Places to Enjoy Anchorage, AK Like a Local

Anchorage is the largest city of Alaska. About half of Alaska’s population lives here. It has everything big cities have in the lower 48 states. Most people who travel to Alaska fly to Anchorage first and then hop on different tours from there. They treat Anchorage like a transit hub and do not plan enough time to explore the city and its surroundings. Ariel and I spent a few days around Anchorage during our Alaska roadtrip and had a wonderful summer time there. Here’s a list of places we liked within about 1 hour drive from Anchorage.

Parks in Anchorage

Kincaid Park

Kincaid Park is a great place for casual walks and hikes with ocean view. It’s a 1,500-acre recreation area for outdoor activities and well-known for its intricate network of trails covered by lush Alaskan vegetation. Lots of people come here to bike because their trails are very well maintained. In fact, there are even bike tours in this park. We hiked Tony Knowles Coastal Path which is about 20 miles long next to Anchorage’s coastline. The trail connects many parks including Point Woronzof which will be discussed below. But we only had time to hike the first 3 miles of it.

Point Woronzof Park

Point Woronzof is a scenic spot on the coastline of Anchorage, overlooking the Cook Inlet, a branch of the Gulf of Alaska. Although its peddle beach is not the easiest to walk on and the ocean water is murky due to silt from glaciers, it’s a quiet place to stay close to water and enjoy panoramic views of Mount Susitna and Anchorage skyline. The Tony Knowles Coastal Path goes through the park. It’s a popular spot for hikers and bikers alike.

Hatcher Pass Area, North of Anchorage

Hatcher Pass is about 1 hour of drive from Anchorage. In my opinion, it’s a must-see in summer, both scenic and rich in history. Located in the Talkeetna Mountains of Alaska, it offers expansive views of the mountain ranges which are adorned with vibrant wildflowers, green grasslands, clear lakes and rivers, and even patches of snow.

Moreover, it has numerous dog-friendly trails that vary in difficulty. I highly recommend April Bowl Trail which features a set of glacier lakes and Gold Mint Trail where you will enjoy the sweeping mountain view and Little Susitna River. To prepare for your hikes, be sure to wear in layers as weather can change instantaneously in the mountains. The Hatcher Pass area is definitely a local’s favorite because I went on a weekend and it was super hard to find parking. People hiked in the mountains, paddled on the lakes, and paraglided in the sky.

This area also features Independence Mine State Historical Park where you will be able to glimpse into Alaska’s gold mining history. It comprises several original buildings from the early 20th century as well as interpretive exhibits and educational materials about the gold mining industry.

Chugach State Park, Playground of Anchorage

Chugach State Park, encompassing a vast area of over 495,000 acres, is one of the largest state parks in the US and serves as a natural playground just outside of Anchorage. It offers everything you want to see in Alaska during summertime: rugged mountain terrains, serene lakes, and expansive glaciers. The park’s landscape is as varied as it is breathtaking. It’s a hotspot for both locals and tourists seeking to engage with Alaska’s wilderness. Ariel and I visited several great places within the park. Here’re our recommendations from north to south.

Eklutna Lake

Eklutna Lake is a popular dog-friendly destination for recreational activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking. It’s known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains. Additionally, there’s a rental shop next to the parking lot providing kayaks, SUPs, bikes, and ATVs. Note that it’s very popular and crowded on weekends. We were there on a Saturday. The parking lot had been filled up by 11am, and the rental shop ran out of kayaks by noon. But Ariel and I had a great time hiking the Eklutna Lakeside Trail and playing at the beach.

Thunder Bird Falls

Thunder Bird Falls is a 200ft waterfall cascading into an arm of Eklutna River. To me, it’s not a special waterfall but very accessible through an easy 1.8-mile trail (roundtrip). The trail winds through a lush forest, offering views of steep cliffs and Eklutna River.

Eagle River Nature Center

Eagle River Nature Center serves as an educational and recreational hub of Chugach State Park. It provides easy access to a network of trails that range from leisure walks to more challenging hikes leading into the untouched Chugach wilderness. Ariel and I hiked the Albert Loop. We loved the views of lush forests, rushing Eagle River, and towering mountains. South Fork Valley Trail is another popular one which provides awe-inspiring views, but it’s almost 11 miles long roundtrip. 

Flattop Mountain

Flattop Mountain is part of the Chugach Mountain Range. Its proximity to Anchorage and incredible vistas make it one of the most popular hiking destinations in Anchorage. The summit provides panoramic views of Anchorage, the Cook Inlet, and on clear days, even distant Denali.

The Flattop Mountain Trail is only 2.8 miles long but ascends 1,325ft. The first half of the trail is well maintained. You gradually ascend to overlook Anchorage and surrounding mountains. The second half of the trail is a bit hard to follow and all on loose rocks. It’s also very steep. So most of the time I used all fours to find the best way. The last bit of the trail is basically a vertical cliff and I had to rock climb. Some kids were so scared that they cried out loud. But Ariel nailed it like a piece of cake. I was so proud of myself when we reached the top, even though it was misty the day we went and the view was not the best.

Getting down was even harder. It’s extremely slippery with all the loose rocks. Ariel helped me a lot. She sensed my stress, so she went ahead of me and found the easiest way down. It was a scary workout. Would I do it again? Absolutely yes!

Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage

Alaska Native Heritage Center is an educational facility where you can learn about the rich history and traditions of Alaska’s indigenous peoples. You can explore exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that offer insights into the diverse cultures, languages, and histories of Alaska Native communities. The center also sets up outdoor village sites representing different Native groups, including the Inupiaq, Athabascan, and Tlingit. You can attend free guided tours to learn about each community’s living habitat, cultures, tools, etc. However, this place is not dog friendly, so Ariel had to stay in our RV.

Knik River Access from Anchorage

Knik River originates from the Knik Glacier, flows through a scenic landscape, and empties into the Knik Arm of the Cook Inlet. It serves as a vital habitat for a range of wildlife as well as a recreational outlet for local residents. You can access it conveniently from Glenn Highway at Knik River Access. The wide and rushing river is a great spot for fishing or whitewater experience.

Right next to Knik River Access is the tranquil Reflection Lake. The 1.1-mile dog-friendly loop around the lake provides access to calm waters and stunning reflections of the nearby Chugach mountains. There’s also a 35-foot viewing tower on the trail where you can overlook the expansive Palmer Hay Flats.

Seward Highway

The Seward Highway is one of Alaska’s most scenic routes, stretching approximately 125 miles from Anchorage to Seward. This stunning drive offers breathtaking views of the Turnagain Arm, the Kenai Mountains, and various glaciers. You may also spot wildlife like eagles, mountain goats, moose, and even beluga whales. The first hour of the drive from Anchorage is right next to the Turnagain Arm. There are many pull-offs and viewpoints for you to pause and immerse in the natural beauty. I highly recommend Beluga Point, Girdwood, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and Portage Valley. I have a separate blog focusing on stops along the Seward Highway.

Other Blogs about Alaska:

• Kayak to the Disappearing Columbia Glacier
• World Famous Bear Watching at Brooks Falls
• Breathtaking Hike on the Matanuska Glacier of Alaska
• Best 10 Stops Along the Scenic Seward Highway
• Fishing in Seward: A Must-Do Summer Activity in Alaska
• 3 Ways to Enjoy the Wilderness of Denali National Park
• Traveling into the Arctic Circle: 7 Things to See
• Best 10 Places for Summer Adventures in Fairbanks, AK
• Alaska’s Highways from Best to Worst
• Best 15 Stops on the Legendary Alaska Highway