From Anchorage: Chugach State Park Winter Walking Tour

Experience the stunning winter beauty of Anchorage’s Chugach State Park on this guided walking tour. Explore a frozen 25-foot waterfall, spot local wildlife, and learn about the area’s unique flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides. With transportation, snacks, and gear provided, it’s an ideal family-friendly adventure to learn about Alaska’s breathtaking winter wonderland. What secrets might you uncover as you venture into this frozen landscape?

This experience made our article of 6 Must-Try Walking Tours In Anchorage.

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Key Points

3-hour guided winter walking tour in Chugach State Park near Anchorage, Alaska.
Opportunity to see frozen waterfall, local wildlife, and ice formations along the South Fork Eagle River.
Suitable for families with no prior hiking experience, but must be able to walk at least 2 miles on uneven terrain.
Includes transportation from downtown Anchorage, snacks, water, and a knowledgeable guide.
Emphasis on winter weather preparedness and scenic beauty of the Alaskan landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Chugach State Park Winter Walking Tour is a 3-hour activity priced at $119.00 per person. The tour is limited to 12 participants and offered in English.

Cancellation is free up to 4 days in advance. Visitors can admire the 25-foot frozen Barbara Falls, learn about Alaskan flora and fauna, and observe local wildlife like moose, snowshoe hares, and eagles.

The tour follows the South Fork Eagle River and includes transportation from downtown Anchorage, snacks, water, and a knowledgeable guide. Participants must meet at the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center and bring appropriate winter gear.

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Experience Highlights

Visitors on the Chugach State Park Winter Walking Tour can admire the stunning 25-foot frozen Barbara Falls, a captivating natural wonder.

Along the hike, the knowledgeable guide shares insights about Alaskan flora and fauna. Participants may spot local wildlife, including moose, snowshoe hares, and eagles.

A knowledgeable guide shares insights about Alaskan flora and fauna, and visitors may spot local wildlife like moose, snowshoe hares, and eagles.

The tour also explores the ice formations along the South Fork Eagle River, providing a unique opportunity to witness the winter landscape’s beauty.

Suitable for families with children, this tour offers an engaging and educational experience in the heart of Chugach State Park.

Tour Details

The Chugach State Park Winter Walking Tour departs along the South Fork Eagle River.

Transportation from downtown Anchorage, snacks, water, and a knowledgeable tour guide are included. Participants can request day packs and trekking poles for the tour.

The meeting point is outside the main entrance of the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center. Hikers should bring sunglasses, a hat, a camera, hiking shoes, gloves, and warm snow clothing.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility, health, or respiratory issues, or wheelchair users. However, no prior hiking experience is necessary if one can walk at least 2 miles on uneven terrain.

Important Information

Where is the meeting point for the Chugach State Park Winter Walking Tour? The tour departs from outside the main entrance of the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center in downtown Anchorage.

Participants should dress for the cold Alaskan weather and bring the following gear:

| What to Bring | Description |

|—————|————-|

| Sunglasses | To protect eyes from glare |

| Hat | For warmth |

| Camera | To capture the scenic beauty |

| Hiking Shoes | With good traction for uneven terrain |

| Gloves | To keep hands warm |

| Snow Clothing | Warm, waterproof layers |

The tour is not suitable for individuals with back, mobility, heart, or respiratory issues, or wheelchair users. However, no prior hiking experience is required, as long as participants can walk at least 2 miles on uneven terrain.

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Customer Reviews

Participants have consistently praised the Chugach State Park Winter Walking Tour, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 13 reviews.

Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides who provide insightful information about Alaskan flora and fauna. The beautiful scenery, including the frozen 25-foot Barbara Falls, and excellent photo opportunities have also impressed participants.

One reviewer noted, "Guide was very knowledgeable and informative." Another said, "Amazing hike with great pictures."

The tour’s suitability for families with children is an additional draw, making it a popular choice for those seeking a winter adventure in Anchorage.

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Exploring the Frozen Waterfall

What awaits visitors as they approach the famous Barbara Falls in Chugach State Park? A breathtaking 25-foot frozen waterfall that glistens in the winter sunlight.

As they get closer, they can’t help but marvel at the intricate ice formations lining the South Fork Eagle River. Their guide points out the unique features, explaining how the freezing temperatures have transformed the flowing water into a stunning display of nature’s artistry.

Visitors snap photos, capturing the beauty of this winter wonderland before continuing their exploration of the park’s icy landscapes and wildlife.

Alaskan Flora and Fauna

As the group ventures deeper into Chugach State Park, their knowledgeable guide points out the diverse Alaskan flora and fauna that thrive in this winter wonderland.

They learn about:

The hardy evergreen trees, like the towering spruce and hemlock, which withstand the harsh Alaskan winters.
The elusive snowshoe hares, their white coats blending seamlessly with the snow, and the majestic moose, foraging for sustenance.
The bald eagles soaring overhead, their keen eyes scanning the landscape for prey, a symbol of the region’s untamed wilderness.

Ice Formations Along the South Fork Eagle River

As the group leaves the lush evergreen forests behind, their attention is drawn to the dramatic ice formations lining the banks of the South Fork Eagle River.

Towering walls of ice, sculpted by the elements, extend up to the riverbanks. Intricate patterns and textures reveal the river’s journey from liquid to solid.

The participants pause to admire the glistening, translucent ice, captivated by its natural beauty.

Exploring these captivating structures, the group gains a deeper appreciation for the power of the Alaskan winter and the ever-changing landscape of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with certain disabilities, such as back, mobility, heart, or respiratory issues, or wheelchair users. However, no prior hiking experience is required, as long as they can walk at least 2 miles on uneven terrain.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

No, participants cannot bring their own food and drinks. The tour includes snacks and water provided by the tour guide. Bringing personal food or beverages is not permitted during the Chugach State Park Winter Walking Tour.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour is suitable for families with children, though the minimum age requirement is not explicitly stated. Participants should be able to walk at least 2 miles on uneven terrain, so families should consider their children’s abilities before booking.

Is the Transportation Roundtrip or One-Way?

The transportation for the tour is roundtrip, providing pickup from downtown Anchorage and returning to the same location after the 3-hour walking tour in Chugach State Park.

Can We Bring Our Own Equipment, Such as Trekking Poles?

Participants can request trekking poles and day packs to use during the tour, but they’re also welcome to bring their own equipment. The tour includes transportation, snacks, water, and a knowledgeable guide.

The Sum Up

This winter walking tour in Chugach State Park offers a unique opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of frozen Barbara Falls and observe local wildlife. With knowledgeable guides, essential equipment, and transportation provided, it’s a perfect family-friendly excursion to experience the serene winter wonderland of Anchorage. Suitable for all hiking levels, it’s an enchanting way to explore the natural wonders of Alaska.