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Slippery Salmon Olympics at Eagle River Bear Paw

Lilly Kelly

Bear Paw Festival

The Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Bear Paw Festival from July 9 - 13, 2025.

The whole town turns out for a weekend filled with fun for all ages. Sometimes unexpected but always a good time, events run the gamut. The Slippery Salmon Olympics are perhaps the best known event. Teams of two race against the clock and each other with a real salmon as the critical item to take along while tackling all the obstacles.

The Running of the Bears, a 300 yard fun run, races alongside costumed animal mascots from many local businesses and community organizations. Human foosball takes the popular rec room game and replaces the plastic men with real life players.

Other popular events include the Teddy Bear Picnic, a classic car show, parade, carnival rides, and the I-Did-A-Duck Race, a rubber duck regatta.

Click here to view a daily schedule of events.

Hiking & Ice Climbing

People admiring the view of Portage Pass Glacier

Hiking & Ice Climbing

There's no shortage of Anchorage hiking trails, with 155 peaks within Chugach State Park alone. Trails there and beyond seem infinite, but Alaskans know the territory like the back of their hand.

Casual Dining

Rooftop dining at 49th State Brewing Co.

Casual Dining

Relax, then tuck into amazing meals. The height of cuisine in Anchorage doesn't require high fashion or high-falutin' lingo. Casual dining in Alaska is fun, filling and friendly.

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