With an emphasis on learning, the Eagle River Nature Center has an exhibit area where guests are encouraged to pick up and examine the artifacts. Photo by Kaycee Davis
Visitors and residents alike, take note of your local parks. There is a lot going on as the world returns to normal after the pandemic, and people are getting out again. If you live in Eagle River, Mat-Su or Anchorage, consider the Eagle River Nature Center for your next outdoor adventure.
The Eagle River Nature Center is in Eagle River and has hiking trails for beginner to advanced level hikers, yurt and cabin rentals, public programs, and a visitor’s center with gifts and displays. Many of the Center’s amenities are available under the umbrella of a $5 parking fee.
There is a community feel there, with hikers excitedly talking about the trail, sharing where they saw a moose or talking of how great the views are of the mountains. You never know if you will be chatting with a local or a tourist.
They have the Little Explorers program for children ages 2-5 on Fridays at 11 a.m. They take nature walks “at the pace of a preschooler.” No dogs are allowed, but the walk, along Rodak Trail which is less than a mile in length, is stroller accessible. Parents of kids ages 5-12 will delight in the Junior Naturalist open houses in the Ed Yurt on Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. After a certain number of visits, they can earn a badge. The website explains that the open house is where you can drop in anytime during the time slot.
For the adults, coming in June is a live concert fundraiser (June 3) and various book signings. For those wanting to hike Crow Pass, Pete Parnase will be doing a presentation at 11 a.m. on June 17.
The themes for the events change so check out their calendar and plan your month.
For groups wanting to have tours, be they with naturalists at the center or they want to go on their own self guided tours, the center has options and prices available. Staff from the center can travel and do presentations for groups.
Trails can be as difficult or as complicated as a hiker wants them to be. There is the .75 mile Rodak Trail that takes 45 minutes to an hour for most people to hike. Other trails include the Albert Loop Trail at 3 miles, Dew Mound Trail .5 to 6 miles, and on up to the 23 mile Iditarod/Crow Pass Trail. On the printable map hikers should consult the key as there is a suggestion of the best way to travel each trail, which may be on foot, wheelchair, stroller, skis or snowshoes.
There is no public transportation that takes Eagle River Nature Center visitors to the center, and according to the trail information website, there is also no public transportation between Eagle River and Girdwood for hikers on the Iditarod and Crow Creek Pass Trail. While the hike is 23 miles long with the difficulty being “moderate to somewhat difficult,” the distance by road between Eagle River and Girdwood is almost 65 miles. The link gives some tips on hiking the trail and lets you know about details that you should know, like the elevation, how to ford Eagle River, challenges on the trail, a link to the Facebook page that warns you about conditions, etc.
If you want to sleep over at the Eagle River Nature Center, consider camping or renting a yurt. The Eagle River Nature Center has three yurts and a cabin, which can be reserved up to one year in advance.
On June 3, the Eagle River Nature Center will host their annual Music in the Mountains fundraiser featuring the Zen Trembles. The event is for people 21 and over. They will have beer, and there will be a food truck for purchasing food. See their fundraiser website for details.
For one center, there is a lot going on, and the center is constantly growing to meet the needs of its visitors. Whether you are an experienced hiker or you just want to get out to stretch your legs and see a beautiful part of Alaska, there is something for you.
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