Chugach State Park, State park east of Anchorage, south-central Alaska, United States

Chugach State Park covers 495,204 acres (2,004 square kilometers) of hilly terrain immediately east of Anchorage, in south-central Alaska. It is the third-largest state park in the United States, after Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California and Wood-Tikchik State Park in western Alaska, and consists of geographically disparate areas each with different attractions and facilities. Its tallest point is Bashful Peak, at 8,005 feet (2,440 meters), rising above Eklutna Lake.

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 park takes its name from the Chugach Mountains, which it protects. The Eagle River Nature Center, run by a non-profit with the park, displays exhibits on the area's wildlife and geology. The Historic Iditarod Trail, also called the Crow Pass Trail, passes by the center on its 45-kilometer route from Eagle River to Girdwood.

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.