Chugach State Park Tours

Chugach State Park showing mountains, a river or creek and snow
Chugach State Park featuring an aircraft, aircraft and general coastal views
Chugach State Park featuring snow and mist or fog
Chugach State Park which includes a lake or waterhole and snow
Chugach State Park showing mountains and snow


Encounter huge lakes surrounded by mountains, glaciers and waterfalls in one of the largest state parks in the United States.

Chugach State Park is a vast area of snow-topped mountains, pleasant valleys and waterways. It is an ideal vacation spot for hikers searching for a place of their own in nature. Spend days or weeks exploring the 495,000 acres (2,000 square kilometers) of prime Alaskan terrain.

Follow the Lakeside Trail along the flanks of Eklutna Lake for views of snowy mountains hovering above the water. Squint at the bright blue ice of Eklutna Glacier. Rent a snowmobile in winter for a true Alaskan experience in the snow. Dogsledders and skiers pulled by dogs are common in the park. Gaze up at the tallest point in the park, Bashful Peak, which rises above the lake.

In summer, enjoy a picnic on a grassy knoll and appreciate your quiet isolation. Mountain bike up and down the undulating paths. Ride on horseback for a romantic journey with your partner.

Meander through the forests filled with a diverse range of trees, such as paper birch and quaking aspen. In the warmer months, admire the wildflowers, fireweed and alpine forget-me-nots among other flowers and plants. Pick berries in autumn, but make sure to avoid eating poisonous species.

Small lakes and rivers with salmon are dotted around woodland areas. Discover picturesque openings in the forests with waterfalls.

Go hunting or fishing in the scenic setting. Set up your tent at one of the campgrounds. Plenty of picnic tables are in the large park.

Check out the Seward Highway, which runs through the park and contains some of the best views in the region. Visit Beluga Point to spot white whales in the scenic lake. Windy Corner is a nearby viewpoint with hills where sheep roam. Surf or kayak in the waterway of Turnagain Arm. Watch out for the dramatic tidal variations.

Chugach State Park starts around 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of central Anchorage. Drive the journey in 20 minutes or take a bus to the park in 1 hour. The park visitor center is in the former worker camp house for the Alaska Railroad.

Plan a trip to see Chugach State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Whimsy Station
Anchors Way Inn
Alyeska Resort

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Chugach State Park

Golden View House  · Spacious Mountain Retreat- Hot Tub, Beautiful View

Golden View House · Spacious Mountain Retreat- Hot Tub, Beautiful View

Anchorage
Golden View House · Spacious Mountain Retreat- Hot Tub, Beautiful View
Hillside Haven

Hillside Haven

Anchorage
Hillside Haven
Log home mother-in-law apartment in scenic Anchorage hillside neighborhood

Log home mother-in-law apartment in scenic Anchorage hillside neighborhood

Anchorage
Log home mother-in-law apartment in scenic Anchorage hillside neighborhood
Have an Authentic Log Cabin Alaskan 5 Star experience at "The Eagles Nest"

Have an Authentic Log Cabin Alaskan 5 Star experience at "The Eagles Nest"

Anchorage
Have an Authentic Log Cabin Alaskan 5 Star experience at "The Eagles Nest"
Mtn View Anchorage Escape ~ 15 Mi to Downtown

Mtn View Anchorage Escape ~ 15 Mi to Downtown

3 out of 5
Anchorage
Mtn View Anchorage Escape ~ 15 Mi to Downtown
Large 4 Bedroom, Minutes from Mountains, Inlet, Airport and Downtown.

Large 4 Bedroom, Minutes from Mountains, Inlet, Airport and Downtown.

Anchorage
Large 4 Bedroom, Minutes from Mountains, Inlet, Airport and Downtown.
Private suite in an Owner occupied home with views of the Chugach Mountains.

Private suite in an Owner occupied home with views of the Chugach Mountains.

Anchorage
Private suite in an Owner occupied home with views of the Chugach Mountains.
Hygge House (2 houses in 1!) w/ SAUNA

Hygge House (2 houses in 1!) w/ SAUNA

Anchorage
Hygge House (2 houses in 1!) w/ SAUNA
Bel-Hygge 🐋Chalet, cozy comfort the AK way

Bel-Hygge 🐋Chalet, cozy comfort the AK way

Anchorage
Bel-Hygge 🐋Chalet, cozy comfort the AK way
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Chugach State Park

Chugach State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and sledding. For camping enthusiasts, there are options for summer and tent camping, with several campgrounds available nearby. Explore the extensive trails throughout the park to fully enjoy its breathtaking scenery and wildlife. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Chugach State Park provides a fantastic backdrop for your Alaskan getaway.

Shopping

For shopping near Chugach State Park, visit Dimond Center, a family-friendly mall just 7 miles away. If you're up for a drive, check out Anchorage Market and Festival and Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall, both located 12 miles from the park, offering a mix of local crafts and entertainment.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Anchorage Golf Course, where you can embrace the outdoor vibes amidst beautiful scenery, located 5 miles from Chugach State Park. For relaxation, head to McHugh Creek Recreation Area, just 3 miles away, offering a serene atmosphere perfect for rejuvenation.

Adventure

Hike the Flattop Mountain Trail for breathtaking views and outdoor adventure vibes, located 5 miles from Chugach State Park. Enjoy family fun at H2Oasis Indoor Waterpark, also 5 miles away, offering thrilling water activities. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Hilltop Ski Area is 6 miles from the park, perfect for skiing.

Nightlife

In Chugach State Park, vibrant nightlife awaits just 12 miles away. Enjoy a romantic evening at The Rooftop drinking pub, indulge in family-friendly films at Bear and Raven Adventure Theater, or immerse yourself in culture at Cyrano's Playhouse theater, all offering unique entertainment vibes.

Find the best attractions near Chugach State Park

Chugach State Park in Anchorage offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and urban experiences, featuring attractions like local colleges, urban parks, and entertainment arenas. Visitors can explore the stunning Chugach Range, enjoy family-friendly activities, and immerse themselves in the park's natural beauty. Don't miss the chance to discover the various state parks and forests nearby, making your trip to Chugach State Park both enriching and memorable.

  • University of Alaska - Anchorage: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern university, located 9 miles from Chugach State Park. With its urban setting, you can explore beautiful campus grounds, engage with local culture, and appreciate the educational environment.
  • Potter's Marsh Bird Sanctuary: Just 2 miles from Chugach State Park, this serene sanctuary offers a chance to connect with nature. Enjoy birdwatching and guided excursions while interacting with friendly locals who share a passion for wildlife and conservation.
  • Alaska Airlines Center: Located 9 miles away, this lively arena hosts various family-friendly events. Enjoy sports games and entertainment shows in a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for creating lasting memories with loved ones.

Best time to go to Chugach State Park

Visitor numbers around Chugach State Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Chugach State Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Chugach State Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Chugach State Park falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January17.1°F (-8.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February20.5°F (-6.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March23.4°F (-4.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April34.0°F (1.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May45.7°F (7.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
June54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October37.4°F (3.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November23.9°F (-4.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December19.0°F (-7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Chugach State Park

To save money on your trip to Chugach State Park, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January, February, or November, and aim for Sunday stays, which are the least expensive. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices, and look for package deals that combine flights and activities. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can also provide you with exclusive discounts and cash rewards for future bookings. Don’t forget to check for camping reservations and permits to fully enjoy the park's outdoor offerings at little to no cost.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Chugach State Park are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Chugach State Park is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Chugach State Park is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. To find the most affordable prices and special offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Chugach State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.