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Eagle River

Enjoy the Highland Games, hiking and history

Published: April 24th, 2008
Last Modified: April 24th, 2008 at 10:14 AM

Alpenglow at Arctic Valley

The wintertime ski area turns into a hiking and berry-picking haven in summer months. In late summer, the hills are covered with blueberries. There are beautiful views of downtown Anchorage, Cook Inlet and Mount McKinley. Picnic shelters and latrines are available.

Where: Arctic Valley Road, off Glenn Highway

Cost: $5 parking fee

Web: www.skialpenglow.com

Bear Paw Festival

The 23rd annual festival has activities for the entire family. It features the Slippery Salmon Olympics, entertainment, food, a rotten sneaker contest, a classic car show, a teddy bear picnic, a parade, karaoke, a motorcycle show and stunt-team demonstration, a dog-and-owner look-alike contest, a 300-yard "tribearathon" fun run, a 5-kilometer run and a Jammin' Salmon cook-off. The theme is "Barnum and Bear-ly -- Under the Big Top."

Where: Downtown Eagle River

When: July 9-13

Cost: Free

Phone: 694-4702

Web: www.bearpawfestival.org

Eagle River

White-water rafting and scenic float trips on Eagle River are an excellent way to get some excitement close to Anchorage. Lifetime Adventures offers scenic floats, white-water and combo trips. Special gear is provided.

Where: Eagle River

When: Daily

Cost: $30 to $75

Phone: 746-4644

Web: www.lifetimeadventures.net

Eagle River Nature Center

A key entry point to Chugach State Park with multiple hiking trails provides a wealth of information about local geology, birds, mammals and plant life through interpretive displays, programs and guided hikes. Outdoor telescopes and a handicapped-accessible trail and viewing deck make the visit more enjoyable. A public-use cabin and yurts can be rented. The center offers daily guided nature walks June through August to salmon and beaver viewing areas.

Where: Mile 12 Eagle River Road

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from June through August; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays in May and September

Cost: Free; $5 to park

Phone: 694-2108

Web: www.ernc.org

Eklutna Historical Park

The park is home to St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The park shows a blending of the Native Athabascan culture with the influences of Russian Orthodox missionaries. It contains a sacred burial ground of the Dena'ina Athabascans with more than 80 "spirit houses." The 20-minute guided tour helps explain the Native and Orthodox traditions. Native arts and crafts and Russian gifts are available.

Where: Mile 26 Glenn Highway, Eklutna exit

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays, mid-May to mid-September

Cost: $5 adults; $2.50 students, seniors and military; free children younger than 10

Phone: 688-6026

Web: www.dioceseofalaska.org

Eklutna Lake

Kayaking, bicycling, hiking, canoeing, camping, fishing -- you name it and the Chugach State Park's Eklutna Lake area has it. The seven-mile-long lake is the largest in the park, but boats must be carried a short distance from the parking lot to the lake. The 13-mile Lakeside Trail runs alongside the lake and is perfect for walkers or bicycle riders. Twin Peaks Trail is a 2 1/2-mile trail that is rated moderate to difficult because of the trail's steepness. Bold Ridge Trail is a 3 1/2-mile trail that begins at Mile 5 of the Lakeside Trail. There is a 50-site campground at the lake. Lifetime Adventures rents kayaks and bicycles.

Where: Eklutna Lake Road, exit at Mile 26 Glenn Highway

When: Open daily

Cost: $5 daily use fee; cost for bike or kayak rentals varies

Phone: 345-5014; 746-4644

Web: www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach; www.lifetime adventures.net

Scottish Highland Games

Enjoy a taste of Scotland at the annual Highland Games in Eagle River. Events include several Scottish "heavy events," like the hammer throw and caber toss. There will be piping and drumming competitions, Scottish Highland dancing, clan tent displays, storytelling and vendors. Music will be provided by Stand Easy, a Celtic band. Previews of the piping competitions will be at noon June 27 in downtown Anchorage.

Where: Lions Park, Eagle River Road

When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 28

Cost: $15 adults, $5 children, free children younger than 5

Phone: 770-4967

Web: www.alaskascottish.org

Tuesday Market

Get some of the best produce from Matanuska-Susitna-area farmers along with items from area artists and artisans. Vendors bring fresh produce, herbs, flowers and crafts.

Where: VFW parking lot, Eagle River Road

When: 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, June 3 to Sept. 30

Cost: Free

Phone: 696-4839

Thunderbird Falls

Take an easy one-mile hike for a beautiful payoff: a 200-foot waterfall nestled in a deep canyon. A viewing platform makes it easier to get a good look at the falls. Kids and adults of all ages can enjoy the stroll.

Where: Mile 26 Glenn Highway

Cost: Free