Chugach State Park

Chugach State Park is a large protected area south of Anchorage featuring mountains, forests, lakes, and glaciers across roughly 495,000 acres. The terrain ranges from sea level to mountain peaks exceeding 8,000 feet.

Alaska's state legislature established this protected area in 1970 to preserve the Chugach Mountains and secure the water supply for Anchorage. This decision reflected a growing recognition of the area's importance for the city's future and environmental protection.

The name comes from indigenous peoples who lived in these mountains for centuries, their heritage woven into the landscape and place names throughout the region. Walking through the park, you encounter reminders of this long connection between people and land.

The park offers more than 450 kilometers of marked trails with numerous trailheads and three main campgrounds located near lakes and valleys. The best time to explore is from June through September, when most routes are free of snow and accessible.

Turnagain Arm within the park experiences extreme tidal swings of around 40 feet, creating unusual conditions for observing marine wildlife and water activities. This phenomenon makes the arm a particularly interesting spot for those seeking to witness natural extremes.

Operator: Alaska Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Website: https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/chugach/chugach

GPS coordinates: 61.21505,-149.12218

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:27