Chugach State Park Travel Guide

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Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Alaska, Chugach State Park is a natural wonderland that offers breathtaking landscapes and thrilling outdoor adventures. Spanning over 495,000 acres, this state park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

One of the main attractions of Chugach State Park is its majestic mountain ranges. The Chugach Mountains, with their snow-capped peaks and rugged terrain, provide a stunning backdrop for any adventure. Hiking enthusiasts can explore a multitude of trails that wind through these mountains, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. With trails suitable for all fitness levels, visitors can embark on short day hikes or opt for longer multi-day treks, immersing themselves in the untouched beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Chugach State Park offers thrilling opportunities for rock climbing and mountaineering. The park boasts numerous challenging routes that cater to both beginners and experienced climbers, allowing them to test their skills against the rugged cliffs and vertical walls. As you ascend to new heights, you'll be rewarded with unparalleled views of glaciers, valleys, and sparkling lakes that dot the landscape.

The park is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Chugach State Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, black bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles. Visitors can embark on wildlife viewing tours or simply keep their eyes peeled during their hikes, as these magnificent creatures often make appearances amidst the unspoiled wilderness.

In addition to its natural wonders, Chugach State Park offers a variety of recreational activities. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in the park's pristine rivers and lakes, hoping to reel in a prized salmon or trout. During winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, becoming a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Alternative names: Area: 773.75 mi²Elevation: 2871 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 61°10'37"N, 149°13'48"W

Location

AlaskaUnited States

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Chugach State Park Top Attractions

Chugach State Park Attractions - What to See and Explore

Chugach State Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: O'Malley Peak, Wolverine Peak, Mount Williwaw, Flattop Mountain. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Mountain
O'Malley Peak
O'Malley Peak is a 5,150+ ft mountain summit located in the Chugach Mountains, in Anchorage Municipality in the U.S. state of Alaska.
Mountain
Wolverine Peak
Wolverine Peak is a 4,491-foot mountain summit located in the western Chugach Mountains, in Anchorage Municipality, in the U.S. state of Alaska.
Mountain
Mount Williwaw
Mount Williwaw is a prominent 5,445-foot mountain summit located in the Chugach Mountains, in Anchorage Municipality in the U.S. state of Alaska.

Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Flattop Mountain
Flattop Mountain is a 3,510 feet mountain in the U.S. state of Alaska, located in Chugach State Park just east of urban Anchorage. It is the most climbed mountain in the state.
Lake
Eklutna Lake
Eklutna Lake is a 1,424.5 hectares artificial lake in the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska, near the village of Eklutna. It is located entirely inside Chugach State Park and is about 1 mile wide and 7 miles in length.
View point • Archaeological site
Beluga Point Site
Beluga Point Site is an archaeological location along Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet, near Seward Highway Milepost 110, south of Anchorage, in the U.S. state of Alaska. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 30, 1978.
Mountain
McHugh Peak
McHugh Peak is a 4,308-foot mountain summit located in the western Chugach Mountains, in Anchorage Municipality, in the U.S. state of Alaska.
Mountain
Penguin Peak
Penguin Peak is a 4,331-foot mountain summit located in the Chugach Mountains, in Anchorage Municipality in the U.S. state of Alaska.
Mountain
Calliope Mountain
Calliope Mountain is a 6,821-foot mountain summit located in the Chugach Mountains, in Anchorage Municipality in the U.S. state of Alaska.
Mountain
Benign Peak
Benign Peak is a 7,235 ft elevation mountain summit located in the western Chugach Mountains, in Anchorage Municipality in the U.S. state of Alaska. The mountain is situated in Chugach State Park, 28 mi east of Anchorage, and 4.5 mi south of Eklutna Lake.
Mountain
Mount Rumble
Mount Rumble is a 7,530-foot mountain summit located in the Chugach Mountains, in Anchorage Municipality in the U.S. state of Alaska. On a clear day the peak can be seen from the George Parks Highway.
Mountain
Cantata Peak
Cantata Peak is a 6,391-foot mountain summit located in the Chugach Mountains, in Anchorage Municipality in the U.S. state of Alaska.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Pioneer Peak
Pioneer Peak is a 6,398-foot mountain in the Chugach Mountains in the U.S. state of Alaska. Located beside the Knik River just nine miles south of Palmer and about six miles outside the Municipality of Anchorage limits, it is a prominent landmark in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, as well as a popular hiking destination.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
South Suicide Peak
South Suicide Peak is a 5,005-foot mountain in the U.S. state of Alaska, located in Chugach State Park. The peak is notable for its graceful pyramidal shape and symmetry with nearby North Suicide Peak, and as the tallest mountain rising from the North side of Cook Inlet's Turnagain Arm.
Natural feature
Eklutna Glacier
Eklutna Glacier is a land terminating glacier in Chugach State Park and the Chugach Mountains near Anchorage, Alaska. Runoff from Eklutna Glacier contributes to Eklutna Lake, the main source of drinking water for the Anchorage community as well as hydroelectric power via the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project.
Specialty museum • Historical place • Museum
Indian Valley Mine
The Indian Valley Mine is a historic quartz mine located at 27301 Seward Highway within the community of Indian in the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska, between the main area of Anchorage and the city of Seward on the north shore of Turnagain Arm.
Forest
Afognak Forest
Afognak Forest and Fish Culture was established by the General Land Office in Alaska on December 24, 1892, as a forest preserve. It covered 403,640 acres in 1905, when the forest reserves were transferred to the U.S. Forest Service.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
North Suicide Peak
North Suicide Peak is a 5,065 feet mountain in the U.S. state of Alaska, located in Chugach State Park.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Bold Peak
Bold Peak is a 7,522 feet mountain in the U.S. state of Alaska, located in Chugach State Park in Anchorage Municipality.

Day trips

Chugach State Park – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Chugach State Park, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Girdwood, Anchorage, Alaska), Holy Family Old Cathedral (Anchorage), Alaska Zoo (Anchorage).

26 milesS
Nature and wildlife, Park, Zoo
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Girdwood, Anchorage, Alaska
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Girdwood, Anchorage, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center stands as a haven for the state's most iconic and beloved animals. This expansive sanctuary, dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of Alaskan wildlife...
22 milesW
Sacred and religious sites, Church, Romanesque architecture
Holy Family Old Cathedral, Anchorage
Holy Family Old Cathedral is a former cathedral of the Catholic Church located in Anchorage, Alaska, United States. It was the mother church of the Archdiocese of Anchorage and served as its cathedral from 1966 to 2020.
19 milesW
Showcase for Alaskan and exotic animals
Alaska Zoo, Anchorage
The Alaska Zoo is a zoo in Anchorage, Alaska, located on 25 acres of the Anchorage Hillside. It is a popular attraction in Alaska, with nearly 200,000 visitors per year.
17 milesW
Museum, Historical place
Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is an educational and cultural institution for all Alaskans, located in Anchorage, Alaska. The center opened in 1999. The Alaska Native Heritage Center shares the heritage of Alaska's 11 major cultural groups.
23 milesW
Monuments and statues
Statue of James Cook, Anchorage
The Captain Cook Monument is a life-size bronze statue of Captain James Cook installed in Anchorage, Alaska's Resolution Park.