Girdwood, Alaska, serves as a gateway to some of the Chugach National Forest’s most rewarding backcountry hikes. These trails offer a chance to step away from crowds and into a raw, fiercely natural setting where rivers challenge you to cross and forests embrace you with solitude. Whether you are a casual day hiker or a seasoned trekker, the options here strike a balance between immersive wilderness and manageable adventure.

Start with the Winner Creek Trail, a 4.5-mile loop with a moderate elevation gain of 600 feet. The well-maintained path winds under towering spruces and crosses streams that pull you forward like restless veins. This trail offers the Whispering Falls viewpoint—a place where cascading water pounds the rocks below, demanding pause and appreciation. The terrain is rooted and occasionally rocky, so sturdy footwear with good grip is vital.

Push further into the backcountry on the Crow Pass Trail, a demanding 21-mile route with a 3,500-foot elevation gain. This trail tests endurance and navigation skills but rewards with expansive alpine vistas and wildflower-filled meadows, where mountain goats may survey your progress with wary eyes. Streams here aren’t mere features; they curve and dive purposefully, marking your passage through one of Alaska’s thickest wilderness expanses. Ideally, split this trek over two to three days with a lightweight pack and solid map skills.

A less traveled gem is the Porcupine Creek Trail, approximately 7 miles round trip with a steady 1,000-foot climb. The forest here feels alive, low branches brushing your face, and the scent of pine fills the air. The trail opens to striking views of Portage Glacier in the distance, where chunks of ice silently defy gravity into the lagoon below. The creek runs alongside, daring you to follow its cool, speedy flow.

For a shorter, but no less memorable excursion, try the Campbell Creek Trail. This is a 3-mile out-and-back hike with minimal elevation change, perfect for beginners or those wanting a quick encounter with the forest’s quiet power. It snakes through spruce and alder, with occasional wildlife sightings including moose and eagles, both locals who watch your movement closely.

Preparation is key. Hydration cannot be underestimated—carry at least two liters per day, filtered if possible. Given Alaska’s changeable weather, layering footwear and clothing is essential: waterproof boots and breathable rain gear will protect you from sudden showers. Timing hikes for mid-morning allows you to enjoy both soft morning light and avoid afternoon rain patterns common in summer.

Ultimately, the backcountry around Girdwood invites you to engage with land that respects those who understand its rhythms. Wild yet accessible, challenging yet welcoming, these trails offer a chance to walk shoulder to shoulder with nature’s fiercest self.