Eagle River, Chugiak & Eklutna
Spend time in Eagle River, Chugiak, and surrounding neighborhoods, and it’s easy to feel like you’ve left the city entirely. Here, residential areas are interspersed by sweeping swaths of undeveloped land and wide-open park space. Explore waterfalls, Chugach State Park access points, lakes stocked with fish, plus summer biking and winter ski trails and sledding hills (try Eagle River Town Square Park). Sit down for breakfast at a historic World War II barracks building-turned-diner, then get up into the mountains at one of the area’s popular hiking areas. Catch a free baseball game at Chugiak’s Loretta French Park.
The nearby Native Village of Eklutna dates back at least 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the Anchorage area. At the Eklutna Historical Park, visitors can catch a glimpse of the region’s rich Dena’ina heritage, while nearby Eklutna Lake is another gorgeous spot to admire the natural beauty and abundance of the area. Visit a local farmers market or nature center for another taste of everything this part of Anchorage has to offer. Toss a disc at the Peters Creek Disc Golf Course. Spend time in the area in early July to catch the Bear Paw Festival or the traditional Independence Day fireworks show.
Eagle River, Chugiak, and adjacent neighborhoods are connected to the rest of Anchorage via the Glenn Highway and the bike path running parallel to it. The Glenn Highway Bike Path stretches for more than 17 miles from northeast Anchorage neighborhoods to Chugiak. There’s a lot to see, so bring a vehicle to cover the most ground.
