ChugachTurnagain Arm Trails |
Brochure and Map of the Turnagain Arm Trails at Chugach State Park (SP) in Alaska. Published by Alaska State Parks.
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Photo courtesy of Nat Wilson
This state historic site features a restored
house and outbuildings that were part of a
railroad section camp. Today the house serves
as the Chugach State Park headquarters.
Alaska State Parks
Solstice at McHugh Creek
Photo courtesy of Ted Raynor
tedraynor.photoshelter.com
Potter Section House
From 1915 to 1918, crews blazed the
Turnagain Arm section of the Alaska Railroad.
They blasted more than 30 miles of rock and
built long bridges along the section. Some
work along the arm cost a whopping $200,000
per mile!
Alaska Railroad
In 1896, a year before the famous Klondike
Gold Rush, a stampede brought over 3,000
prospectors to this area. They mined creeks
flowing into Turnagain Arm and started the
first gold rush towns in Southcentral Alaska.
Gold!
Captain Cook sailed into the Cook Inlet in
1778 in search of the Northwest Passage, but
had to “turn again.” He named the water body
“River Turnagain.”
Northwest Passage
The earliest evidence of humans along
Turnagain Arm was found at Beluga Point,
which was used as a hunting lookout by
Native Alaskans. They traversed the arm in
canoes and kayaks to trade with one another
and access fishing and hunting sites.
“Chugach State Park” on Facebook
csp@alaska.gov
Chugach State Park Headquarters
Potter Section House
18620 Seward Hwy
Anchorage, AK 99516
(907) 345-5014
www.alaskastateparks.org
For More Information
in Chugach State Park
Turnagain
Arm Trails
First People
Turnagain Arm History
Welcome to
Wildlife
Welcome
The southern end of Chugach State Park is
defined by the Turnagain Arm. This picturesque
slice of Alaska features towering Penguin Peak,
views of the Kenai Mountains across the water,
and a rare, wave-like tidal bore that sweeps
across the arm twice a day.
With rolling bike paths, heart-pounding hikes,
rock and ice climbing, and fantastic fishing,
Turnagain Arm is one of the most diverse areas
to recreate in Alaska.
Area Highlights
Camping
Located at milepost 101 of the Seward Highway,
Bird Creek Campground offers: fishing, hiking,
camping, and wildlife viewing. Campers can
enjoy spectacular sunsets, whale watching, and
convenient access to bike paths. Campsites are
equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, and nearby
water and latrines.
Turnagain Arm’s variety of landscapes and
environments are home to diverse Alaskan
wildlife including Dall’s sheep, bears, bald
eagles, and marmots. You can spot beluga
whales cresting above the surf or see moose
calving areas near McHugh Creek. Make
noise when rounding corners so you don’t
surprise wildlife on the trail. Bring a camera
with plenty of zoom and don’t get too close!
Trails
Turnagain Arm is home to some of the most
popular and scenic trails in Chugach State
Park including the Bird Ridge Trail, Indian
to Girdwood bike path, and secluded Falls
Creek Trail. Explore the map inside and find
your next adventure. For more information
visit www.alaskatrails.org.
Biking Bird to Gird
Photo courtesy of Tim Woody
Fishing
Bird Creek is a popular location for anglers
looking to catch silver, pink, and chum
salmon in season.
Bull mooseand Dall’s sheep at McHugh Creek
Photos courtesy of Ted Raynor
tedraynor.photoshelter.com
Beluga whales in Turnagain Arm
Background photo courtesy of Benjamin Wager
Fishing at Bird Creek
Trails
Indian to Girdwood Bike Path
Turnagain Arm Trail
Access: Indian, Bird, Bird Creek Campground, Bird
Point, Girdwood
Travel Means: Foot, bike, ski, ADA accessible
Distance: 13.3 miles one way
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Access: Potter, McHugh Creek, Rainbow, and
Windy Corner trailheads
Travel Means: Foot
Distance: 9.5 miles one way (Potter-McHugh:
3.4 miles, McHugh-Rainbow: 4.2 miles, RainbowWindy: 1.9 miles)
Elevation Gain: 200-1,000 feet
Penguin Peak
Photo courtesy of Frank Kovalchek
Following a support route created during the
1910s to aid construction of the Alaska Railroad,
this trail meanders above the Seward Highway
and offers sweeping views of Turnagain Arm.
Thanks to its southern exposure, this is one of the
first snow-free trails in the spring.
McHugh & Rabbit Lakes Trail
Access: McHugh Creek Trailhead (MP 112)
Travel Means: Foot
Distance: 6.4 miles one way to Rabbit Lake
Elevation Gain: 2,900 feet
Indian Valley Trail
Access: Indian Creek Trailhead (MP 103)
Travel Means: Foot, ski
Distance: 6.3 miles one way to Indian Creek Pass
Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet
This paved bike path parallels the Seward Highway
and the Alaska Railroad where the rugged Chugach
Mountains meet the water. The trail offers rest
stops, interpretive panels, and countless points
of interest. Pump up your tires and spend a day
exploring Turnagain Arm the easy way.
This trail wanders through a beautiful old-growth
forest and crosses Indian Creek several times on
a gradual climb to a panoramic alpine landscape.
In winter, this route comprises part of the “Arctic
to Indian” ski traverse. The southern end of the
Powerline Trail is also accessible from this trailhead.
Bird Point Wayside
This trail travels through cottonwood and aspen
trees and alpine tundra. The area around Rabbit
Lake offers secluded backcountry camping and
is a perfect base camp for a weekend adventure.
Ground fires are prohibited—bring a campstove.
Bird Ridge Trail
Access: Bird Ridge Trailhead (MP 102 and Bird
Creek access MP 101.5)
Travel Means: Foot
Distance: 2.5 miles one way
Elevation Gain: 3,400 feet
This popular hike ascends past the timberline to
Bird Ridge Point and offers exceptional views of
Turnagain Arm and the Kenai Mountains. Make
sure to bring proper footwear and plenty of water
for this strenuous uphill hike.
Photos of Rabbit Lake (above)
and McHugh Creek Falls (right),
courtesy of Frank Kovalchek
Bird Creek Trails
Access: Bird Valley Trailhead (MP 100.5)
Travel Means: Foot, bike, ski, horseback, ATV,
snowmachine
Distance: 13.2 miles total in lower valley; ATV and
bike access ends 4 miles up the valley
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Falls Creek Trail
Access: Falls Creek Trailhead (MP 105.6)
Travel Means: Foot
Distance: 2.7 miles one way
Elevation Gain: 2,900 feet
This steep climb traces tumbling Falls Creek
through the woods and ends near a small lake at
the head of a wide alpine valley. For experienced
scramblers, Falls Creek Trailhead also offers access
to South Suicide Peak overlooking McHugh and
Rabbit lakes.
Know Before You Go
Fees
Fees are charged for the use of some developed
facilities in Chugach State Park. Fees can be paid
at the time of use, or frequent visitors can save
money by purchasing an annual parking pass
online at www.alaskastateparks.org.
Learn Outdoor Skills
This brochure does not tell you everything
you need to know about venturing into the
Chugach. Get informed, take a class, or bring an
experienced friend.
Tell a friend where you’re going, who you’re
going with, and when you’ll return. This is VERY
important if something unexpected happens.
This network of trails allows you to explore the
lower valley surrounding Bird and Penguin creeks
by foot, bike, horseback, or ATV. Trails to Bird Pass
and Penguin Peak can be accessed from the Bird
Valley Trailhead, and Bird Creek Falls can be
seen at the west end of the trail system. Trails for
skiing and snowmachining make this area a yearround attraction.
Photo courtesy of Frank Kovalchek
Turnagain Arm’s mudflats may invite exploring, but their
surface can suddenly become like quicksand, trapping people
and animals in the rapidly rising tide. Stay off of the mudflats.
ATVs are a fun way to get around
in designated areas.
Kn
ik
Ar
m
Trailside interpretive panels enhance your experience
along the accessible Indian to Girdwood Bike Path.
Chugach
State
Park
Anchorage
Area of detail
Turn
a
gain
Legend
Roads
Scenic Viewpoint
Trails
Ranger Station
Railroad
Camping
Park Boundary
Fishing
Trailhead
Biking
Snowmachine
ATV
Windy
Corner
Arm