The Eagle River Nature Center sits at the end of Eagle River Road, a 12-mile drive from downtown Eagle River. Volunteers meticulously maintain 10 miles of trails for both summer and winter excursions. The historic 25-mile Crow Pass trail will take you all the way to Girdwood but is not recommended for novice hikers. Cabin and yurt rentals are also available.
Among the seven campgrounds managed by Lifetime Adventures is the Eklutna Lake State Recreation Site a quick 30 miles north of Anchorage. Kayaks and bicycles are available for rent and the well-worn paths around the lake make this a perfect family destination.
Just 90 minutes from Anchorage, Hatcher Pass, in the Talkeetna Mountains, offers so much to do and see, you might want to plan an overnight stay at the Hatcher Pass Lodge. Explore Independence Mine, with its dilapidated buildings left from the gold mining days. Hiking and berry picking are also favorites for this popular recreation area.
Gigglewood Lakeside Inn has cabin rentals located midway between Anchorage and Denali National Park, about a two-hour drive from Anchorage. Fish for trout in Caswell Lake or for salmon in the nearby streams. The inn provides a great picnic area with a fire pit, gazebo and chairs for relaxing by the lake and enjoying the scenery.
Trip Tracker is compiled by Joy Guest. Is there a vacation or excursion that interests you? E-mail jguest@adn.com or comment online at adn.com/life/travel.
"Our rafting and fishing trips will take you through the remote wilderness of Denali State Park, just a stone's throw away from the park's wild south side, with breathtaking views of glacial moraines, boulder fields, granite canyons and sparkling hematite beaches." -- www.talkeetnariverguides.com
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