Chugach State Park — Eagle River Trailheads

Chugach State Park is one of the largest state parks in the United States at nearly 500,000 acres, and its Eagle River trailheads provide some of the most accessible wilderness hiking in the Anchorage area. Two standout access points serve day hikers and backpackers: the Thunderbird Falls Trailhead off the Glenn Highway (Mile 25) leads through birch forest along the Eklutna River canyon to a dramatic 200-foot waterfall — a one-mile easy walk perfect for families. The South Fork Eagle River Trailhead offers a more ambitious 4.8-mile hike through a wide glacial valley to the rare geological pairing of Eagle Lake and Symphony Lake, two glacial lakes side by side with strikingly different colors. Both trailheads require a $5 vehicle parking fee, payable at automated kiosks. The park offers hiking, backpacking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and winter snowshoeing year-round, with wildlife including moose, bears, Dall sheep, and eagles commonly spotted. No central visitor center — the Eagle River Nature Center (32750 Eagle River Rd) serves as the main area hub.