Girdwood, Alaska, serves as an ideal launch point for day trips that thread through the rugged veins of Chugach National Forest, where towering peaks and restless rivers invite exploration. Whether you lean toward the steady rhythm of hiking or the pulse of paddling, the forest offers routes perfect for both casual adventurers and those seeking a bit more grit.

Begin with the Winner Creek Trail, a 3.5-mile round trip that climbs 500 feet through dense spruce and birch. The path is firm underfoot, alive with the chatter of cascading Winner Creek daring your pace. A suspension bridge halfway across swings gently, teasing a thrill while offering a striking angle to absorb the creek’s spray and the mossy banks. Ideal for a morning trek, its length allows for ample time to savor, with eye-catching views of the Peaks Lake basin nearby.

For hikers ready to push further, the Crow Pass Trail extends into a realm where glaciers feed into winding streams. Covering about 20 miles one way with a 2,600-foot rise, this route can be sampled partially on a day trip or stretched into overnight expeditions. The landscape shifts deliberately: from dense forest to open tundra where wildflowers nod, and rivers challenge your footing. Prepare for uneven terrain; sturdy boots and trekking poles will prove their worth here.

Kayaking enthusiasts find their pulse quickening on the nearby Turnagain Arm, where tidal currents test your skills and reward you with sharp views of snow-capped peaks mirroring in glassy water. Launch points near Girdwood offer access to calm coves and wide channels suitable for day trips. Expect to navigate variable winds and watch for bald eagles hovering overhead. Timing is crucial—aim for slack tide to avoid being pushed by fierce currents.

Another kayaking option lies on Glacier Creek, a smaller waterway threading through the forest’s edge. The creek pushes gently forward, carving a path beneath towering spruce and birch. Paddle upstream to quiet spots where waterfowl gather, and the only sound is the scrape of oars and shushing leaves. This trip requires less technical skill but demands respect for sudden weather shifts.

Practical tips: bring layered clothing to adjust to changing weather, carry enough water and snacks, and start early to avoid crowds and dusk’s chill. Footwear should be waterproof and offer solid traction, especially for mixed terrain. Thanks to unpredictable weather patterns, packing a lightweight rain jacket and sun protection is wise year-round.

Each trail or waterway offers a chance to engage with nature fiercely itself—not merely a backdrop but an active companion testing resolve and rewarding attention. Girdwood’s trails and rivers challenge adventurers with their evolving moods, inviting discovery on every step and paddle stroke. Prepare thoroughly, move attentively, and you’ll find yourself part of the forest’s ongoing story.