Ship Creek Overlook

7.0 mi

This new park is still only in phase ONE and it's dope as hell. We stumbled across it tonight on an…read moreevening drive and did a U-e so we could check it out. They've got tons of parking, incredible LED lighting so the park is able to be used during our long winters, and a really innovative playground with all kinds of weird equipment you just have to check out for yourself. At the back if the park are other phases of the park that aren't fully completed yet- baseball and paintball. Also with tons of parking. The park also has a little picnic pavilion with grills that can be reserved for special events. This is a nice addition to south Anchorage since they didn't have many parks.

Best place to poop in the Anchorage bowl.read more

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Fish Creek Park

4.7

(3 reviews)

2.9 mi

When I was scouting this park for review, the road next to it was being ripped open…read more It seems like a pretty nice park. It's got a picnic shelter, some fancy new playground equipment, and tennis courts (which were locked shut?). Profile of the park is pretty long, room for dogfriends to run. The section of Fish Creek running through here looks...pretty weak, like it's barely flowing :-/ This place is also a pokestop.

This park IS THE SHIZNIT. The equipment is brand-spanking new, super durable and super fun…read more There's an awesome zip line thing that people of all ages were having a blast on. There's swings for kids of all ages, including a really great swing that would be really excellent for kids (even big kids) With disabilities. And the two person purple T-Rex is bomb. Definitely one of the best parks in Anchorage. To my mind it's only second to Westchester.

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Kincaid Park

4.8

(33 reviews)

6.7 mi

Great park with plenty of amenities. It has a lot of walking and biking trails as well as sports…read morefield and hockey rinks. Also has beach access. Plenty of parking. If you want to see a moose, come here. I saw around 8!

Beautiful park with access to the costal trail! Saw a moose not too far from the parking lot. Nice…read morepaved paths and large parking lot. Public restrooms and maps available.

Moose

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Oceanview Park

4.6

(5 reviews)

8.5 mi

A great family park. They have a zip line swing that's perfect for young and older kids. It's…read morealways clean and there is a wide verity of play areas for you d and older kids. I especially like the hill that's near the pavilion for sledding.

Sweet set up here! Bring your bikes, basketballs and tennis rackets! Nice rock wall for kids and…read morepretty cool set up for a playground and awesome Picnic area. Will probably frequent this park with the kiddos this summer :)

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

4.7

(64 reviews)

0.3 mi

Beautiful, well kept trail! I saw five moose on the trail!…read more 11 miles each way starting at Elderberry Park and ending at Kincaid Park. Plenty of pull outs, benches, and look out points along the way. There was one point of the trail that had some bumps that appear to be in the process of being repaved, but otherwise no complaints. The only downside, biking up to Kincaid park was a challenge and the views at the top aren't worth it, there is also nothing waiting up top. Would be cool to see a coffee shop or something of the sort.

Very amazing hike with great views. We absolutely loved walking this trail last night and early…read morethis morning. Great views of the port as well as many other things!

Arctic Tern

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Earthquake Park

4.1

(28 reviews)

3.4 mi

Earthquake Park is a laid-back, educational, and scenic outdoor stop that's perfect as a short…read morehalf-day visit -- especially if you're already exploring Anchorage or biking the coastal trail. It won't wow with adrenaline or exhibits, but it delivers on Alaska's beauty and history. Perfect for families, photographers, and anyone who prefers slow-paced nature experiences. Birdwatchers and photographers will appreciate the variety of birds and occasional moose sightings, and there are several scenic points worth stopping at for photos -- especially at sunrise or sunset. Pros * Free entry, free parking, and easy access. * Beautiful coastal and mountain views. * Historical interpretive signs. * Ideal for light hiking, biking, or a picnic. Cons * Mosquitoes can be intense in summer, so bug spray is a must. * Limited facilities beyond trails and scenic spots.

Amazing views! Absolutely stunning landscapes. Crazy amount of wild life, a bit chilly and…read moremanicured in winter.

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Taku Lake Park

4.4

(8 reviews)

4.8 mi

Too many people. Too many loose dogs. Fish hooks everywhere. The area is clean due to people…read morecleaning up the poop from dogs. The nature is ok.

Best thing about this lake: it has a beaver in it! (and the worst thing about it, for all you tree…read morefans out there) It's also connected to the Campbell Creek trail system. Great for a when you want to hike after work but...the weather looks iffy. You can still move your legs back and forth, but bail pretty easily. King Street Brewing is also right next door, jussayin'.

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Point Woronzof Park

4.4

(14 reviews)

4.7 mi

If you like quirky parks with loud jets flying over, this is the perfect place! I stumbled upon it…read morewhile exploring around Anchorage, and it was such a fun spot to spend some time on a beautiful sunny day. There's a large parking lot, complete with a couple of outhouses and (at least on the day I visited) a hot dog vendor, too. The parking lot sits well above the beach area, where I walked around and did plenty of people-watching before heading out to the point and the very colorfully painted structure that (maybe?) I think has something to do either with airplane or sea navigation. Surrounding the point were zillions of painted rocks. It was local art gone wild and I loved it! At regular intervals, giant jets flew over upon takeoff from the airport (which is mere yards away). If you don't like loud jets, I would not recommend this beach. But if you do, well, you've come to the right place!

A dead moose carcass…read more Graffiti, mostly colorful. Didn't close enough to see if it was also tasteful. Slippery clay and mud - lots of moments where I thought I might slip and fall to the ground. Definitely something to watch for. Small granulated particles sliding down the sandy hill. Crazy to see erosion in action. Just a few of the many exciting things along this walking area. Beautiful breeze off the inlet. Lots of great views of downtown Anchorage. Lots of parking available and a wonderful place to get to see a brilliant sunset. Bring a chair and a cooler!

Winter views

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Jewel Lake Park

4.5

(6 reviews)

6.0 mi

This playground/lake park is busy from sunrise to sundown, when the weather is good…read more It consists of a large pavilion/shelter, big kids playground, toddler playground, open green field, beach/sand/lake, and a kids' zipline. A few sitting areas are sprinkled throughout. As someone who avoids small talk and parent interactions, I try to show up at the crack of dawn. There will still be folks here, but at least you aren't elbow to elbow. It's difficult to bring my kids to these swimming areas without the intention of swimming. I prefer for my kids to swim at Little Campbell Lake (near Kincaid Park), instead.

A nice spot just off Dimond. The park has two parking areas- one just off Dimond on the south end…read moreof the lake that can be a little crowded and a larger one at the northeast side of the lake. Here, there are picnic areas and a playground area for kids. The lake is supposedly stocked with fish, so you usually see folks ice fishing in the winter. The south entrance has a small dock that is also good for fishing in warmer weather.

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Valley of the Moon park

4.0

1.1 mi

Playground is ancient, rusted, and weathered. Kids can still manage to have fun. The park itself is…read morealright.

Over the years, I've committed to walking more, despite the lack of sidewalks in neighborhood. I…read morehave to take a very roundabout route to get to Valley of the Moon, but it just means I get more steps in. My comments in my previous review all still remain true. This park is conveniently connected to the trail system which connects it to several other parks and bodies of water. This has become a popular location for birthday parties and is unofficial dog park since the official dog park down the street has become unsafe due to druggie. This park is sunnier and more exposed and less popular with people causing problems.

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Westchester Lagoon

4.7

(13 reviews)

1.4 mi

I probably spend more time at this park year round than any other park in Anchorage proper. It is…read moreconveniently connected to multiple trails and easy to access on foot from most of West Anch, Spenard, Northstar/Valley of the Moon, Midtown, and Downtown. If you've got a bike, you can connect from even further out very easily. As such, the Lagoon looks a lot like a Gilmore Girls community and is popular with people year round. There are frequently small sponsored events going on- the coolest of which involves ice skating in the winter. I personally love this park because it's a great place to bird watch. It's a fragile breeding ground for aquatic birds (take note dog owners - IT IS NOT OK TO LET YOUR DOGS OFF LEASH HERE OR LET THEM SWIM!) Red Neck Grebes are one if the more unusual arctic birds that breed here. The arctic terns also put on quite a show. Various loons and cranes also make an appearance, as well as some unique ducks. There's also an awesome playground and snack bar for the kiddies. A few years ago they also installed a bike counter that tracks the thousands that use the Tony Knowles at various intervals - it's fun to watch the numbers climb as the season goes on. There's also a free bike maintenance station here. Definitely a great location for lots and tourists alike, but parking is a problem, so carpool or better yet, use the trails!

This is a park which also goes by the name also known as Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park, is home to a…read moreman-made water fowl sanctuary, a lake, a disc golf course and a playground. They have private parking lots for you to park free of charge. It is located near downtown and is a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It conveniently lies at the intersection of two of Anchorage's most popular trails, the Tony Knowles and Chester Creek trails. There were many runners traveling through while I was there, going through the two little tunnels that run under the road. You will find benches and picnic tables here to sit around the lake. This is home to lots, I mean lots, lots of waterfowl. They seemed aggressive, so I kept my distance. The disc golf course was nice but was covered in snow and mud. The lake is nice and during the winter is converted to an ice hockey/skating rink. My only complaint is that the park could be a little cleaner, even though part is that could be due to me visiting off-season. There were some maintenance guys there do some other stuff. The park is touted as a great place to bird watch in the spring and you can see other animals such as moose, beaver in the early morning or late evening, muskrats, foxes, otters, and minks, year-round, but it is rare. I did not see any of them. This nature park has a calming kind of peace to it, even though you hear the hum of cars on the nearby road. Just sitting on the bench looking out to the lake was so very soothing. If your schedule permits, I highly recommend visiting this place to just relax and recharge.

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Rabbit Lake Trail

(5 reviews)

12.8 mi

One of the best trails I did in Alaska!!!! it's not that long and on relatively flat ground…read more Changing scenery along the way and you are rewarded with an absolutely gorgeous Alpine Lake at the end.

Beautiful trail any time of year. The parking area and street can packed, so be prepared to hike to…read morethe start of the trailhead depending on the time of day and day of the week. In the past I've only hit this trail to go to peak two for skiing, but recently went to Rabbit Lake on the most perfect day possible. Got great photos of the Suicides, waded in the lake, and wallowed on the grass. One regret is that I didn't get a pano shot. I'm like queen of the panos, what the heck? There were a few people tenting it, making it a perfect amateur backpacking adventure. Will come again and may pack a picnic.

Unless you really know what you're doing, don't go past the gate in the winter or this could be you!

9/26/21

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9/26/21

Chugach Guides Alaska

4.8 mi

Super Late on this review but finally got to it. We were in Alaska last year for my sister's T4K…read moreRide (http://www.texas4000.org). After she was done we wanted to explore Anchorage a little. After reading about Chugach guides we booked a hike with them. My parents never go hiking or trekking, neither does my wife!!! For them to enjoy this, was a big deal. Sudevi was on time and super cheerful. She is very knowledgable and kept the hike easy for most of the way keeping in mind that my sister just biked 4500 miles from Austin 2 days before. My mom is a botanist so she got to explore her flowers and plants, I like mountains so we got some nice shots. I would highly recommend Sudevi and her company. She was equipped with water and snacks, what else can you ask for.

I signed up for a day long hike and had the best hike of my life! Luke was our guide. He was…read moreenjoyable to be with and offered education along the way, as well as keeping the conversation going between us. He hiked us up to hidden lake, and then gave us the option to climb to the summit of The Ramp for the most breathtaking view. As a novice hiker, it was certainly a challenge, but the views at the top were spectacular. All in all, 13 miles round trip. Hiking poles, snacks and water were provided. Those poles saved my knees on the way back! I highly recommend this company. I felt I received great value.

Wife & I

Counting Dall Sheep

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Ship Creek Overlook - parks - Updated August 2026

People who viewed Ship Creek Overlook also viewed

Beluga Point

4.2

(36 reviews)

We made a stop here while traveling on the Seward Highway during our trip back to Anchorage. Beluga…read morePoint is named for the white whales that are often spotted in the Turnagain Arm waterway. I personally didn't get to see any Beluga Whales while I was here. But I did enjoy walking around the area and taking in the view. There are interpretive signs and spotting scopes at this overlook. Beluga Whales can usually be seen from mid-July through August when salmon are running in Cook Inlet. Belugas are predators, but also are prey. They are relatively small and turn white by the age of five. After a long drive, it was nice to get out of the car and walk around here for a little bit. There are large rocks all over that you can climb on to get a better view of the water. A train track also runs through here. Beluga Point is also an archaeological site and a place that was once used by Native hunters.

Leaving Anchorage, heading back to Sterling. Was hoping to see a significant bore tide come in…read more No such luck Love stopping at these places. Alaska is so beautiful rain or shine. I'm always amazed at how well kept the parks are. I truly appreciate all the bathrooms along the way lol.

McHugh Creek - Chugach State Park

4.3

(11 reviews)

Stopped here for the view of the Turnagain Arm, which was beautiful. We hiked a bit through the…read moreforest and past a pretty bridge, but turned around when we saw signs warning about mudslides. Still, a peaceful spot and worth a quick visit.

Yep 100 Challenge 2017 - #56/100…read more Haven't hiked this trail so this review is limited to the park itself. It's a nice little spot for a picnic with family and/or friends. Beautiful views of Cook Inlet and the creek. I saw three picnic tables and a barbecue grill and parking is adequate. Personally, I just come to snap a few photos of the views. One time. I had the misfortune of needing to use their porta-potty facilities. Do so at your own risk!

Resolution Park

3.7

(10 reviews)

Overlooks Cook bay…read more Tribute to Captain Cook. Some great views. It is worth the walk to this location. You can park and walk to most places in this part of the city.

This is a cute little park you can visit while you're in Anchorage, with great views out to the…read moreCook Inlet. The park features a statue/monument of Captain Cook, looking across the Inlet as he might have done during his explorations. There are also a few wooden paths you can walk around the monument, if you want to get some exercise while visiting the park. Within the paths are a couple of wooden benches where you can sit and look out at the view or take a break. Aside from seeing the statue, taking in the view, and walking around the wooden boardwalk, there isn't much else to see or do in Resolution Park. But it's still worth a photo op and a little stop to admire the scenery!

Ship Creek

3.3

(11 reviews)

A bit smelly but hey, it's pretty cool to see some live Alaska salmon!…read moreAndrew enjoyed it so much as he loves fishing.

Let's get one thing straight: I ain't no fisherman…read more I'm a...well, I don't what the term is in fishing circles. In gaming they call 'em "newbs". In sport climbing they call 'em "gumbies". Whatever they call that in fishing, that's what I am. I don't know anythign about knots, hooks, bait, etc. I just do what my brother tells me. This is a good place to watch other people fish. It's not all that scenic, it's pretty much a wet, muddy, mucky area with little-to-no views of the mountains. (Seriously, you'll want some serious boot/wader action to fish here) However, it is a fun place to walk to from downtown and see something different. The main novelty, of course, is that you can fish while still technically being "downtown". You can also eat at the nearby "Bridge" restaurant which used to be quite good but now is an overpriced tourist trap. If you're a tourist, you'll love it. If you're a local, don't bother.

Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park

3.0

(1 review)

We discovered East side of this park and corresponding trail (which offshoot from the Chester Creek…read moretrail) purely by chance the other day when we began our walk at Valley of the Moon Park. This little trail appears to have been established in a wetlands area back in the 70s is is mostly used by people who live in the area (it needs some updating). They did recently add a platform on the bank that artists use in the summer for painting wildlife, but frankly, the view on the west side of the park (where the notorious duck poop is in the parking lot) is much nicer if you explore. One bonus to the east side is they've recently expanded and improved the public parking area and it doesn't have the duck poop problem the west side parking lot that's on the Soenard bypass does.

Baxter Bog Park

4.5

(2 reviews)

This place takes the pains of condo life (with poor sound proofing) tolerable. I would like to keep…read moreit please, as my own well kept secret-;-) ! Nice walking trails, a bit creepy when moose are about. In the 20 plus years I have lived in this area, I have seen the trails become wider and more wore torn. Yet, the duck pond is very photogenic, the geese flying overhead are beautiful, and the bird life with the loons calling at night...well. Too bad I hate my condo. But the beauty of this place to look out upon is irreplaceable.

This was one of the very first parks I can to when I moved to Anchorage. It's called a bog, but…read morelooks like a pond to me, but what do I know? There's enough parking for about 15 cars. It's right in the middle of a pretty nice neighborhood, so it's always pretty busy. There's a little trail around the pond... I'd say it's easy mile.

Arnold L. Muldoon Park

3.8

It's about a half mile walk with work out benches, that looks kinda ok ,I wouldn't go there after…read moredark by myself even with a gun. Parking is minimal, about 10 to 15 teen cars max, I kinda like this trail for length, could be a little longer, I would be more worried about someone braking into my car. I did see loose dogs with their owners

Large part next to the road, but don't be fooled, it has lots of hiking trails that quickly take…read moreyou away from the car noises! A cycling trail borders the edge of the park. There's a picnic table and bear proof trash cans. The hiking trails double as a sort of "fitness training loop", see photo of signage for details!

Brown's Point Park

3.3

(3 reviews)

I went in March when everything was covered in snow because I wanted to see this historic area…read more More signage would've been super helpful, but the informational stand and the cleared pathways were very nice! This park is small and takes about two minutes to look left and right. But the view of the dock is neat and I enjoyed driving over the bridge. The cottages are just someone's homes now, and I also drove by the Wireless Station from back in the day. It seems kind of criminal to just let them sit there and decay.

This is indeed a weird little park. Although I am not part of the Government Hill community l, my…read morehusband and I have been going here for years since we discovered this park. Its tucked away, and seriously under-used. As a result its a lovely place for sunsets and romantic chats. The view of the inlet is unique as well.

Kincaid Sand Dunes Park

(1 review)

This is a great, less well-known spot to see the sunset or walk the "beach"…read more I accidentally ended up here after a long walk south from Kincaide Park proper. But, you can also drive right here. (it's right next to a dirt bike track) Bring a telephoto lens, the views of the Aleutians, Tordrillos, and Fire Island (and its windmills) are pretty incredible!

Kincaid Beach