Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park Alaska
Chugach State Park (18620 Seward Highway, Anchorage) – located near Alaska’s largest city (Anchorage) is Chugach State Park, the fourth-largest state park in USA. While Alaska has wilderness areas that are larger and more biologically pristine than Chugach, no other wildlife-rich habitat on Earth is so close to a major city. The park is known for optimal accessibility and activities for adventurers of all skill-levels. Visitors can explore the nearby communities of Palmer, Eagle River, Chugiak, Indian, Bird, Girdwood, the village of Eklutna, and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Nature lovers will have much to see at Chugach. More than 45 species of mammals live within the park, including nearly all the terrestrial mammals found in the state. It’s not uncommon for the park’s brown bears and moose to wander into local Anchorage neighborhoods. Biologists say the park’s mammal population includes more than 1,000 moose, 40 brown bears and 80 black bears. The park also has 2,000 Dall sheep, one wolf pack and smaller populations of lynx, beavers, river otters, fox and mountain goats.
Free admission; open 24 hours/day.