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A beautiful loop out of the Eagle River Nature Center with boardwalks and scenic views.


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Map Key

3.1

Miles

5.0

KM

Loop

501' 153 m

High

393' 120 m

Low

137' 42 m

Up

138' 42 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly A relatively short loop with wooden bridges and terrific views, and minimal grade challenges.

Overview

This beautiful loop is a 45-minute drive away from Anchorage to the Eagle River Nature Center. It is arguably one of the most scenic, easy hikes in the Anchorage area. You'll head along a well-maintained loop that ducks through beautiful forest, over a couple nice wooden bridges, past beaver dams, and along the fast-flowing glacial waters of the Eagle River.

Don't forget to look up at the exposed mountain walls that tower above you only miles from the trail. The loop is a great introduction to the wilderness for novice and younger explorers. There are interpretive signs along the way, and the entire trail is well-marked.

Visitors frequently stop in at the Eagle River Nature Center before heading out on this route to get advice. The Nature Center also offers guided tours along parts of this trail. The trail is flat almost the entire way, but the bridges over the waterways offer views down the valley as does the section along the river.

Description

The Albert Loop shares its first mile with the historic Iditarod Trail section on the Crow Pass National Historic Trail. It then crosses the Eagle River Valley through beaver habitat and a mixed forest of spruce, birch, and cottonwood. In addition to wildlife, you’ll have good views of Polar Bear, Eagle, Cumulus and Hurdy Gurdy peaks. You’ll also have access to river gravel bars.

Boardwalks and bridges provide for easy travel, but younger visitors will be glad to know that some muddy spots may still need to be negotiated, depending on the weather.

History & Background

Trail maintenance has been supported through grants gifted by REI.

Contacts

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 6 votes

#4873

Overall
  3.7 from 6 votes
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#66

in Alaska

#4,873

Overall
4 Views Last Month
970 Since Nov 3, 2016
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Photos

Fall Tundra in Chugach State Park.
Apr 12, 2016 near Elmendo…, AK
From a boardwalk along the Albert Loop in Chugach State Park.
Nov 3, 2016 near Elmendo…, AK
Getting a feel for it on the Albert Loop.
Nov 3, 2016 near Elmendo…, AK
Fresh snow at the boardwalk crossing.
Nov 3, 2016 near Elmendo…, AK
Wooden bridge crossing covered in fresh snow.
Nov 3, 2016 near Elmendo…, AK
Natural vanishing point.
Nov 7, 2016 near Elmendo…, AK

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Check-Ins

Jun 26, 2022
Andrew Brenner
4.1mi
May 29, 2021
Caroline Ulczycki
Jul 12, 2020
Matt Huckabee
Jul 29, 2018
Michael Wright
trail was nice. 3.1mi
Jul 25, 2017
Jim Curtis
3.1mi
May 30, 2017
Kara Anderson
Hike with my dad! 3.1mi
May 1, 2016
JP T
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