Where the Land Forgot to Be: Walking the Waves of Anchorage’s Earthquake Park
Walk the scarred shore where Anchorage’s 1964 quake left its fingerprint — accessible trails, bold views, and surprising wildlife just minutes from downtown.
On a gray morning in Anchorage the bluff at Earthquake Park looks less like an ordinary park and more like a page ripped from a geology textbook that still has the raw ink drying. The Cook Inlet spreads out below, glassy when the tide is low, and the Chugach Mountains stand like a row of sentinels on the horizon. You step off the parking area onto a narrow trail and the first thing that hits you is texture: the ground ripples where whole neighborhoods once stood, a frozen set of seismic waves that the 1964 Good Friday earthquake carved into the earth. The trees here grow crooked to the rhythm of the coastline; gulls and the occasional bald eagle wheel overhead. It’s quiet in a way cities rarely are — the noise is not absence, but the particular hush that follows a city-sized trauma when the land has been given back to itself.
Trail Wisdom
Bring insect repellent
Summer mosquitoes can be plentiful near the flats and marsh; a small DEET or picaridin spray makes photography and wildlife watching comfortable.
Layer for wind and sun
Temperatures shift quickly along Cook Inlet — pack a windproof shell plus a sun hat for midday glare.
Watch for wildlife from a distance
Moose and eagles are common; keep a minimum distance and use binoculars or a long lens rather than approaching.
Combine stops to maximize time
Pair Earthquake Park with Lake Hood or Potter Marsh on a trolley or bike route to make a half-day of varied experiences.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Point Woronzof bluff for sunset views of Cook Inlet and beluga-watching
- •Potter Marsh boardwalk — an excellent nearby spot for shorebird and marsh photography
Wildlife
Moose, Bald eagle
Conservation Note
The park preserves fragile coastal habitats created by the quake; visitors are urged to stay on trails, avoid disturbing salt-marsh areas, and follow local wildlife viewing guidelines.
Earthquake Park memorializes the 1964 Good Friday earthquake (magnitude 9.2), which caused profound coastal subsidence and permanently altered the shoreline here.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Migratory birds, Quiet trails, Moose emerging from winter
Challenges: Mud on trails, Unpredictable cold snaps
Spring brings birds and melting snow; trails can be soft and muddy, so waterproof footwear is helpful.
summer
Best for: Wildlife viewing, Long daylight photography, Combining with bike tours
Challenges: Mosquitoes, Crowds on weekends
Long days and mild weather make summer ideal, but bring insect repellent and start early or late to avoid peak crowds.
fall
Best for: Crisp light for photography, Fewer tourists, Moose rut viewing
Challenges: Shortening daylight, Early snow at higher elevations
Fall’s clear air and dramatic light are great for photos and quieter paths; dress warmly as temperatures drop rapidly after sunset.
winter
Best for: Snow-covered coastal vistas, Quiet solitude, Chance to see SnowElla and holiday displays
Challenges: Ice and snow on trails, Limited daylight, Cold temperatures
Winter transforms the park into a stark, quiet place; traction devices and warm layers are essential for safety and comfort.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Gravel trails and occasional muddy patches require supportive, grippy footwear.
Windproof shellEssential
Cook Inlet’s coastal winds can be strong and chill you quickly, even in summer.
Binoculars (or 300mm+ lens)
For watching moose, eagles, and distant floatplanes without disturbing wildlife.
Insect repellentEssential
Summer mosquitoes are persistent near marshy areas; repellent keeps the visit comfortable.
Common Questions
How long does a visit to Earthquake Park take?
A quick stop can be 30 minutes to see the main viewpoints; plan 1–2 hours if you want to walk trails, photograph, or combine with nearby Lake Hood or Potter Marsh.
Is Earthquake Park wheelchair-accessible?
Some sections near the main parking and interpretive panels are accessible, but boardwalks and gravel trails vary — check local maps for specific accessible routes.
Can I see wildlife at Earthquake Park?
Yes — moose and bald eagles are commonly sighted, especially in early morning or evening; bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance.
Are dogs allowed in the park?
Dogs are typically allowed on-leash on many Anchorage trails, but check local signage and keep pets under control to avoid disturbing wildlife.
What should I wear?
Dress in layers with a windproof outer layer; even summer mornings can be chilly along the inlet, and weather can change quickly.
How do I combine Earthquake Park with other Anchorage attractions?
Many city trolley, shuttle, and bike tours include Earthquake Park along routes that also stop at Lake Hood, Potter Marsh, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
What to Pack
Water bottle (stay hydrated), windproof jacket (coastal gusts), binoculars (wildlife viewing), insect repellent (summer mosquitoes)
Did You Know
The 1964 Good Friday earthquake measured 9.2 and remains the largest recorded earthquake in North America; Earthquake Park preserves visible shoreline subsidence and wave-like ridges from that event.
Quick Travel Tips
Start early for wildlife and soft light; bring layers for sudden wind and temperature changes; pair the visit with Lake Hood or Potter Marsh to maximize nearby sights; use local trolley or bike tours to add context and food samplings.
Local Flavor
Anchorage blends Native Alaskan heritage, aviation culture, and frontier pragmatism — expect reindeer sausage at food stops, Ulu knives in shops, and local guides eager to share survival stories and seaplane lore.
Logistics Snapshot
Park type: coastal urban park | Time needed: 30–120 min | Access: car or city tours/trolley | Facilities: limited (parking, interpretive signs) | Best for: geology, wildlife, short walks.
Sustainability Note
Stick to marked trails to protect fragile intertidal zones, pack out trash, and never feed wildlife; local tour operators support conservation messaging and habitat protection.