The Chugach National Forest stretches over 6.9 million acres between the rugged coastal edges and towering mountain peaks of Southcentral Alaska. Here, rivers don’t simply flow—they challenge your every step, cutting through mossy woods and glacier-fed valleys. The trails invite adventurers of all stripes—from casual hikers stepping into quiet forest corridors to seasoned backpackers pushing into high alpine passes where the wind carves the landscape fiercely.

Begin with the Crow Pass Trail, a 21-mile route that climbs 4,400 feet from the verdant Eagle River Valley up to the alpine meadows near Bridal Veil Falls. The terrain changes constantly: dense spruce and hemlock give way to wide-open tundra where glaciers hover above, daring you to keep pace. Expect river crossings surging with meltwater and rocky switchbacks that demand sure footing. This trail rewards endurance with expansive views of the Talkeetna Mountains and the glaciers slowly retreating on distant slopes.

For those seeking coastal wilderness, the Resurrection Pass Trail spans about 39 miles through forested ridges and along shorelines where the ocean pulls at the land’s edge. Elevation gain here is gentler but balanced by the unpredictability of weather that can turn the forest path slippery and slick. Wild berries and the calls of bald eagles animate the trail, while the coastline reveals tide pools and sea otters that glance curiously from the surf.

The Harding Icefield Trail climbs steeply for 8.2 miles with a gain of roughly 3,500 feet, leading to one of Alaska’s most dramatic overlooks. It’s a relentless ascent, with loose rock and exposed sections demanding focus, but the summit opens to views framing endless sheets of ice slowly grinding their way toward the sea. This rugged climb sits at the edge where mountain and icefield breathe life into one another.

Planning for Chugach hikes means preparing for rapidly shifting weather and temperamental terrain. Layered clothing is a must; waterproof gear will save your trip when rain and drizzle push through. Trust sturdy, broken-in boots to hold the trail’s mixed mud, rock, and occasional snow patches. Hydration needs vary—snowmelt streams offer water, but river crossings can be hazardous after heavy rains or early summer runoff.

Timing can be pivotal. Late June through August delivers the most stable weather and fully accessible trails, while September brings quieter paths and vibrant fall colors but shorter days and lower temperatures. Winter travel is for experts alone; frozen rivers and deep snow reshape the landscape into a realm requiring specialized gear and skills.

Navigating the Chugach is engagement with a wilderness fiercely itself—untamed, ever-changing, and eager to test your resolve. Whether you’re following ancient glacier routes or threading through coastal forest, the forest, rivers, and peaks interact dynamically, demanding respect and rewarding those prepared to explore their raw beauty.