Page 84 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Alaska

82  ALASK A AREA B Y AREA

p Chugach State Park

Encompassing almost 770 sq miles (2,000 sq km), Chugach
State Park is America’s third largest state park, and one of the
most accessible from an urban area. This fabulously scenic
glaciated region, situated right in Anchorage’s backyard,
includes icefields, glaciers, high peaks, forests, and mountain
lakes, all within hiking distance of the city. While no roads
cross the park, there are several hiking trails through
spectacular scenery, as well as plenty of opportunities
to view wildlife, including moose, black and brown bears,
Dall sheep, mountain goats, marmots, and a host of smaller
animals. Birdlife is profuse, especially along the park’s many
rivers, and close-up views of salmon are available from Hikers passing through meadows on
a platform near the Eagle River Nature Center. Crow Pass Crossing

Key
Highway
Minor road
Trail
Alaska Railroad
Park boundary Twin Peaks Trail
Peak
G L E N N H I G H W A Y Peters Creek

Peters Creek Trail
Symphony Lake
Cold, clear Symphony Lake, along the South Fork
of the Eagle River, lies in a deep valley between
the glaciated peaks of the Harmony Mountains. Eagle
Fort Richardson
G L E N N H W Y Albert
Loop
Trail
Anchorage
South Fork
Eagle
Lake
Symphony
Ship Creek
Lake
Flute
Glacier
S E W A R D
H I G H W A Y
Powerline Pass
Trail
. Flattop Mountain Flattop Mountain North Fork
3,510 ft
Alaska’s most climbed mountain, the 3,510 ft Bird
(1,070 m) Flattop makes a popular outing for Indian Creek Pass
visitors who can manage the steep 1,310 ft (393 m), Powerline Trail
two-hour-long ascent. Pass Bird Creek
Rabbit Trail
Lake
ALASKA RAILROAD
Exploring the Park Bird Creek
From the Eagle River Nature Center, the easy half-mile
(1 km) Rodak Nature Trail and 3 mile (5 km) Albert
Loop Trail lead to grand views of the Eagle River Valley. Bird
A popular day hike is the 6 mile (10 km) return hike to
Echo Bend on the Old Iditarod Trail, which connects Bird Point
Eagle River with Girdwood.
For hotels and restaurants in this area see p242 and pp250–51
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