great for kids, something new to learn. The volunteer rangers were very helpful and friendly, clearly loving their job. We walked on the level trail, the beginning of the old Iditraod trail, for about a mile. It was level, easy and in parts had some board walk. Being alone, I sang along the way, aware that bears are in the area. I didn't come across any but I did come around the curve to be startled by a large cow moose browsing close by the boardwalk. Of course, she knew I was there because I was noisy! She was not. I waited for her to mosey on and as she moved up and away from the trail I moved forward. Once again, I was surprised to find that just behind the next tree was a calf browsing in the grass. Upon discovering that I had a mom and her calf nearby, I turned back and returned to my group. We once again set out on the trail together and past a couple who had just seen a brown bear. I didn't see it but that means it probably saw me as I walked. I was both glad and sad I didn't come across it. Most of you probably know what I mean. It's a lovely area with different levels of hiking trails and distances, an overlook on a stream with salmon and a little nature center with outdoor seating. BTW The parking fee goes directly to the center to provide restroom facilities, etc. so smile when you pay it. read more

Definitely a highlight during my action-packed visit to Alaska. Rented their cute & cozy rustic log cabin. I had really wanted to stay in the river yurt, but for some reason it was closed. I really would love to stay in it again if I go back. The views from the porch were like from a post card. Great area for a fire. Outhouse was a little walk over the rocks, but clean. Slept 8 on pallets. 2 bunks, 2 dbls, 2 singles. Pot belly stove inside to keep you toasty. We were warned there were lots of bears, but we didn't see any. We did have a huge, full-grown male moose cross right in front of our trail as we were walking. Whooo. what a rush. We didn't hear, see or run into anyone else while we were there. It's a bit of a hike to bring in all your camping gear, food, ect. Just under 2 miles, which is nothing - if you are empty handed! Bring your bear spray and be aware. Be safe. read more

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We drove here as our last destination before heading back home. Parking was full so we had to go to the overflow lower lot. The parking fee is $5 which you leave in an envelope and drop inside a metal box. We took the shortest trail which gets you a nice vistas from boardwalk. Afterwards, we went to the nature center to get a map and take a longer route. My parents worried about bears being spotted. However, my wife and I walked ahead and then we decided to turn back when it was taking longer. Overall, I wished we had more time to explore more to see more. There are plenty of great stopping points to absorb all of the picturesque vistas. read more

An excellent place for the young and old alike! I'd say it's a great hike and you can probably bring a grandma here. The trails are well maintained too! My favorite part is the salmon viewing area. It's a great photo op with the mountains in the background. The parking is a small $5 fee and totally worth it. read more

Eagle River Nature Center - Hiking Near Me - Eagle River, Alaska

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Wonderful hiking area that has several different trails. You can actually park in Girdwood and hike all the way to the nature center which is about 28 miles. No cell signal along this hike so I take my gps device with emergency locator. Bring ton of mosquito spray, and I take bear spray and weapon. Pay attention to trail signs.... Some trails get wiped out totally from rising river water from glacier melting. Take raincoat/pants, good shoes a must. Enjoy!! Also read the sign the center has up and they do tours and educational things there. read more

Peaceful scenic trails. Awesome views. Great outing Parking is $5 but no admission fee. Did the Rodak trail and it was an easy 3/4 mile walk. Two viewing decks to see the river, marsh and mountains. Albert Loop trail was closed due to bear activity. Tip - the guest center has nice clean bathrooms so you don't have to use the outhouse at the entrance to the parking lot! read more

A MUST SEE when you visit Alaska. Get yourself over to the Eagle River Nature Center for a quick hike, or a long one. It's close enough to the city that even if you are on a tighter schedule, you'll be able to get in some "real" Alaskan hiking without having to get all the way out to the tundra! There is a $5 parking fee, unless you have the Alaskan park pass...which I believe is $15, but it might be $40?? That is good for a year, though, and good at all state parks. Ask the host/guide there and see what's right for you. The ERNC has some great trails, a salmon viewing area, a small "museum", bathrooms, and even some cool lectures and whatnot. I saw a great "Night Sky" lecture last year and they brought out high powered telescopes to view from, as well. Lovely evening. The interpretation panels are cool, too. (Done by an Alaska Pacific University Masters of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education graduate student....Rita Lorenz!) read more

One of the most accessible and beautiful areas within 30 miles of Anchorage. This parcel is adjacent to Chugach State Park but is its own nonprofit entity. Their volunteer naturalists provide environmental education programs for local students as well as public hikes and events. ERNC has dozens of miles of trail for hiking & x-country skiing through varied habitats. Some of the most spectacular views are from the "salmon viewing decks" in the river valley along the shortest loop trail. They also have a log cabin & several yurts to rent year-round. We lived in Anchorage for 2 years and this was consistently a favorite place to visit in any season. Wildlife sightings are a near guarantee, including some of the best birding in the area. Black & brown bears are often in the area, so you should keep your wits about you always and carry bear spray. Also, my husband and I got married here on one of the decks! It was magnificent! read more

Eagle River Nature Center - late September - Hiking Near Me - Eagle River, Alaska

The views are beautiful and there is a magical little public use cabin 1.5 miles into the Iditarod Trail. The downside would be there there are a lot of people on the trails and a lot of dogs!...I would say the farther you get out on the trails though, the more trail you would have to yourself. I didn't get to use the cabin because I didn't have internet/cell service at the time that I saw it, and the Nature Center wouldn't let me use their computer to get online. So I pouted myself to a hotel room.I'm not really sure why they would be worried about me tying up their cash register if I was wanting to give them money. Anyway. That cabin and their other public use sites are worth checking out. Just do it beforehand! http://www.ernc.org/cabin.html read more

Beautiful walk around the nature center. It's absolutely gorgeous and didn't feel too crowded. I'm from out of town and really wanted to try snowshoeing and it was the perfect place to try it for the first time! The nature center also rents snowshoes for $10 an hour. The drive up is easy, and parking was not a problem. Definitely must visit for the views!! read more

Eagle River Nature Center - Hiking Near Me - Eagle River, Alaska

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Lovely Alaskan place for all hikers....easy to hard. The yurts are awesome, and comfy. My family stayed in one this summer. The hike was nice to the yurt. Make it a quick trip or take all day to enjoy this nature center. Kids will learn a lot with hands on education. read more

We've never actually been to the nature center, but love the hiking here! You get great views and such different scenery in a short hike. We've only hiked here twice but we always see wildlife and enjoy ourselves. It can get pretty muddy when it's been rainy, so beware. We love it here! read more

If you have time, enjoy nature, like to hike, or even just take shirt walk and enjoy scenery then this is the place for you! Parking is $5, and there is a large parking lot. The Nature Center has a very nice facility with restrooms, guides, comfy seating, and lots of educational offerings. There are nice clean easy trails in varying degrees of lengths and difficulties. Camp grounds and yurts are available for rental but make sure to book well ahead of time as the availability is booked months in advance. The scenery could not be better. You have Eagle River, a marsh, mountains, forest, wildlife and wide open spaces aplenty. Trails are open year round and are very well maintained. Check at the visitors center for updates, moose and bear sightings, trail closures, etc. read more

Beautiful environment and very close. We rented the primitive cabin and were glad we did, as after we cooked dinner and dessert over the fire pit a medium sized black bear showed up. The cabin provided a safe haven for the kids while we got big and scared off the bear. What an experience for someone who is used to living in the city! read more