About
A short 10-20 minute drive from Girdwood is Chugach State Park, with over 495,000 acres, making it one of the four largest state parks in the United States. Its westernmost boundary is just seven miles east of downtown Anchorage, so this vast wilderness feels close even when it looks untouched.
Its name honors the indigenous people of the upper Cook Inlet region. When you say it out loud, it sounds like "CHEW-gatch."
Alaska created the park in 1970 to protect this remarkable landscape and open it up for recreation. The decision gave residents and visitors a protected place to hike, camp, fish, and watch wildlife, all close to Anchorage and towns like Girdwood.
And when it comes to landscapes, Chugach State Park delivers. Knik Arm forms the northern boundary, while Turnagain Arm shapes the south. To the east, Chugach National Forest picks up where the park ends. Here, you’ll discover ocean shoreline, lakes, massive glaciers, and ice fields. The Chugach Mountain Range rises through the heart of it all, feeding the park's rivers and framing its valleys.
The varied topography of Chugach State Park adds to its rugged character. One moment you’re at a trailhead near sea level, and the next you’re climbing alpine ridges with sweeping views.
With so much to see and do, and its proximity to Girdwood, visiting this natural wonder is a must on your Alaska vacation.
Chugach State Park: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The sheer scale of this park is hard to fathom. Put in perspective, you could spend weeks here and still leave trails unexplored. Such acreage means the park supports a mix of ecosystems, from coastal marsh to high-alpine.
Speaking of hikes, the park is littered with them. Mount Baldy Loop is a moderate 3-mile loop with 1,131 feet of elevation gain. The trail offers scenic views and, at its peak, a view of the Eagle River Valley.
An easy, all-ages hike is the Byron Glacier Trail. The 2.2-mile out-and-back has only 393 feet of elevation gain, offering close-up views of a glacier and mountains in all directions.
Last but not least is the challenging but popular Flattop Mountain Trail. Ranked “hard” by AllTrails, the trek is a 2.9-mile loop with 1,312 feet of elevation but offering spectacular views with every step!
Whether you hike or take a scenic drive, expect to see wildlife. The woods are home to moose, Dall sheep, brown and black bears, and mountain goats. Bird watchers flock to the park’s wetlands and shorelines along Turnagain Arm and Knik Arm to spot bald eagles, trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, and great blue herons, to name a few.
Another appealing aspect is that this landmark is open year-round. Summer is prime for hiking, fishing, and camping, while winter opens the door to snowmachining and backcountry travel. Anglers head to Bird Creek and Eklutna Lake, and paddlers launch onto calm mountain waters. Popular spots like Flattop Mountain, Thunderbird Falls, and the Eklutna Lakeside Trail give visitors unique vistas to explore.
Its proximity to Anchorage and Girdwood makes it easy to plan an itinerary with multiple attractions. For instance, you could visit Portage Glacier in Chugach National Park and still have time to hit the trails at the state park. And when you’re ready for food, the Double Musky Inn and Chair 5 Restaurant are close by.
For a Girdwood vacation, Chugach State Park earns its spot on the itinerary. You get glaciers, wildlife, waterfalls, and alpine ridges without the long haul to a remote destination. Whether your group wants a relaxed picnic or a serious hike, the park bends to fit the plan.
Local Tips
- Check the Glen Alps webcam to see if the parking lot is at Flattop.
- The $60 annual parking pass is cost-effective for frequent visits.
- Pack bear spray and make noise on the trail.
- Start hikes early on popular trails like Flattop to beat the crowds.
