Building a new trail in Chugach State Park

This year marks a major milestone for Chugach State Park — its 50th anniversary!

Alaskans, and particularly Anchorage residents, have supported the park in many ways over that half-century, advocating for access and trails, funding projects, and seeing it develop into a unique mix of nearby family recreation and wilderness adventure.

During recent COVID-19 restrictions, the park took on another role. It was there for Alaskans to enjoy — providing much-needed exercise, access to fresh air and stress relief.

Heavy use takes a toll in some locations, and state funding to build or maintain sustainable access for the next 50 years is far below what’s needed. That’s where the Chugach Park Fund — and you — come in.

The fund, now in its third year, will finance the start of a major improvement project — the rerouting of the Little O’Malley Peak Trail to access the Ball Field. This beautiful alpine area is across the South Fork of Campbell Creek from Flattop. The Chugach Park Fund is raising $50,000 for the project. Contributions from individuals and businesses will build on generous grants from the Rasmuson Foundation and GCI. We are also embarking on a yearlong partnership with the Anchorage Petroleum Women’s Association, which will assist with fundraising and volunteer efforts.

This project has been in the park’s trails management plan for years, but without funding, the scars on the landscape from numerous social routes up the “O’Malley Gully” have grown. If you’ve hiked out of Glen Alps, you’ve seen the scar; you might have left young family members behind when you scrambled up or down the challenging route, figuring slippery mud or gravel was not for little feet. The new trail will use lower-angle switchbacks to gain elevation and be built with a more sustainable surface — good for park resources, safety and visitor enjoyment.

This is one of the park’s steepest trails, and we hope you join us in supporting the Fund’s work in this anniversary year and beyond. The Fund works closely with Chugach State Park management, Alaska Trails and other organizations.

This summer, Alaska Trails will have a crew working on the reroute. In late summer, if circumstances allow, volunteers will be sought to further advance the work. Our expectation is the second half of the project will be funded through continued donations, nonprofit grants, and state and federal funds in 2021.

You can support the Fund’s work financially through our portal on the Alaska Community Foundation website. Alaska Trails is also able to use material donations and, we hope, volunteers later in the project. If you have questions or want to discuss our role in detail, contact us at chugachparkfund@gmail.com

Today, there is great uncertainty in Alaska and the world. What is certain is that Chugach State Park will be enjoyed by Alaskans long into the future. As a place to see wildlife. As a respite from the doubt and stress of our world. As a place for recreation and adventure. Trails like Little O’Malley Peak are our access into this special place. This year and long into the future, your support will make sustainable access available for all Alaskans and our visitors.

Judy Caminer is a former Chair Chugach State Park Citizen’s Advisory Board, former Regional Director of the Minerals Management Service, and former Associate Regional Director for the National Park Service.

Claire Holland LeClair is a member of the Chugach State Park Citizen’s Advisory Board and the co-chair of the board’s Chugach Park Fund subcommittee.

Haley Johnston is a member of the Chugach State Park Citizen’s Advisory Board and the co-chair of the board’s Chugach Park Fund subcommittee.

John Quinley is a former Associate Regional Director for Operations and Communications of the National Park Service.

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