John Tyson - Best Hikes Anchorage: The Greatest Views, Wildlife, and Forest Strolls

John Tyson has been a freelance photographer since 1996. His lifelong love of nature is evidenced by his work, which has been used by many national magazine, calendar, and book publishers. He is also the author of the books Homes and Shelters for Backyard Birds and Best Easy Day Hikes Anchorage. John has been hiking internationally and in parks across the country for more than thirty years and also enjoys biking, canoeing and birding.

Being an avid outdoor photographer and adventure seeker means my family has had to make some serious sacrifices. No one has sacrificed more in their life than my wife Madelyn. She has been my life-long companion and travel partner and always supportive of all of my ideasregardless how outrageous they may seem. My boys Michael and Matthew and their wives Caitlin and Perri have been hugely supportive of my goals while working on this project during the time I was away from home. I could not have completed this book without my familys sacrifices and support. I thank and love you all!

Special thanks to staff at Eagle River Nature Center. They made my life so much easier with their warm and generous hospitality during my stay in Eagle River.

Thank you to Caitlin Romm-Tyson and Amanda Hanson for their photo contributions.

And lastly, thanks to the rangers and trail crews of Chugach State Park, the folks at FalconGuides, and all my old friends in Alaska and all the new ones who helped bring this project to completion.

The Hike

This is one of several great trails at Eagle River Nature Center just 10 miles outside of the town of Eagle River. The nature center is a non-profit organization that offers community events, public programs and educational school programs throughout the year. They also offer guided family hikes and daily nature hikes during the summer months. Inside the center is an amazing display of local wildlife and a wealth of information. Start your journey here.

The easy 3-mile loop provides great views of the Eagle River Valley and Polar Bear, Eagle, and Hurdygurdy Mountain. It is a fun hike with wildlife viewing opportunities, wildflowers, boardwalks, bridges, and lush vegetation.

Begin this hike just behind the nature center and proceed down the paved path on the Rodak Nature Trail. This is a popular stretch linking four trails, so plan on lots of company. However, it is closed to bicycles, motor vehicles, and horses (except by special-use permit).

Technically, the trail does not begin until you meet the junction of Dew Mound Trail and the Historic Iditarod (Crow Pass) Trail at slightly less than 0.5 mile from the trailhead. At this point the Albert Loop Trail begins by continuing straight ahead while simultaneously following the Historic Iditarod (Crow Pass) Trail. A left turn is where you begin the Dew Mound Trail. Here the ground becomes wetter, and you cross your first boardwalk to get through the wetland.

Hike another 0.5 mile to an intersection called Four Corners, for good reason. This is a prominent intersection with a resting bench. The Iditarod continues straight ahead, a left turn loops you to the Dew Mound Trail, and a right turn is the continuation of Albert Loop, which is what you want to take.

Continue onto Darrens Bridge and stop and view the large open marshy area on your left. This is a beautiful setting with an abandoned beaver lodge and remnants of the beaver dam that helped form this area. Continue a short distance to reach another signpost. This gives you an opportunity to visit the River Trail Yurt, one of three yurts in the area.. This one, located on the shoreline of the Eagle River, is often used by rafters and kayakers as an overnight resting facility while they travel downstream. It is also a favorite rental location for families and couples. Albert Loop continues to the right.

The mosquito is often jokingly called Alaskas state bird. The willow ptarmigan actually fills that niche. However, there are twenty-seven species of mosquitoes in the state of Alaska; sixteen are found in Chugach State Park.

Further up the trail, you will find a well-marked bypass trail veering to the right. This is often used when the river is high or during the muddy season to avoid the lower wet areas near the river. If mud is not a concern for you, take the entire trail that borders along the Eagle River. This portion of the trail allows for off-trail exploring along the stone shore line and presents some awesome views in the valley.

At approximately 2.8 miles you come to several small bridges and a rest stop. From here on, the trail becomes gravel and narrows; the vegetation changes from woodland to tall grasses just prior to meeting the Rodak Nature Trail. You can turn right and head down to the Beaver Viewing Platform or go left, which will return you to the nature center and trailhead.