Second Largest National Forest

The Chugach National Forest is 5.5 million acres in size and stretches from the Kenai Peninsula to Prince William Sound and down to Bering Glacier. Featured in the forest is the Kayak Island, Columbia Glacier, Portage Glacier, the Copper River Delta, and the Boggs Visitors Center. The visitors center is the most visited recreational destination in Alaska and features information on the history of Portage Valley and the forest. The park offers over 200 miles of hiking trails that lead to cabins and ski areas, as well as a number of fishing spots. There is camping allowed in the backcountry, but visitors need to keep in mind that camping in Alaska is different, and more dangerous, than anywhere else in the United States. Areas are open in the forest during the winter for mountaineering, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. As is the case for most of Alaska, the wildlife in the forest area is a big draw. There are both black and brown bear throughout most of the forest, and bears can often be seen feeding by the salmon streams during the late summer. There are more than 200 birds that live in and migrate to the forest including kittiwakes, seabirds, and bald eagles. Aquatic life includes five species of salmon, halibut, red snapper, Dolley Varden, rainbow trout, harbor seals, otters, Orcas and humpback whales, and porpoises. There are 42 cabins available to rent in the park, as well as 14 campgrounds. The park features no RV hookups.