Recreation Ideas

OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL activities abound in the Chugiak-Eagle River area. Along with the myriad of parks which offer excellent hiking climbing, canoeing, rafting, fishing, camping, picnicking, back-country biking trails are available which double as cross country ski trails in the winter months. Sled dog and ski joring trails have been developed and certain park land has been designated for use by all-terrain vehicles and snow machines. Just 15 minutes away from downtown Eagle River is Alpenglow at Arctic Valley, a challenging downhill skiing facility.

INDOOR RECREATIONAL facilities in Chugiak-Eagle River compliment the outdoor experience. Eagle River has a six screen movie theater complex, a modern bowling facility, and an olympic sized swimming pool located at Chugiak High School and opened year round to the public for swimming and lessons. Eagle River also benefits from having one of only a handful of olympic sized ice skating rinks in the United States located at the Harry McDonald Recreation Center. For those who enjoy a quiet afternoon of reading, the Eagle River Public Library has the second largest circulation in the Municipality of Anchorage library network with 72,000 books and media items on its shelves.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES...

Dog Mushing
Sled dog training trails are available in the Beach Lake and certain parkland has been designated for use by all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles.

Ice Skating & Hockey
Chugiak-Eagle River area has many skating opportunities available from rinks at elementary, middle, and high schools, to the modern "Harry J. McDonald Memorial Center". For Skate information times at the McDonald Center call 696-0051.

Rafting/Kayaking
Eagle River provides local residences and visitors a opportunity to float a scenic river down Eagle River valley. Upper valley portion of the river is a class II rating. At Eklutna Lake, kayaking and bike rentals are available to enjoy this large and beautiful recreation area.

Tennis
Public outdoor tennis courts are located at Lions Park, Sunloft Park and Schroeder Park in Eagle River. These are on a first come first serve basis and have no fees.

Glacier and Ice Climbing
Glacier and Ice Climbing opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast are available in Chugach State Park. For more information, contact State Park Headquarters at 345-5014.

Biking
Bike trails parallel the Glenn Highway and connect Chugiak-Eagle River to Anchorage. An additional trail parallels Eagle River Road to approximately mile 2.5. Additional trails are in the planning stages.

Rock Climbing
Rock climbing opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast are available in Chugach State Park. For more information, contact State Park Headquarters at 345-5014.

Swimming
Public swimming is discouraged at the local lakes but there are great picnicking opportunities lakeside at Beach Lake and Mirror Lake. These are municipal parks located off the Glenn Highway north of Eagle River. The Mirror Lake facility also has playground equipment and provides an opportunity for canoeing and fishing.

Picnic Spots
Lots of the parks in Chugiak-Eagle River provide nice locations for family picnics. Mirror Lake, Lions Club Park, Chief Alex Park, Spirit Park, Peters Creek Park, Hillcrest, Eagle River Town Square, Schroeder Park, Oberg Park and Targee Park are a few of the possibilities.

Alpine & Nordic Skiing
Just 15 minutes south of  downtown Eagle River is Alpenglow at Arctic Valley, a challenging downhill skiing facility. At Chugiak High School is the Beach Lake Trail System - a great Nordic venue lit and groomed during the snowy months.The Beach Lake Chalet is now open during winter months and is located just off South Birchwood Loop across from Chugiak High School.  In addition, there are excellent back-country nordic skiing opportunities at the Eagle River Nature Center located at the end of Eagle River Road.

Baseball
Knik Little League provides youth recreational baseball and softball. Baseball fields are located in Lions Park in Eagle River, Loretta French Park in and Oberg Field in Chugiak.

Hiking
Explore the many hiking trails available in the Chugach State Park each providing a scenic beauty unique to Alaska.

Camping
Approximately 10 miles off the Glenn Highway in Chugach State Park on the shores of Eklutna Lake is Eklutna Campground. (Take the Eklutna Exit off the Glenn Highway). This scenic area provides excellent hiking and boating opportunities. The campground has 50 sites, drinking water, latrines, and a 15 day camping limit. Hiking trailheads in the area include: Twin Peaks, Lakeside and Bold Ridge.

Eagle River State Campground is located right on the Glenn Highway at the Hiland Road Exit. This facility has 50 sites and a well developed day use area and is located right on Eagle River. There is a four day camping limit, latrines, flush toilettes, dump station and drinking water.

Fishing
Anglers can stay home on the weekend and still go fishing. Trout and salmon run in Eagle River and are within a couple of miles from downtown. Many local lakes are stocked with trout.

Dog Mushing
Dog mushing is one of the most exciting activities in the Chugiak/Eagle River area. The Beach Lake Sled Dog Trails is a place where people can go to watch sled dog races and sled dogs in training.

Youth Sports
A variety of youth sporting organizations are available in the Chugiak-Eagle River area. These include: Mustang Hockey Association, Chugiak Youth Sports Association (soccer & basketball), KNIK Little League, Chugiak Dog Mushers Association, Pop Warner Football and others. For a complete listing, see community profile section.