Eagle River is a destination where history, adventure, and scenic vistas converge. Located just a short drive or bike ride from Anchorage, Eagle River promises an unforgettable day trip teeming with activities for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
Welcome to Eagle River
Eagle River has a rich historical backdrop, initially home to the Dena'ina Athabascan people and later explored by Russian expeditions.
In the mid-20th century, the region saw a transformation with the establishment of a military site, which contributed to its development. Over the years, Eagle River has retained its charming character while evolving into a vibrant community steeped in Alaskan tradition and culture. Museums and historical sites in the region offer a deep dive into its rich history, presenting a world where the past meets the present with the backdrop of outdoor adventure.
How to Get There
Whether you prefer driving, biking, or using public transit, there are convenient options to reach Eagle River from Anchorage.
- Driving: From Anchorage, take the AK-1 N/ Glenn Highway, with the journey to Eagle River taking about 20-30 minutes. There are clear signs directing to Eagle River, making the drive straightforward.
- Public Transit: Anchorage's public transportation system, People Mover, offers bus services to Eagle River. Plan your trip ahead by checking the schedules and routes on their website. While public transit can get you to the town, you will need to walk, bike, or call a taxi to get to many of the top sightseeing areas.
- Biking: For the avid bikers, there is a scenic biking trail along the Glenn Highway starting from downtown Anchorage. Enjoy a picturesque, 2 hour bike ride along the Chugach Range on a smooth bike trail – just be sure to watch out for moose along the way.
Top Things to Do in Eagle River
Whitewater Adventures
The Eagle River is famed for its exhilarating whitewater experiences that beckon kayakers and rafters throughout the summer. You can launch rafts and kayaks at the Mile 7.4 spot on Eagle River Road for a thrilling adventure through Class I and II sections of the river.
For those seeking even more adrenaline, the Class III and IV rapids await upstream, accessible from Echo Bend at the Eagle River Nature Center. Numerous outfitters offer guided trips, facilitating a thrilling journey down the river’s wildest portions.
Exploring the Trails at the Eagle River Nature Center
The Eagle River Nature Center is an excellent staging point for some of the best trails in the Anchorage area and has an amazing drive up to it. Starting from the log cabin visitor center, several trails lead into the surrounding forests and mountains, with lengths and difficulties appropriate for every hiker. At the nature center you can also participate in a naturalist program, look for wildlife through telescopes, or simply enjoy the mountain views without getting your boots dirty.
The Rodak Nature Trail and the Albert Loop Trail are two of the most popular trails in this area. . The Rodak is less than a mile long and leads to an observation deck over a salmon stream. This is a great place to view sockeye salmon in the summer and look for bears and eagles. The Albert Loop Trail is a longer three-mile walk that leads through a boreal forest and provides access to beautiful Eagle River (heads up, this trial closes in the salmon season due to bear activity).
The nature center is also the starting point for the Crow Pass Trail, which spans 23 miles from the visitor center to Girdwood. This trail offers a varied hiking experience, with elements such as a mountain pass, the wide Eagle River Valley, and impressive views of mountains, glaciers, and rivers. While this isn’t a trail fit for a day trip, you can hike a portion of the trail to enjoy the beautiful views along the way.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
If you’re looking for something a bit calmer to hiking, head over to Mirror lake to enjoy kayaking on the glassy waters. Kayak rentals are available through AK Paddlesports (with delivery available), providing you with everything you need for a day of exploration on the water.
The lake also has a great trail network and picnic areas for a full day of fun
Hiking Trails
In Eagle River, hikers of all levels will find trails that cater to their taste for adventure, from gentle walks to strenuous climbs.
One standout route is the South Fork Eagle River Trail, an alpine track that guides you through enchanting scenery all the way to the Symphony and Eagle Lakes – a perfect spot to refresh with a well-deserved swim in the glacial waters.
Aurora Viewing
Eagle River also has some of the best aurora viewing locations in the Anchorage area. If you are visiting during Alaska’s darker months, head over to Mount Baldy for clear views of the northern horizon. The summit is far enough away from the city lights to provide you with the perfect landscape and darkness to see Lady Aurora dance across the sky.
Check out the Facebook group “Aurora Borealis Notification” to stay updated on where there are clear skies in the area and a good chance of seeing the lights. You can also download the app “Aurora” to monitor aurora predictions.
