A View Without a Climb : Eagle River Nature Center

By Emma Corby

Emma’s Rating: 😎😎😎😎😎

Last week in Eagle River, we got a foot of snow in two days (Anchorage School District even gave two snow days in a row… that’s when you know). So, when the weekend came and it was time for Ben and I to choose a hike, we weren’t so sure about going into the mountains. A foot of snow below the mountains meant we could expect twice as much, or more, once we started climbing. 

We still wanted to explore our new hometown and spend time outside, so we checked out the Eagle River Nature Center. When I imagine my parents coming to visit from New York, this is the type of place that I imagine taking them to. It’s not difficult and there are a few different trail loops for all walking abilities. There’s the 0.75 mile Rodak Trail, the 3.0 mile Albert Loop Trail, the 6.0 mile Dew Mound Trail, and the 3.0 mile Iditarod/Crew Pass Trail.

Photo by Emma Corby. Warning sign on Albert Loop Trail, Eagle River Nature Center.

Ben and I had a run planned for later in the day, so we decided on the short-ish Albert Loop Trail; we figured it would take about an hour in the snow, and by then our noses and cheeks would be bright red and we’d be ready to go. About half a mile in, though, there was a trail block with a huge “warning” sign covering the path we’d chosen –the picture of the bear on the sign didn’t make us feel better, either.

At first, we thought there had been consistent bear sightings nearby, and we hadn’t seen anybody else on the trail, so we were fairly worried (mostly me, Ben not so much)… until we read the sign. Turns out, Albert Loop Trail is closed every August 1st  through the beginning of November due to salmon in the river and high bear activity. 

Turning around, we decided to check out the shortest trail (we’re not in Fairbanks anymore, so ten degrees Fahrenheit felt cold to us). The path was well-groomed, very clear, and there were some fun historic signs to read along the way. The whole time we were on the path, I couldn’t help but think how perfect it would be to bring my parents there; they are active people and would love to do the six mile loop, which only has about 500 feet of elevation gain. 

Photo by Emma Corby. View from the boardwalk at Eagle River Nature Center.

Along with a variety of trails to choose from, there is a boardwalk that goes out over the river, making it easy to take a photo. The water is glacial water, so it is not only clear, but likely the clearest water I have ever seen. From the boardwalk between the mountains, especially when their tops reach the clouds, it is so easy to get lost in the view. 

The Nature Center is the perfect way to get these views without having to climb a mountain, which, this weekend, Ben and I really enjoyed.