2024 Anchorage Neighborhood Guide

ANCHORAGE NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE activities | maps | itineraries

WELCOME Land Acknowledgment

Anchorage lies within Dena’ina Ełnena, the homeland of the Dena’ina Athabascan people and the Native Village of Eklutna. We’re grateful for their ongoing stewardship of this land and everything it holds.

U

nique character, rich culture,

fill a few hours or a full day. There are

diverse cuisine — Anchorage

dozens to explore.

neighborhoods introduce locals

The areas featured in this guide

and visitors alike to all the best parts of the city. Spend a day exploring.

Learn something new about the place we call home. Go see a new side of town. You’ll find public art and lush

represent a colorful cross-section of Anchorage life, from Mountain View to Oceanview, Downtown to Girdwood. Consider them your starting point. Anchorage encompasses so

parks, distinct Alaska flavor, and

many unique spaces and places,

fascinating Anchorage landmarks.

it’s impossible to contain them all

Some neighborhoods feature

in one guide — instead, let this be a

compact, walkable routes dotted with

springboard to your own personal

activities and attractions for all ages.

exploration of the diverse Anchorage

Other areas cover a larger distance

areas we call home.

and require a car, bringing visitors

So come get to know Anchorage’s

to tucked-away trailheads, secluded

neighborhoods. Wander a favorite

natural areas, and other favorite

trail, enjoy lunch at a farmers market

destinations. All of them sparkle with

or food truck festival, and experience

local color and flair. Each can easily

new sides to Alaska’s largest city.

Learn about the traditional Dena’ina Athabascan names for landmarks in the Anchorage area: Look for artistic signage — part of the Indigenous Place Names Project — installed at public gathering places like Westchester Lagoon, Point Woronzof, and Chanshtnu Muldoon Park. Visit anchorage.net to see more.

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Mount Baldy 3,218 ft.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

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4

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Wolverine Peak 4,491 ft.

9 8

O’Malley Peak 5,150 ft.

Flattop Mountain 3,510 ft.

McHugh Peak 4,308 ft.

Mount Alyeska 3,939 ft.

Bird Ridge 3,400 ft.

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WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD 1

Downtown // pg 1

2

Government Hill // pg 5

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Fairview // pg 9

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Hillside Area // pg 29

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Mountain View Area // pg 13

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Sand Lake Area // pg 33

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Northeast Area // pg 17

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Girdwood Area // pg 37

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Spenard Area // pg 21

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Eagle River Area // pg 41

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Midtown Area // pg 25

DOWNTOWN

D

owntown Anchorage encapsulates the community’s buzzing blend of urban and wild. Go fish for king salmon in Ship Creek, then treat yourself to fresh seafood at an upscale restaurant just a short stroll away. Catch a show at Town Square Park, Peratrovich Park, or the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Or connect to the nearby Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to explore 11 miles of scenic shoreline (and ties to many other city trails and neighborhoods).

Peruse the Anchorage Museum, the largest museum in the state, with its treasure trove of Alaska Native artifacts.

Then browse the eye-catching public art that lines local streets and alleyways.

Unwind with an outdoor yoga session on the Delaney Park Strip. Shop for handmade Alaska goods at an outdoor market. In the winter, try ice 1 | Downtown

skating at a local pond or rink. See Star the Reindeer (Anchorage’s unofficial mascot), or gather near the statue of Balto on Fourth Avenue in the heart of the Mushing District to cheer teams during the Open World Championship Sled Dog Races or the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Downtown does it all.

Brimming with life and bustling with hotels, restaurants, shops, historical landmarks, and artistic and cultural attractions, Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods offer an engaging introduction to everything the city has to offer.

discover more:

anchorage.net/downtown

Scan for an interactive map of Downtown

bit.ly/3ycPNVW

bit.ly/3ycPNVW

Explore by:

Knik Arm

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W 1st Ave Alaska Railroad Depot e Av 2nd Quyana W Park

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ANCHORAGE

Downtown

HISTORIC SITES & CITY SCENES For locals and visitors alike, Downtown Anchorage is one of the best places to enjoy sightseeing in the city. Spend time learning more about Anchorage’s colorful history, then find even more local color with bright murals, outdoor performances, and other only-in-Anchorage attractions.

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entennial C Rose Garden

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Star the Reindeer

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Hope Wall Mural

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Town Square Park

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istoric H Kimball Building

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nchorage A Light Speed Planet Walk

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E 6th Ave

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Peratrovich Park

12 Resolution Park

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A nchorage Mushing District & Balto Statue

13 Grandma Olga Statue

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A laska Public Lands Information Center

leeping Lady Mural 10 S lderberry Park & 11 E Oscar Anderson House Museum

14 Ship Creek 15 SEED Lab 16

reetings from G Alaska Mural

17 Crystal Worl Mural

Downtown | 2

GAMBELL STREET

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W 7th Ave

8 A St

W 5th Ave

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E 3rd Ave

Peratrovich Park

G St

H St

I St

K St

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E 1st Ave

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Elderberry Park

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Downtown

DINING || MURALS || HISTORIC LANDMARKS

ATTRACTIONS Catch a Ride

The stretch of Fourth Avenue directly in front of the Log Cabin Visitor Information Center is a prime spot to catch a variety of seasonal tours and shuttles to area attractions.

Find a ride to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, or hop aboard an Anchorage Trolley Tour for an exploration of Downtown and West Anchorage.

Inside Insight Two adjacent visitor

information centers are an ideal first stop for locals and visitors alike. Learn about dozens of tours, attractions, and activities, and chat with local volunteers for the inside scoop into favorite Anchorage day trips and destinations. The two centers are also fascinating historical landmarks in their own rights: The Log Cabin Visitor Information Center was originally constructed in Homer in the 1950s, and the neighboring Downtown Visitor Information Center — located in the historic city hall building — was once home to the local fire department (look for a photograph displayed on the visitor center wall).

Cast a Line

Thanks to Ship Creek, you never need to travel far to reel in a king (or silver) salmon.

Bring your own tackle or rent gear on-site, then stroll the shoreline to find a perfect place to angle for wild Alaska salmon. Don’t leave without diving into a little local history: The Ship Creek area was an important Dena’ina fishing site and, later, the location of the tent city that grew into Anchorage. Signage along the Ship Creek Trail tells the tale.

3 | Downtown

Anchorage.net

DOWNTOWN ITINERARY

Stop and Smell the Roses

Tucked into the west end of the Delaney Park Strip, Anchorage’s Centennial Rose Garden cultivates aromatic serenity in the heart of the city. Planted in 1967 to commemorate the centennial of the Alaska Purchase, the garden has since grown more than 100 varieties of roses. Towering hedges offer shade and seclusion, and benches and picnic tables provide a picturesque place for a midday

MORNING Savor a cup of coffee, a fresh donut, or a plate of crab benedict from a local cafe or diner. Rent a bike and hit the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, or spend the morning seeking out modern murals and historic landmarks.

AFTERNOON

picnic lunch.

All-Alaskan Art

Downtown is the epicenter of Anchorage’s public art scene.

Alleyways are adorned with larger-than-life murals, and unique statues and sculptures tell stories of the region’s rich Dena’ina

Pick up a to-go meal, then enjoy lunch in a local park (you’ll catch a midday musical performance if you’re lucky). Board a shuttle or join a sightseeing tour from Fourth Avenue, or head to an area museum to catch up on the latest exhibits.

Athabascan heritage and unique Alaska history. Make sure to

EVENING

visit the SEED Lab to see a collection of new work by Alaskan muralists, and head down to the small boat harbor at the mouth of Ship Creek to see a cultural exhibit featuring a statue of

Enjoy dinner and drinks at a downtown restaurant with a view, then unwind with a concert in Town Square Park. Check out Anchorage.net/Events to find something fun.

Dena’ina matriarch Grandma Olga Ezi, created by Alaskan

M

ur al

artist Joel Isaak.

tal Crys

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Downtown | 4

GOVERNMENT HILL

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lush with local history, Government Hill was Anchorage’s first established neighborhood. Today it’s a tight-knit community marked by important landmarks, accessible parks, and plenty of unique views.

Several places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Take a stroll through the Government Hill Federal Housing Historic District, an architectural time capsule where modern designs sit alongside original houses and duplexes built between 1915 and 1950 to house government employees moving to Anchorage in the city’s early days. The nearby Wireless Station was the community’s first radio communications hub: Built by the Alaska Engineering Commission in 1917, the elevated location provided better radio reception than a

5 | Government Hill

temporary location first established in the rail yard below.

Superior radio reception isn’t the only perk of the neighborhood’s location on the hill. Local parks offer skyline views you won’t find anywhere else, plus another dose of city history: Several Government Hill parks are named in honor of trailblazing Anchorage residents. Stop by the Anchorage Curling Club for a bonspiel or learn how to curl. Woven into the neighborhood’s history, the curling club opened its doors five years before statehood in 1954.

Spend some time exploring to get a sense of Anchorage life in its earlier days.

discover more:

anchorage.net/government-hill

Gvt Hill

Scan for an interactive map of Government Hill bit.ly/3BU5yU4

Explore by:

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ANCHORAGE

EXPLORE EARLY ANCHORAGE Government Hill

Historic buildings and hidden stories abound in Government Hill. Get to know this quaint corner of the city via picturesque parks, city landmarks, and tales of early Anchorage.

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Brown’s Point Park

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West Bluff Trailhead #1

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Government Hill Federal

Housing Historic District

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Al Miller Memorial Park

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Suzan Nightingale McKay Park

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West Bluff Trailhead #2

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Water Tower

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Harvard Park & Anchorage Curling Club

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Government Hill Commons

10 Sunset Park

What’s that nestled between those trees? @spenardskies

urban &

Government Hill | 6

Government Hill

FAMILY PARKS || LOCAL HISTORY || CITY LORE

ATTRACTIONS Neighborhood History

Named after Anchorage residents Jack and Nellie Brown — two of the first settlers to arrive in the Ship Creek area in 1915 — Brown’s Point Park is a secluded place to soak up views of Downtown, Mount Susitna, and the Port of Anchorage. A pathway marked with a parallel set of human and canine footprints honors the memory of Stuart C. Hall, the

In Common

unofficial mayor of Government Hill, and his dog Pal.

A fruit tree orchard, a mural by Alaskan artist Linda Infante Lyons, and a deep well of community support make the Government Hill Commons a hub for harvesting and seasonal events, from live readings to concerts.

Check Facebook.com/ GovernmentHillCommons for upcoming opportunities.

A Walk Back in Time

The West Bluff Trail follows a .75-mile route connecting Brown’s Point Park with Suzan Nightingale McKay Park, following in the path of a century-old route traveled during Anchorage’s tent city days.

7 | Government Hill

Anchorage.net

GOVERNMENT HILL ITINERARY MORNING OR AFTERNOON

A woolly mammoth-themed playground is a prominent feature of Suzan Nightingale McKay Park, and can be enjoyed by children of all ages, stages, and ability levels. With sweeping views of Knik Arm and Mount Susitna, the park is a prime location for evening photography. Named for the late (and much-loved) local journalist Suzan Nightingale McKay, the park also includes a dedication that honors the neighborhood legacy of longtime Government Hill residents Howard and Mavis Hancock.

AFTERNOON OR EVENING Tour Government Hill’s historic housing district and distinct landmarks to get a deeper sense of the city’s past. For lunch or dinner, savor fresh pho, tantalizing tacos, or delicious Chinese cuisine at a neighborhood restaurant. Check out the Government Hill Commons, then catch the sunset from one of the west-facing parks.

{ DID YOU KNOW?

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Mammoth Views

Find some caffeine and a bite to eat at a local coffee shop, then head out to a park with a view.

Stroll the West Bluff Trail, or bring the kids to the inclusive playground at Suzan Nightingale McKay Park. Watch for Denali when the weather’s clear; a wayfinding marker helps identify the peaks on the northern horizon.

The Hollywood Shopping Center, Anchorage’s first strip mall, was located at the intersections of East Loop Road, East Bluff Drive, and Arctic Warrior Drive.

urban &

Government Hill | 8

FAIRVIEW H

istoric Fairview is one of Anchorage’s four original neighborhoods, and to this day the area remains a welcoming community that reflects the diversity of the city around it.

Architectural landmarks around the area help tell its story. In the city’s early days, it was one of the few neighborhoods that allowed Black homeownership, and it’s home to the first Black church in Alaska: Greater Friendship Baptist Church, established in 1951. Today the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the congregation continues to play an active role in community life.

The neighborhood is also home to Lucky Wishbone — one of the city’s oldest continually operating restaurants, nestled

near the place where Fairview meets Downtown. Recreational opportunities dot the area. The Fairview Community Recreation Center features a gym, arts and crafts space, a weight room and dance room, a commercial kitchen, and sauna facilities (visit Muni.org for current schedules). Fairview Lions Park is home to a lush and beloved community garden, and Eastchester Park offers a convenient W 13th Ave connection to Anchorage’s vast trail system. Head to the north end of the neighborhood to find a Ship Creek Trail connection along North Post Road. At the Chester Creek Sports Complex, ice rinks and baseball fields draw crowds throughout the year.

discover more:

anchorage.net/fairview 9 | Fairview

Fa

Scan for an interactive map of Fairview

Fairview

bit.ly/2V0x3up

Explore by:

E 8th Ave

Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery

W 9th Ave

E 9th Ave

W 10th Ave

E 10th Ave Orca St

Nelchina St

Medfra St

Karluk St

Latouche St

INGRA STREET

GAMBELL STREET

Eagle St

Hyder St

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E 15th Ave

A St

C St W 16th Ave

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8 Valley of the Moon Park

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Fairview Park E 13th Ave

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Earl and Muriel King Park

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A St

C St

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Delaney Park

Fairview Lions Park

Charles W. Smith Memorial Park

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E 20th Ave

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Eastchester Park

ANCHORAGE

Fairview

MUST-SEES IN FAIRVIEW Tied to Anchorage’s trail system via the Ship Creek and Chester Creek trails, Fairview is also connected to Anchorage history and modern culture through a mosaic of local landmarks, streetside murals, and neighborhood gathering spaces.

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Fairview Lions Park

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A nchorage Farmers Market

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airview Community F Recreation Center

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Fishing Reel Bridge

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M ulcahy Stadium & Chester Creek Sports Complex

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Fairview Mural

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reater Friendship G Baptist Church

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hester Creek C Trail Mural by William Kozloff

10 C hester Creek Trail Mural by Rejoy Armamento

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V alley of the Moon Park Fairview | 10

Fairview

STREET ART || BALL FIELDS || BIKE TRAILS

ATTRACTIONS Play Ball!

Treat yourself to a cold beer, a Polish hot dog, and a John Mellencamp classic tune while watching a game under the midnight sun. Mulcahy Stadium, home to the Anchorage Bucs and Anchorage Glacier Pilots college baseball summer teams, was named after Bill Mulcahy — the Alaska Railroad auditor who first brought Little

Anchorage Farmers Market

League Baseball to Anchorage in the 1950s.

Find fresh flowers and local produce on Saturdays May October in the parking lot of Central Lutheran Church, 1420 Cordova St. Visit AnchorageFarmersMarket.org for a current schedule.

{

{ DID YOU KNOW?

The neighborhood now known as Fairview was once called Eastchester, named for its location on the eastern shores of Chester Creek.

Mark of the Neighborhood Painted across a retaining wall at the

corner of Hyder Street and 10th Avenue, this unique mural includes work by Anchorage artists including William Kozloff, Justin Parsons (aka C.ON.A.H.), and Andrew Garcia (aka Vow-One). The art is a vibrant conglomeration of local styles and tells you exactly where you are: Fairview.

11 | Fairview

Anchorage.net

@killersmileninja

FAIRVIEW ITINERARY

Chester Creek Trail

Lace up a pair of skates, hop on a bike, or just leash up the dog and hit the trail: The 4-mile Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail can take you on a quick spin to Westchester Lagoon, or take you all the way east to University Lake, Airport Heights, and Russian Jack. The trail is paved, mostly flat the whole way, and named in honor of Nan Elaine “Lanie” Fleischer, the woman who helped lead the effort to create it.

MORNING OR AFTERNOON Fuel up at a drivethrough coffee shop, then head down to Eastchester Park to connect with the Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail. Stroll west to discover mural work

by Alaskan artists and eventually reach scenic Westchester Lagoon. Satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh malasadas from a local shop.

AFTERNOON OR EVENING Browse the selection at the neighborhood farmers market, then savor a slice of Anchorage history with fried chicken or a burger at Lucky Wishbone. Seize a photo op in front of the neighborhood’s iconic Fairview mural, then head down to Mulcahy Stadium for an evening ball game.

Murals by the Creek

Salmon-themed murals by Alaskan artists Rejoy Armamento and William Kozloff line the Chester A Street and C Street, just west of Mulcahy Stadium and the Chester Creek Sports Complex.

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Fairview | 12

MOUNTAIN VIEW

Russian Jack & Airport Heights

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elcoming, lively Mountain View and the surrounding areas sparkle with community gems and vibrant neighborhood character. Summer days mean basketball courts busy with pickup games, the scent of barbecue drifting up from park pavilions and backyard grills, bike lanes whirring with cyclists and skaters, and community gardens lush with carefully tended greens.

Walkable sidewalks and accessible trail connections make for fast and easy bike rides between bordering Downtown, Russian Jack, and Airport Heights. Neighborhood green spaces feature accessible play structures and Little League fields, a disc golf course, rugby pitches, sledding hills, and picnic facilities.

In Russian Jack, the Mann Leiser Memorial Greenhouse provides a publicly accessible tropical oasis. The adjacent Airport Heights neighborhood is home to Tikishla Park and the Scotty Gomez Hockey Rink, the childhood ice rink of homegrown NHL star Scotty Gomez.

Work up an appetite?

Neighborhood restaurants reflect the cultural diversity of the community around them — along Mountain View Drive, diners can find cuisines ranging from Hawaiian and German to Vietnamese, Polynesian, Mexican, and more. Savor this slice of the city to experience the full flavor of Anchorage.

discover more:

anchorage.net/mountain-view 13 | Mountain View Area

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Scan for an interactive map of Mountain View

Mountain View bit.ly/3ihCu13

Explore by:

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Tikishla Park

ANCHORAGE

CITY CONNECTIONS Mountain View

The Peterkin Bike Boulevard ties the eastern end of the Ship Creek Trail to the Glenn Highway Bike Path; cross Mountain View Drive and head south at the McCarrey Street overpass to connect to the Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail via Russian Jack Park.

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Ship Creek Trailhead

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L os Picaflores Mural

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W elcome to Mountain View Mural

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Grow North Farm

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Davis Park

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laska Museum of A Science and Nature

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Mountain View Area | 14

Mountain View Area

ATTRACTIONS Fish Facts

SCIENCE & NATURE || GARDENS || ART

Mountain View Murals

A collection of vivid murals traces a walkable route through the heart of Mountain View.

The William Jack Hernandez

Find works by a diverse collection of Alaskan

Sport Fish Hatchery is a

artists, and pieces reflecting the vibrant,

recirculating aquaculture

welcoming soul of the neighborhood.

system on the north shore of Ship Creek. Free and open to the public, the facility gives guests an up-close view of more than 100 rearing tanks capable of producing some 6 million sport fish annually.

A footpath outside the hatchery leads visitors to the creek, where adult salmon can often be seen from early July through September.

Welcome to Mountain View: Overlooking a pocket park at the east end of the Peterkin Bike Boulevard, this mural extends a bright introduction to the neighborhood. Created by artist Andrew Garcia (aka Vow-One), it includes a wayfinding map depicting the park’s location along Anchorage’s 32-mile Moose Loop bike route.

Los Picaflores: A pair of hummingbirds flutter along the side of the Hispanic Cultural Center in this vivid mural by artist Linda Infante Lyons.

Convenient Connections An accessible neighborhood artery

connecting Mountain View to Downtown, the Ship Creek Trail is a paved 2.5-mile path running parallel to Ship Creek. While fishing is prohibited along this stretch of creek, multiple bridges and creekside overlooks provide prime spots for salmon viewing (watch for bald eagles, moose, and occasional black bears, too).

15 | Mountain View Area

Anchorage.net

Hands-On History

The Alaska Museum of Science and Nature occupies a colorful space in a former boat showroom on North Bragaw

MOUNTAIN VIEW AREA ITINERARY

Street. The interior is now filled with an eye-popping variety of anthropological, biological, geological, historical, artistic, and educational objects and artifacts; the outside is painted with full-scale mural work

by Alaskan artist James Havens.

MORNING Start with breakfast from a local cafe or bakery — Fire Island Bakery in Airport Heights is a neighborhood favorite — then set out for a selfguided tour of the public art along the Mountain View Mural Walk. Spend some time exploring the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

AFTERNOON Sit down for lunch at one of the area’s diverse local restaurants, then take a spin on the Ship Creek Trail. Divert to the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery to learn more about the life cycles of Alaska’s staple fish species.

Cultivating Community

Grow North Farm is a flourishing patch of urban farmland rooted in a central stretch of Mountain View Drive. A partnership between the Anchorage Community Land Trust and Catholic Social Services’ Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services, the space offers a base for neighborhood farmers and food-based businesses. Pick up some fresh greens for a cool summer salad, try a rhubarb tamale, stock up on spices, or savor

EVENING Check out the vendors at Grow North Farm — you might find hot food options perfect for dinner.

Otherwise, neighborhood restaurants offer plenty of mouthwatering choices.

Cap off the evening with a craft beverage at the local brewery.

new flavors with a cookbook compiled by Grow-North-Farm for current opening dates and hours.

urban &

{ DID YOU KNOW? Mountain View is the most diverse census area in the entire U.S.

Mountain View Area | 16

{

local chefs. Visit AnchorageLandTrust.org/

NORTHEAST Muldoon, Scenic Foothills, Nunaka Valley & JBER

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tretched along the dramatic backdrop of the Chugach Mountains, Northeast Anchorage includes the neighborhoods of Muldoon, Scenic Foothills, and Nunaka Valley, to name a few. Muldoon Road runs through it all, stretching approximately 3.5 miles between Far North Bicentennial Park and the Glenn Highway. The surrounding area is home to some of Anchorage’s best outdoor markets, tucked-away trailheads, family-favorite restaurants, plus Anchorage’s only urban campground, and one of Alaska’s premier cultural institutions — the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

play structures pay tribute to the greenhouses that once stood in their place. The park’s name, Chanshtnu, is the Dena’ina word for “Chester Creek,” which is a defining feature of the park.

Muldoon is named after early Anchorage settler and homesteader Arnold L. Muldoon; his cabin was originally located in an area near the intersection of Muldoon and Debarr Road. That land later became the site of the famous Alaska Greenhouses, a beloved commercial nursery operated by the late Mann Leiser. Today, the same site is home to Chanshtnu Muldoon Park, whose arched

Nearby Cheney Lake ripples across a residential area about a mile west of Muldoon Road. Surrounded by a peaceful footpath and stocked with rainbow trout, the lake is also an ideal winter destination — when it’s frozen, city park crews groom it for ice skating.

To the south, bordered by Tudor Road and Far North Bicentennial Park, the Alaska Botanical Garden covers 110 acres with landscaped trails and Alaska flora.

The surrounding neighborhoods form a mosaic of well-loved parklands and bustling commercial corridors. Enjoy restaurants ranging from sushi to Thai cuisine to popular local diners, waffle and pancake houses. Unwind at a historic tavern located in an old Alaska cabin complete with a sod roof. Dine in, then get out to enjoy other area green spaces.

discover more:

anchorage.net/northeast 17 | Northeast Area

Scan for an interactive map of Northeast

bit.ly/2W4GRUr

Explore by:

Moose Run Golf Course

10 9 Tikahtnu Commons

Davis Park

Commercial Dr

Chester Creek Greenbelt

E 20th Ave Tikishla Park

E Northern Lights Blvd Baxter Rd

Lake Otis Pkwy

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Pena Park

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Goose Lake Park

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Otter St

Russian Jack DeBarr Rd Springs Park

E 15th Ave

Patterson St

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Muldoon Rd

Boniface Pkwy

S Pine St

S Bragaw St

Merrill Field Airport

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GLENN HIGHWAY ACCESS ROAD

University of Alaska Anchorage

5 Arnold L Muldoon Park

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Baxter Bog Alaska Pacific University Park

E Tudor Rd

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ANCHORAGE

Northeast

GARDENS, MARKETS & MORE

Find farmers markets and flower gardens in the summer, skating rinks in winter, and lots of Anchorage culture all year long.

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laska A Botanical Garden

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A rnold L. Muldoon Park

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lenn Highway G Bike Path

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C heney Lake

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C hanshtnu Muldoon Park

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Baxter Bog Park

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Pena Park Market

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Northeast Area | 18

Northeast Area

SKATING RINKS || FARMERS MARKETS || CULTURE

Locally Grown Greens

Known as “the market by the mountains,” the Muldoon Farmers Market features everything from locally harvested veggies to fresh seafood, baked goods, live music, and Alaska arts and crafts. Open

@valsfoodpage

ATTRACTIONS Pena Park Market

A Muldoon summer staple, the Pena Park Market sizzles with fresh hot food and Alaska-grown Asian vegetables. Open summer weekends at the Pena Sports Fields, 8400 Starview Dr. Visit Facebook.com/ PenaParkMarket for current hours and offerings.

on Saturdays in the summer at 1301 Muldoon Rd. Visit MuldoonFarmersMarket.org for a current schedule.

A Hidden Trailhead

From the quiet dead end of Klutina Drive, access an easement trail heading south. The trail crosses the North Fork of Campbell Creek and Stuckagain Creek en route to the Basher Drive Trailhead, an access point for the vast network of trails in Far North Bicentennial Park.

19 | Northeast Area

Anchorage.net

NORTHEAST AREA ITINERARY

MORNING

All in One Park

Fruit trees, edible shrubs, and berry bushes blossom in Chanshtnu Muldoon Park’s lush

Breakfast options abound, and you might have a hard time choosing which cafe, pancake house, or diner to try first. Spend the morning immersed in Alaska culture at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

food forest and community garden. In the winter, skaters lace up to spend time on the

AFTERNOON

ice at the park’s popular skating ribbon. The play structure draws a crowd all year long.

Located at 1301 Muldoon Rd.

Pick up lunch from a neighborhood restaurant or a hot food vendor at Pena Park Market (when open), then head for the Alaska Botanical Garden for a moment of zen among the flowers.

EVENING

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DID YOU KNOW?

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) was originally two installations — Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Air Force Base — individually established in 1940.

They merged in 2010. Learn more about

Fill up on Mongolian BBQ or Mexican food for dinner, then settle in at a local watering hole, enjoy an IMAX cinema experience at Tikahtnu Commons, or catch a discount show at Regal Totem movie theater.

Anchorage’s military history at the Alaska Veterans Museum. Find details

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at Anchorage.net.

E ase Joint B urban &

Northeast Area | 20

SPENARD & Turnagain Area

R

ich with Anchorage history and local flavor, Spenard and the adjacent Turnagain neighborhood are studded with popular parks and community gathering places. Explore walkable commercial corridors. Find some of the city’s favorite eateries, bike paths, and green spaces. Winding Spenard Road (and the neighborhood around it) got its name from Joe Spenard, the infamous bootlegger and businessman who developed a resort on the shores of Lake Spenard — formerly Jeter Lake — in 1916. More than 100 years later, the area is still a lively microcosm of Alaska life.

Stroll the renovated pedestrian corridor at the north end of Spenard Road to find the Bear Tooth Theatrepub (the only dinner movie theater in the city), plus an eclectic collection of small shops, bookstores, and family restaurants. E-bikes are

available to rent near the north end of Spenard Road — cross the road to Hillcrest Drive for picturesque views of Downtown Anchorage, plus a downhill connection to both the Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, and Westchester Lagoon.

The lagoon is a favorite spot for ice skating in the winter and kayaking in the summer.

At the south end of Spenard Road, Lake Hood and Lake Spenard are prime plane-spotting locations. The adjoining Turnagain neighborhood features a handful of cozy parks and Coastal Trail access points: Make time to watch the sunset from Point Woronzof or Lyn Ary Park, or stroll through a chapter of Anchorage’s natural history at Earthquake Park. Stay for an afternoon or the whole weekend; this neighborhood has routes to suit all speeds and modes of exploration.

discover more:

anchorage.net/spenard 21 | Spenard Area

Scan for an interactive map of Spenard bit.ly/3BTXH8N

Explore by:

Westchester Lagoon

Hill

14 Lyn Ary

cre

Park

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Valley of the Moon Park

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Arctic Blvd

Knik Arm

5 Milky Way Dr

Balto Seppala Park

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10 d

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Lloyd Steele Park

W Northern Lights Blvd

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McRae Rd

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Hood

Aero Ave

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W Northern Lights Blvd

12 11

dR

WALTER J. HICKEL PARKWAY

Earthquake Park

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Forest Park Dr

Turnagain Pkwy

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Arctic Blvd

Wisconsin St

W 36th Ave Fish Creek Park

4

rd

a en

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Lake Hood

Spenard Beach Park

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Lake Spenard

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3 Northwood Park

Northwood Dr

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W Tudor Rd

ANCHORAGE

Spenard

PUBLIC ART AND SEAPLANES Winding, whimsical Spenard Road is lined with colorful stops and bright community spaces: Weave your way through the neighborhood and explore local gems via bike trails and sidewalks.

1

Alaska Aviation Museum

2

ake Spenard & L Spenard Beach Park

3

Northwood Park

4

Fish Creek Park

5

Balto Seppala Park

urban &

6

L yn Ary Park

7

M innesota Park

8

T he Nave

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J ohn the Flower Guy Mural

yes of 10 E Spenard Mural

11 Spenard

Farmers Market

12 Life Enlightened Mural 13 Hillcrest

Drive Overlook

14 Tony Knowles

Coastal Trail Access

Spenard Area | 22

Spenard Area

FOOD TRUCKS || PUBLIC ART || LIVE MUSIC

ATTRACTIONS Lake Hood

The largest floatplane base in the world keeps Spenard buzzing with the sound of small planes overhead. Walk the path around the lake to see aircraft come and go, skimming across the surface of Lake Hood and the adjacent Lake Spenard.

Tasty Bites

Sample Guatemalan cuisine, Southeast Asian street food, Russian or Turkish fare, BBQ, and Cajun favorites.

The Spenard Food Truck Carnival cooks up a rotating selection of diverse Alaska flavors, served every spring and summer under the windmill at 2555 Spenard Rd. Visit Facebook.com/

Westchester Lagoon

Birdwatchers flock to Westchester Lagoon to

SpenardFoodTruckCarnival

catch a glimpse of sandhill cranes, trumpeter

for current hours and

swans, and other amazing species. In the

opening dates.

summer, go kayaking or paddleboarding in the lagoon, or take a walk around the scenic trail. In

The Spenard Farmers

the winter, go ice skating or snowshoeing.

Market is held at the same location. Look for everything from fresh Prince William Sound shrimp or succulent oysters to Alaska-grown produce, artisanal goods, and occasional live music.

Go to Facebook.com/ SpenardFarmersMarket for dates and times.

23 | Spenard Area

Anchorage.net

SPENARD AREA ITINERARY

MORNING

Artistic Details

Surround yourself with eye-catching

Watch the sunrise over the city skyline from the Hillcrest Drive overlook.

Next set out to explore the murals along Spenard Road, then head for Fish Creek Park or Northwood Park to watch the birds.

public art along Spenard Road: Pieces pay tribute to beloved locals, history, and colorful neighborhood character.

John the Flower Guy: Jean Jilwan, affectionately known as “John the Flower Guy,” was an icon of Anchorage’s bar scene, roaming the city and selling $5 stems from a bucket brimming with roses.

When he passed away in September 2020, Anchorage artists Garrett Perkins, Reed Leslie, Justin Parsons, Rejoy Armamento, and Shara Kay Diamond

AFTERNOON Enjoy lunch at the seasonal Spenard Food Truck Carnival, then rent an e-bike and cruise the section of the Coastal Trail stretching from Westchester Lagoon to Point Woronzof.

Loop back into the neighborhood via Lake Hood; pause to watch the floatplanes buzzing across the water.

collaborated to honor his memory with a detailed, gorgeous mural on the side of local eatery Pancho’s Villa.

Life Enlightened: Icons of the animal kingdom and solar system come together in a massive abstract mural by artist Taylor Gallegos. Find it at the corner of Spenard Road and W. 26th Ave.

EVENING Try Italian or Himalayan cuisine for dinner, then catch a live show. In Spenard, it could be anything from a local band to a stand-up comedy set at Koot’s, “the most historic bar in Alaska.”

The Nave: Once a church, now a community from art studios to live music and art fairs.

Located at 3502 Spenard Rd., check out TheNaveSpenard.com for more information and upcoming events.

{ DID YOU KNOW? The Dena’ina name for Fish

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and cultural hub, it houses everything

Creek is “Ch’atanaltsegh,” which means “yellow water comes out.” Learn more about local culture via a series of artistic interpretive signs along Fish Creek Trail.

urban &

Spenard Area | 24

MIDTOWN North Star, Taku/Campbell, Tudor & UMed

S

pread across the center of the city, Midtown occupies a contrasting cross-section of Anchorage life.

Shopping plazas, hotels, office buildings, and eateries line the main roads; tuckedaway parks and trail connections tie the neighborhood to other parts of town to the east and west.

Spend time exploring the local brew scene. Midtown Anchorage and its adjacent neighborhoods boast a buzzing concentration of breweries, a meadery, and a distillery, so craft connoisseurs can enjoy a self-guided tour of some of the city’s favorite taps and tasting rooms.

Some are located conveniently close to neighborhood trailheads, inviting patrons to cap off a bike or stroll with some refreshing suds.

In the summer months, a neighborhood farmers market brings locally grown greens to the heart of Midtown. A nearby rock gym is the perfect place to gain some year-round elevation. In winter, the groomed skating oval at Cuddy Family Midtown Park is a unique spot to spend some time on the ice.

In every season, Midtown is a bustling destination for shopping and leisure.

discover more:

anchorage.net/midtown 25 | Midtown Area

Scan for an interactive map of Midtown

Midtown Area Explore by:

1

University Lake

9 Folker Park

E Tudor Rd

E Tudor Rd

E Dowling Rd

7

Lake Otis Pkwy

C St

national Airport Rd Inter

6 8

SEWARD HIGHWAY

HI C WALTER J.

E 36th Ave

5

Old Seward Highway

K EL PARKWAY

Cuddy Family 4 Midtown Park W Tudor Rd

2 Helen Louise McDowell Sanctuary

3

Goose Lake Park

Elmore Rd

C St W 36th Ave

E Northern Lights Blvd

1

A St

MINNESOTA DR

W Northern Lights Blvd W Benson Blvd

bit.ly/2WBPgyT

Campbell Park

E Dowling Rd

Elmore Rd

C St

Raspberry Rd

E 68th Ave

10

E 76th Ave

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Lore Rd

Taku Lake

Far North Bicentennial Park

ANCHORAGE

Midtown

THE CENTER OF IT ALL Connected via bike trails and several major roadways, Midtown and the surrounding neighborhoods might be some of the most easily accessible areas of Anchorage.

1

Midtown Mall

6

Campbell Creek Trail Access

2

Midtown Farmers Market

7

Campbell Creek Park

3

Loussac Library

8

B ancroft Bridge Wildlife Viewing Deck

4

uddy Family Midtown C Park & Playground

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Folker Park

5

Helen Louise McDowell Sanctuary

10 Taku Lake

urban &

Midtown Area | 26

Midtown Area

ATTRACTIONS PARKS || SHOPPING || BREWERIES

Wild Views

Visit Bancroft Park for the ball fields, picnic facilities, or nearby Waldron Lake viewing area, then follow the Campbell Creek Trail south to find na las ka

the Bancroft Bridge Wildlife Viewing

ai re d n @a

Deck, a small, secluded boardwalk overlooking the creek.

Great Green Spaces Weaving a winding course

across Anchorage, the Campbell Creek Greenbelt is dotted with neighborhood parks, trail access points, scenic creek overlooks, and other community gems.

Launch a kayak or packraft to float Campbell Creek if you’re feeling adventurous. Just remember to wear a life jacket and be prepared to maneuver around shallow areas and fallen logs.

Local Leaves

Find Alaska-grown produce and other fresh foods at the Midtown Farmers Market, held weekly throughout the summer in the parking lot at 900 E. Benson Blvd.

Campbell Creek Trail

This popular paved crosstown route connects the east and west sides of the city, running parallel to its namesake Campbell Creek, cushioned by the Campbell Creek Greenbelt as it passes residential streets, commercial corridors, and major roadways. Ski it in the winter, bike it in the summer, and make plans to stop and refuel at a trailside eatery along the way (try the deck at the Peanut Farm for lunch or dinner with a creek view).

27 | Midtown Area

Anchorage.net

MIDTOWN AREA ITINERARY

MORNING OR AFTERNOON Start the day with a bite to eat at a local cafe or neighborhood diner, then hit the Campbell Creek Trail.

Go for distance and follow the trail all the way to its eastern or western terminus, or simply wander until you find the closest wildlife viewing platform. Exploring with kids? Don’t miss the playground at Cuddy Family Midtown Park.

A Family Affair

Tucked into the heart of Midtown adjacent the Loussac Library, Cuddy Family Midtown Park comes with play structures and a duck pond, a walking path and an amphitheater, and an oval that doubles as a rollerblading or skating course. Pick up lunch to go from one of the nearby neighborhood restaurants, enjoy a picnic in the park, then stretch out with a stroll.

AFTERNOON OR EVENING Grab a bite to eat at an area restaurant (everything from buffet options to drive-thrus to upscale eateries abound). Visit the Midtown Farmers Market in season, then set a course for a local brewery to sample Anchorage’s awardwinning beer scene.

Taku Lake Park

Tennis courts, a skate park, a picnic area, fitness equipment, a rain garden, and a floating dock make this park a perfect destination for weekend recreation. Access via the Campbell Creek Trail, or via the

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parking lot at 100 E. 76th Ave. sur

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Midtown Area | 28

HILLSIDE

Huffman/O’Malley, Abbott Loop, Glen Alps, Rabbit Creek & Bear Valley

T

here are great green spaces in every Anchorage neighborhood, but the parks in this part of town have a little something extra. Acreage, for one. Between Far North Bicentennial Park, the Bureau of Land Management’s Campbell Tract, and several popular Chugach State Park trailheads, Hillside and surrounding South Anchorage neighborhoods open the doors to thousands of acres of wooded wild spaces and trail-laced public lands. From Abbott Loop to Bear Valley and beyond, this slice of Anchorage is filled with natural splendor and outdoor serenity.

Hunt for cranberries growing thick in hidden groves. Hop on a mountain bike and speed along tree-lined singletrack trails. Grab cross-country skis and glide along groomed trails at Hillside Park.

Pack or rent a snowboard or downhill

skis to explore the slopes at Hilltop Ski Area. Climb Blueberry Hill or Flattop Mountain for a sweeping look at the city.

Besides impressive parkland and miles of trails, Hillside and its adjacent areas are home to a selection of sporting facilities and other outdoor institutions.

The stables and arenas at Ruth Arcand Park host everything from rodeos to equine-assisted therapy. Explore a behind-the-scenes tour at the nearby Alaska Zoo, or visit the neighborhood golf course for a round under the midnight sun. Between these greens and Glen Alps, the Hillside area has some of the best city views around. You’ll need a car to make the most of this side of town — with a little planning, you’ll find experiences as big as Chugach State Park itself.

discover more:

anchorage.net/hillside 29 | Hillside Area

Scan for an interactive map of Hillside bit.ly/3zV26Xv

Explore by:

Lake Otis Pkwy

1 Far North Bicentennial Park

2

Abbott Loop Park

3

5 6

Abbott Rd

7

9

Pro sp e

Ruth Arcand Park O’Malley Rd

10 Huffman Rd

1

Elmore Rd

8

Forsythe Park

Dr ct

Hillside Dr

4

Birch Rd

SEWARD HIGHWAY

Old Seward Highway

W Klatt Rd

1

Elmore Rd

Campbell Park

E Dowling Rd

C St

Northwood St

Jewel Lake Rd

W Dimond Blvd

TA DR ESO INN LTER J HICKEL PKWY / M WA

W International Rd

Connor’s Bog Park

11

De Armoun Rd

Rabbit Creek Rd

12

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14

ANCHORAGE

Hillside

VARIED VIEWS From sea-level marshland to Chugach State Park summits, Hillside-area neighborhoods open the door to a wide swath of Anchorage topography. Explore boardwalks, bike tracks, walking paths, and ski trails to find picture-perfect views at all elevations.

1

Campbell Creek Science Center

6

P rospect Heights Trailhead

2

mokejumper S Trailhead

7

A nchorage Golf Course

3

ar North Bicentennial F Park Trails/Abbott Loop Park

8

S outh Anchorage Farmers Market

9

Alaska Zoo

4

Ruth Arcand Park

5

illtop Ski Area & H Terrain Park

urban &

11 Glen Alps Trailhead pper Rabbit Creek & 12 U Rabbit Lake Trail otter Marsh 13 P Bird Sanctuary

14 Potter Section House

10 Forsythe Park

Hillside Area | 30

Hillside Area

ATTRACTIONS WILDLIFE || TRAILS || SKIING

Immersive Natural Science

Operated by the Bureau of Land Management, the Campbell Creek Science Center offers a variety of hands-on educational programming for kids. The adjacent Smokejumper Trailhead provides a portal to a network of trails lacing across the Campbell Tract and Far North Bicentennial Park. Access via BLM Road.

Potter Marsh You might encounter a school field trip, a wedding ceremony on the boardwalk, or a moose browsing in the bog below: Potter Marsh is a popular and scenic South Anchorage fixture. Make sure to stop and read the signage along the way — it offers an in-depth introduction to the area’s natural history and human heritage.

Far North Fun

Covering more than 4,000 acres at the foot of the Chugach Mountains, Far North Bicentennial Park has it all — groomed ski trails, tree-lined paths for walking or mountain biking, Hilltop Ski Area, and the Karl Eid Ski Jumping Complex. Find trail maps at Muni.org/Departments/Parks.

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{ DID YOU KNOW? The Dena’ina Athabascan

name for the Potter Marsh area is “Hkaditali,” meaning “drift lumber.”

31 | Hillside Area

Anchorage.net

HILLSIDE AREA ITINERARY

MORNING Start the day with coffee and pastries from a local bakery, then hit the trails: Spend the morning exploring expansive Far North Bicentennial Park by foot, bike, or skis. Or, head to Potter Marsh for a morning of birding and wildlife watching.

Zoo Should See This

Home to Anchorage’s resident tigers, polar bear, snow leopards, and other animals, the Alaska Zoo offers up-close educational wildlife encounters, spring break and summer camps for kids, behind-the-scenes

AFTERNOON

experiences, and more.

Do lunch at a favorite hangout, then spend the afternoon mingling with resident animals at the Alaska Zoo. The neighboring Anchorage Golf Course is a scenic place to tee off under the midnight sun.

@kylereading

EVENING

Time for Tee

Sprawling between the Alaska Zoo and the

Pick up dinner to go, then drive up to Glen Alps to catch the sunset over the city. Climb as far as you want, but know you don’t have to go far: Panoramic views are available even from the accessible parking lot overlook point.

Abbott O’Rabbit Little League Fields off O’Malley Road, the Anchorage Golf Course is especially appealing at the height of summer, when the midnight sun presides over late-night tee times surrounded by panoramic Chugach Mountain views. A bar and restaurant provide options for those

op

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who want to sit and enjoy the scenery.

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urban &

Hillside Area | 32

SAND LAKE Dimond, Bayshore & Oceanview

T

his side of the city balances bountiful shopping and dining with an abundance of locally loved lakes, waterways, and a coastal refuge.

Explore places for swimming and paddling in the summer. Visit an area farmers market or craft fair. Enjoy fishing in the summer and ice fishing in the winter; savor fresh Alaska ingredients and nostalgia-inducing fare at neighborhood restaurants all year long.

A local fast-food favorite, the Jewel Lake Tastee Freez has served Alaska families since 1958.

Dimond Boulevard, Sand Lake, and the surrounding neighborhoods are connected to Midtown and East Anchorage via the Campbell Creek Trail,

which parallels the creek as it winds past residential streets and commercial areas.

In Bayshore and Oceanview, a collection of quiet neighborhood parks lead to access points for the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge: Enjoy bird-watching in spring, fat tire biking in winter, and peaceful moments of sweeping beauty in every season. Near the north edge of the Sand Lake neighborhood is Connor’s Bog, a popular off-leash dog park.

You’ll find many references to “Dimond” in this area, including Dimond Boulevard, Dimond High School, and the Dimond Center shopping mall.

Anthony Dimond was a well-known miner, politician, and an early champion for Alaska statehood.

discover more:

anchorage.net/sandlake 33 | Sand Lake Area

Sand Lake

C St

Spenard Rd

Scan for an interactive map of Sand Lake

6

8

Jewel Lake Rd

Kincaid Rd

WD im on

Sand Lake Rd

Jodhpur St

9

5 3

dB lvd

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4

1

E Dowling Rd

AY WALTER J HICKEL P A RKW

Raspberry Rd Kincaid Park

E International Airport Rd

E Dimond Rd

1

11 Campbell Lake 100th Ave

Campbell Creek Estuary Park

1

12

W Klatt Rd

Carr-Gottstein Park

Turnagain Refuge Park

13

E Klatt Rd

14

Johns Park

ANCHORAGE

FROM SAND DUNES TO DOG PARKS

Sand Lake

Explore with a fat tire bike, a four-legged friend, a fishing pole, or a stand-up paddleboard: Sand Lake and the surrounding neighborhoods have parks, lakes, and other places to spend time with all of them.

1

Anchorage Market

6

D eLong Park & Lake

11 Campbell Lake

2

ampbell Creek C Trail Access

7

C onnor’s Bog Park

12 Carr-Gottstein Park

3

Jewel Lake Park

8

K incaid Sand Dunes

13 Turnagain Refuge Park

ent Roth Memorial K Fishing Dock

9

Kincaid Park & Chalet

4

14 Johns Park

10

C ampbell Creek Estuary Park

5

and Lake S Public Access

urban &

1

C St

10

OLD SEWARD HIGHWAY

7

SEWARD HIGHWAY

Connor’s Bog Park

C St

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

NESOTA MIN DR

bit.ly/3zK0Nu4

Explore by:

Sand Lake Area | 34

Sand Lake Area

ATTRACTIONS WILDLIFE || FISHING || SAND DUNES

Sand Lake

Rippling across the middle of its namesake neighborhood, Sand Lake is good for paddling in the summer, skiing in the winter, and fishing year-round (the

b8 6

Alaska Department of Fish and Game has y ind @l

stocked it with rainbow trout and other species). Access the lake via the canal at the far end of W. 80th Avenue, or via Sand Lake Park, 3886 Caravelle Dr.

Jewel of the Neighborhood

Sparkling Jewel Lake is a yearround attraction. Enjoy a sandy beachfront park, supervised swimming area, or fishing in the summer, and return in the winter @ohemmygreen

for the Jewel Lake Jamboree, an all-ages ice fishing event traditionally held in February.

Access from Jewel Lake Park off W. 88th Ave., or from the Kent Roth Memorial Fishing Dock at 4401 W. Dimond Blvd.

Dune Not Miss This

Sand dunes in Anchorage? Kincaid Park

is the place to go. Created by strong Turnagain Arm winds carrying sand from the surrounding bluffs, the Kincaid dunes sit adjacent to the Jodhpur Motocross Track, easily accessible from the Jodhpur Street parking lot at the far west end of Dimond Boulevard. This is just one access point to the sprawling coastal park: Find accessible paved trails and abundant wildlife-watching opportunities via a parking lot at the west end of Raspberry Road.

35 | Sand Lake Area

Anchorage.net

Carr-Gottstein Park

This unexpected delight offers access to the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. Watch

SAND LAKE AREA ITINERARY

for migratory birds, and paragliders honing their skills. Surround yourself with the serene sound of waves and wind in the grass. From the entrance to the park, cross the broad grassy lawn to find a narrow, secluded trail down to the shore; plan an evening trip to catch a perfect sunset view. Access via 3130 Discovery Bay Dr.

MORNING OR AFTERNOON Find a selection of cafes and diners for breakfast, then head to Jewel Lake or Sand Lake to spend a few hours fishing, boating, swimming, or strolling the shoreline.

Between lake-caught rainbow trout and fresh produce from one of the two local markets, you’ll have all the fixings for a delicious homemade Alaska meal.

AFTERNOON OR EVENING

Amazing Outdoor Markets Pick up local arts and crafts as gifts for

loved ones, or fill a bag with Alaska-grown produce and food products to add color

Enjoy dinner, drinks, and desserts at a Dimond-area restaurant, then head west to watch the sunset from a Cook Inlet-facing overlook.

Try the Kincaid Park sand dunes, or the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge access point at Carr-Gottstein Park.

and flavor to your own kitchen table: There are two incredible outdoor markets from which to choose. The Anchorage Market, formerly a downtown fixture, now opens on 88th Avenue next to the Dimond Center, Friday - Sunday, May - September. Visit AnchorageMarkets.com for current hours.

The South Anchorage Farmers Market

for details.

urban &

D

October, in two locations; visit SAFM.org

Pa rk

opens Saturdays and Wednesdays, May Q KF

Sand Lake Area | 36

GIRDWOOD Indian, Bird & Portage

I

t’s technically part of the Municipality of Anchorage, but Girdwood has a whole different vibe — which makes it perfect for a quick weekend getaway outside the hustle and bustle of the city.

The ski resort community is steeped in Alaska history and its own distinct character, and it’s an all-seasons destination. In winter, skiers flock to Girdwood’s world-class slopes. Summer brings even more adventure. Browse for blueberries. Hike alpine paths. Bike Gird to Bird (or vice versa). Ride the aerial tram for a visit to the historic Roundhouse at Alyeska Museum. The octagonal structure, built in 1960, served as a warming hut and gathering place before being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

Browse made-in-Alaska gifts and goods at Girdwood’s small shops, or pan for precious metal at the Crow Creek Historic Gold Mine. Local landmarks include a portion of the Iditarod National Historic Trail, colorful mural art, and a hidden climbing wall under a bridge over Glacier Creek.

A few miles down the Seward Highway, the mouth of the Twentymile River is a popular site for residents to try hooligan dipnetting in the summer. Plan to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Valley. Come for a day or stay for a long weekend; experience a side of the city you won’t find anywhere else.

discover more:

anchorage.net/girdwood 37 | Girdwood Area

Scan for an interactive map of Girdwood bit.ly/3ihOaRr

Explore by:

To Crow Pass Trailhead

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Girdwood Airport

8 10

5 4

Girdwood Park

Alyeska Resort

7

Begich, Boggs Visitor Center

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1

11

ANCHORAGE Downtown Anchorage

WATCH FOR WILDLIFE Girdwood

A drive to Girdwood on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm brings prime opportunities to spot wildlife ranging from Dall sheep to bald eagles to beluga whales.

Portage

1

Bird to Gird Trail

8

Alyeska Nordic Spa

2

Girdwood Disc Golf Course

9

W inner Creek Trail

3

Crow Creek Historic Gold Mine

10 Alyeska Aerial Tram

4

Girdwood Skate Park & Playground

11 Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

5

Girdwood Climbing Wall

12 Begich, Boggs Visitor Center

6

Crow Pass Trailhead

13 Trail of Blue Ice

7

Alyeska Bike Park

urban &

Girdwood Area | 38

Girdwood

SKIING || GOLD PANNING || MOUNTAIN TRAILS || SPA

ATTRACTIONS Elevated Views

The all-new Veilbreaker Skybridges at Alyeska Resort take participants to new heights. Harness in and walk across two Skybridges hanging 2,500 feet above ground. Alyeska’s expert mountain guides take groups up to six on a two to threehour journey connecting the peaks of Alyeska Mountain, Mighty Mite, and Glacier Bowl.

If getting down the mountain is more your style, the lift accessed Alyeska Bike Park features three separate downhill runs for mountain bikers of all ability levels.

Crow Pass

One of the Anchorage area’s most popular thruhikes, the Crow Pass Trail is a 24-mile foray into Chugach State Park’s breathtaking backcountry.

Spend a couple of days hiking end-to-end, or plan a day trip hiking up to the Raven Glacier overlook, a 3.7-mile trek from the trailhead on Crow Creek Mine Road.

Go Bird to Gird

Park at the Bird Point parking lot then take the bike path six miles south to Girdwood.

The (mostly flat) trail parallels the Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm, shaded by the Chugach Mountains. Refuel with pizza, ice cream, or a cinnamon roll from one of the popular shops in town before hiking back.

39 | Girdwood Area

Anchorage.net

GIRDWOOD ITINERARY

@cinndesigner

MORNING

Get Your Bearings

Dive into the local skate scene at the Girdwood Playground and Skate Park, where skaters of all ages enjoy a mixed set of ramps and rails. The surrounding Chugach Mountains might make this one of the more scenic skate parks in the country.

Start the day with sourdough pancakes or an egg scramble with spinach and mushrooms (all local favorites), then lace up your hiking boots or buckle on your bike helmet to explore Girdwood’s miles of scenic trails.

AFTERNOON Try your hand at the Glacier Creek climbing wall. This is also a good time to do some shopping: You’ll find everything from gold and jade jewelry to original Alaska artwork. Ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram to catch the first hints of purple evening alpenglow on the surrounding mountain peaks.

EVENING

Portage Valley

From Girdwood head a little further south to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Sample refreshing local suds at the local Girdwood Brewing Company, enjoy dinner at a renowned neighborhood restaurant (the Double Musky’s famous French pepper steak is an Alaska favorite), then seek out some live music at Jack Sprat or other gathering places.

and view moose, bears, and other Alaska

you can walk through a simulated ice cave or enjoy the 5-mile Trail of Blue Ice and marvel at hanging glaciers in the surrounding mountains. Or go offshore and cruise Portage Lake for views of even more glaciers. urban &

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the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center where

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animals. Explore Portage Valley and visit

EAGLE RIVER Chugiak, Birchwood, Peters Creek & Eklutna

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pend time in Eagle River, Chugiak, and surrounding neighborhoods, and it’s easy to feel like you’ve left the city entirely. Here, residential areas are interspersed by swaths of undeveloped land and wide-open park space. Explore waterfalls, Chugach State Park access points, lakes stocked with fish, plus summer biking and winter ski trails and sledding hills (try Eagle River Town Square Park). Get your caffeine fix and a locally-made pastry or breakfast burrito at Jitters, then choose from the area’s many popular hiking trails and head up into the mountains. Catch a free baseball game at Chugiak’s Loretta French Park.

The nearby Native Village of Eklutna dates back at least 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the Anchorage area. At the Eklutna Historical Park, visitors can catch a glimpse of the region’s

rich Dena’ina heritage, while nearby Eklutna Lake is another gorgeous spot to admire the natural beauty and abundance of the area. Visit a local farmers market or nature center for another taste of everything this part of Anchorage has to offer. Toss a disc at the Peters Creek Disc Golf Course.

Spend time in the area in early July to catch the 3rd of July fireworks show, Independence Day parade, or Bear Paw Festival.

Eagle River, Chugiak, and adjacent neighborhoods are connected to the rest of Anchorage via the Glenn Highway and the bike path running parallel to it. The Glenn Highway Bike Path stretches for more than 17 miles from northeast Anchorage to Chugiak.

There’s a lot to see, so bring a vehicle to cover the most ground.

discover more:

anchorage.net/eagle-river 41 | Eagle River Area

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Scan for an interactive map of Eagle River

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GO FOR THE GLENN While the Glenn Highway is the fastest way to travel between Eagle River, Chugiak, and Eklutna, the parallel Old Glenn Highway opens the door to even more parks, landmarks, and neighborhood trailheads. Drive both to fully experience the area.

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Eagle River Nature Center

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B each Lake Park

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South Fork Eagle River Trailhead

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L oretta French Sports Complex

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Barbara Falls Trail

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Eagle River VFW Farmers Market

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Eagle River Area

ATTRACTIONS WATERFALLS || DENA’INA CULTURE || PARKS

Natural Beauty

The Eagle River Nature Center offers educational programs for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, and its short, scenic Rodak

Experience Eklutna

Anchorage is located within the traditional Dena’ina

Nature Loop yields

Athabascan homelands of the Native Village of Eklutna,

some of the best

and Eklutna Historical Park is an important place to

views in the valley.

learn more about the area’s original residents. Nearby

There’s a reason

Eklutna Lake is a popular place for hiking, biking,

Walter Mendenhall

camping, and paddling in Chugach State Park.

called the area “a miniature Yosemite.”

43 | Eagle River Area

Anchorage.net

EAGLE RIVER AREA ITINERARY

MORNING Start the day with a hot drink from an Eagle River coffee shop or a sit-down meal at Bobby’s Cafe, then spend some time surrounded by natural beauty at the Eagle River Nature Center.

Thundering Falls

Go chasing waterfalls — this is one of the neighborhood favorites. A mile-long trail brings hikers an up-close view of the impressive 200-foot Thunder Bird Falls; along the way, an elevated observation deck

AFTERNOON

@eaglerivervalleyalpinefarm

provides a different perspective.

Eagle River Flavor

The Eagle River VFW Farmers Market is stocked with an abundance of local flavor and flare. Look for everything from fresh salsa to sweet honey to ripe sourdough starters. Traditionally open May - September, Tuesdays from 3 - 7 p.m., 10527 VFW Rd.

Pack a lunch to enjoy at a lakeside park (try the picnic pavilion at Mirror Lake), then make a stop at Thunder Bird Falls for a quick, scenic stroll and an awe-inspiring photo op. Visit the Eklutna Historical Park to learn more about the area’s deep Dena’ina roots, or make plans to explore the Little Lithuanian Museum & Library for an immersive look at Anchorage’s international ties.

EVENING Pair dinner plans with a stop by a local brewery.

Check out Odd Man Rush Brewing and Matanuska Brewing. If you’re lucky, you’ll find some live music while you’re there.

Mirror Lake

Head out to the lake on a sunny summer day and you might find a cookout, kayakers, paddleboards, and kids playing in the sand along the shore. An adjacent singletrack course is a fast three-mile ride along winding forest trails. urban &

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MOOSE LOOP

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What an absolutely perfect day to ride “The Moose Loop” of Anchorage! Happy 10-Years-In-Anchorage Anniversary, James! @ohemmygreen

45 | Moose Loop

Anchorage.net

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

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Follow the Moose Loop on a 32-mile ride through the city. The route connects Anchorage’s four main trails — the Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, the Campbell Creek Trail, and the Ship Creek Trail — creating bikeable, scenic ties between neighborhoods.

Go from Oceanview to Downtown, Mountain View to Midtown. Spend a day cycling the city. Find wildlife, public art, and access to a few favorite local restaurants and breweries.

Enjoy the city from a different perspective.

Popularized by the Anchorage Park Foundation, the loop traces the rough profile of a moose over a map of the city (thus the name). Bike the whole thing and you’ll pass teeming salmon streams, picture-perfect coastal views, popular parks and playgrounds, and plenty of scenic overlooks, perfect for a mid-ride snack or stretch.

With a little more than 1,000 feet in elevation gain, the route is accessible for cyclists of all ability levels. Bring your own bike or secure a rental, then hit the trail: Access points are available in neighborhoods all over town.

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Scan for an interactive map. bit.ly/3jL0TeS

Discover Anchorage

TRAILS

Anchorage trails beckon for exploration. From casual strolls to more adventurous multiday hikes, you are sure to find a path to meet your interests and abilities. Local experts make it easy with tips on trail location, duration, elevation gain, and where to park. Find the best trails right in the city, along the coast, or in the mountains. Online trail maps help guide you to glacier viewing, scenic vistas, berry picking, and more.

Byron Glacier Trail EASY

Distance: 2.8 miles round trip Duration: 1-1.5 hours Ascent: 787 feet Best time of year: June 1 - Oct. 31

An easy, out-and-back, 2.8-mile trail just outside of Anchorage. This is a great day hike for families with children. The trail parallels a the way. For mid-summer snowball fights and accessible glacier viewing, it’s just one of the draws of Portage Valley.

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creek that is scenic and fun to explore along

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Tony Knowles Coastal Trail EASY

Distance: 19.7 miles round trip Duration: 3-7 hours Ascent: 10 feet Best time of year: Jan. 1 - Dec. 31

Explore this year-round multi-use trail that’s a local favorite. Wind your way through stunning Alaska wilderness, from Second Avenue in downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, and the city skyline.

47 | Trails

Thunder Bird Falls Trail MODERATE Distance: 1.8 miles round trip Duration: 1-1.5 hours Ascent: 301 feet Best time of year: May 1 - Nov. 30

Check out this forest trail, just north of Eagle River. Often named as one of the best short hikes near Anchorage, the trail follows the @rachelknauff

Eklutna River and winds through rolling terrian and a birch forest ending at a viewing platform by a 200-foot waterfall.

Flattop Mountain Trail DIFFICULT

Distance: 1.5 miles one-way Duration: 3-4 hours Ascent: 1,280 feet Best time of year: April 1 - Sept. 30

Hike one of Anchorage’s most popular trails, just above Hillside. Flattop Mountain Trail is accessible from the Glen Alps Trailhead. This well-maintained trail includes a moderately difficult climb to the

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peak, but leads to amazing city and ocean views.

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discover more:

anchorage.net/outdoors/trail-maps

Alaska Botanical Garden: 17b; Alaska Stock, 47a; Alaska Zoo: 32a; Asia Bauzon: 8a; Brian Adams: welcome, 4a, 5a, 5b, 7a, 7b, 7c, 8b, 9b, 10a, 11c, 16a, 17a, 20a, 24a, 28a, 29a; Carl Johnson: 23b; Chris Arend: 40c, 42a; Donna Dewhurst: 14a, 34a, 37b, 38a, 39b, 43a; Elise Giordano: 41a, 43c; iStock: 11b, 19d, 20b, 23c, 27c, 31c, 35c; Jack Bonney: 9a, 15a, 33a; JodyO.photos: cover, 1b, 3a, 3b, 13a, 15b, 19c, 25b, 27b, 31a, 44a,47c, 48d; Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson: 20c; Kathleen Bonnar: 4b; Kirsten Swann: 15c; Kris Miller: 33b; Lexi Trainer: cover; Lucky Wishbone: 12c; Matt Hage: 28b; Midnight Sun Brewing Co.: back cover; Patrick Enslow: 6a; Ralph Kristopher: cover, 30a, 39c, 40b, 43b, 43b, 48b; Rejoy Armamento; 12b; Roy Neese; 21a, 22a; State of Alaska/ Matt Hage: 31b; State of Alaska/Michael DeYoung: 37a; Tara Storter: 39a, 41b; Teri Hendricks: 32c; Terika Kons: 4c, 11a, 19a, 23a, 26a, 36a; Wayde Carroll: cover, back cover, 1a, 2a, 13b, 18a, 29b, 36b; @amandareiser: cover; @hangtenbelowzero: back cover; @oddmanrushbrewing: 44c.

ANCHORAGE NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE Admire murals in Mountain View.

Catch a ball game on a Fairview field. Discover the beach in Bayshore. Visit a Muldoon farmers market. Explore a hidden trail in Government Hill. Learn about local landmarks Downtown. Hit the Hillside ski slopes. Sample a Midtown microbrewery. Anchorage neighborhoods have it all: Find more at Anchorage.net.