 | Chugach Guide 2016 |

CHUGACH
NATIONAL FOREST
2016 VISITOR GUIDE
CAMPING
page 10
WILDILFE
page 12
VISITOR CENTERS
page 15
Welcome
Table of Contents
Overview.....................................3
Eastern Kenai Peninsula........5
Prince William Sound..............7
Copper River Delta..................9
Camping and Cabins............ 10
Trail Guide................................ 11
Wildlife...................................... 12
Bears.......................................... 13
Backcountry Guide............... 14
Visitor Centers........................ 15
Chugach National Forest
VISITOR GUIDE
Forest Coordinators & Contributors:
Nick Racine, Alicia King, Mona Spargo, Annette
Heckart, and Charles Lindemuth
Cover: [top] Summit Lake on the Kenai Peninsula.
[bottom]: Kayakers in Chugach National Forest.
Photos courtesy of Chugach National Forest.
to the Chugach National Forest!
The Chugach National Forest, one of two national forests in Alaska, serves as
the “backyard” for over half of Alaska’s residents and is a destination for visitors. The lands that now make up the Chugach National Forest are home to the
Alaska Native peoples including the Ahtna, Chugach, Dena’ina, and Eyak. The
forest’s 5.4 million acres compares in size with the state of New Hampshire and
comprises a landscape that includes portions of the Kenai Peninsula, Prince William Sound, and the Copper River Delta.
The Chugach National Forest:
• Is home to thousands of glaciers;
• Contains over 3,500 miles of shoreline;
• Includes the Copper River Delta, the largest contiguous wetlands complex on
North America’s Pacific coast;
• Includes the Nellie Juan-College Fiord Wilderness Study Area at almost a
third of the forest acreage;
• Produces 66 million salmon a year (11% of Pacific salmon production) via
stream and lake habitat for all five species of pacific salmon;
• Incorporates more than 180 miles of the Iditarod National Historic Trail
known as the Southern Trek; and
• Provides world-class recreation and fishing experiences.
This visitor guide provides an overview of opportunities available to residents
and visitors. These opportunities involve your own planning or could
incorporate one of our outfitters and guides who are permitted to provide
quality experiences within the forest (i.e. rafting, fishing, hunting, hiking).
We also provide U.S. Forest Service ranger-led interpretive programs at our
Begich, Boggs Visitor Center and Crooked Creek Information Site as well as
at other locations on and off the forest in partnership with tourism businesses
such as:
• The Alaska Railroad Whistle Stop (Anchorage/Portage)
• Major Marine Tours and Phillips Cruises (Whittier)
• Portage Glacier Cruises (Portage Lake)
Get Out and Explore!
Hop on a train for a drive-free option into the Chugach National Forest, plan a multiple day trip to access remote
primitive campsites, attend the famous Cordova Shorebird Festival, or visit the world-class interactive exhibits
at Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. There is something for everyone on the Chugach. From the Kenai Peninsula to
Prince William Sound, to the eastern shores of the Copper River Delta, the forest is full of special places.
People come from all over the world to experience the Chugach National Forest and Alaska’s wilderness. Not
only do we welcome international visitors, but residents from across the state travel to recreate on Chugach
National Forest lands. Whether you have an hour or several days there are options galore for exploring. We have
listed just a few here to get you started.
If you have a couple of hours:
If you have a couple of days:
Kenai Peninsula
Kenai Peninsula
Visit the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center
• One hour south of Anchorage
• World class exhibits and 20 minute film
• Hike Byron Glacier Trail to view a glacier
• View salmon spawning at Williwaw Fish Viewing
Platform
Hike the Resurrection Pass Trail
• Designated a National Recreation Trail
• 40 mile trail with eight rental cabins and camping
spots along the route
• Varied terrain from thick forest to alpine meadows
Prince William Sound
Go flightseeing
• Experience the bounty of the sound in an afternoon
• See magnificent glaciers sculpt the landscape
• Breathtaking scenery
Take a Kayak Trip in Prince William Sound
• Practice your kayaking skills
• Explore busy bird rookeries
• View sea-life up close
• Rent a primitive cabin
Copper River Delta
Copper River Delta
Hike the Eyak River Trail
• 2.9 mile trail begins along the Eyak River
• A wonderful variety of landscapes, forest, muskeg,
alder, and dense grass
• Popular access site for anglers during the coho
salmon runs
Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival
• Birder’s paradise
• Millions of shorebirds
• Community events, workshops, and educational
opportunities
Prince William Sound
Printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks.
The Chugach National Forest Visitor Guide is
published by the Alaska Geographic Association in
cooperation with Chugach National Forest.
Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, I hope you enjoy your national forest.
©Alaska Geographic
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer,
and lender.
Produced and Designed by:
Terri Marceron
FOREST SUPERVISOR, CHUGACH NATIONAL FOREST
ALASKA REGION
241 North C Street, Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 274-8440 or toll-free at (866) AK-PARKS
2
www.alaskageographic.org
3
Eastern Kenai Peninsula
The Eastern Kenai Peninsula in the Chugach National
Forest is best known for its spectacular recreational opportunities. Its forested lands, mountains, and rivers are just
minutes south of Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. The
peninsula is a haven for visitors and residents alike. A hiker’s
paradise, it boasts hundreds of miles of maintained trails.
For the fisherman, numerous opportunities exist to reel in
“the big one.” The Eastern Kenai Peninsula truly holds some
of the forest’s most accessible treasures.
Camping
Numerous camping opportunities exist along the Seward
Highway, a nationally designated All-American Road and
National Scenic Byway. Trail River Campground, south of
Moose Pass, is located strategically between Seward and
Cooper Landing for visitors who want to access recreational
opportunities in both areas. The campground can accommodate modern recreational vehicles and has a day use area
along the scenic shore of Kenai Lake. A large group site,
available by reservation, has a volleyball area, horseshoe
area, covered pavilion with fire grates, and playground
equipment. Nearby are Ptarmigan Creek Trail, Victor Creek
Trail, and Carter Lake Trail that access the spectacular
backcountry and offer fishing opportunities in both lakes
and streams.
Chugach Whistle Stop
The Chugach Whistle Stop is a partnership between the
Chugach National Forest and the Alaska Railroad
Corporation. Through this partnership, visitors have a
distinctive travel and recreation experience found
nowhere else in the United States. The Glacier Discovery
Train takes passengers off the road system and into the
backcountry of the Chugach National Forest. The Spencer
and Grandview Whistle Stop stations are ready for you to
enjoy. At Spencer a trail leads to a spectacular view of Spencer
Glacier or you can continue to the edge of the glacier. (See
page 11 for mileage details.) For those looking to overnight,
4
camping options including a group campsite, dispersed
camping outside the developed recreation area, and the
Spencer Bench Cabin. (Reservations required for group
site and cabin.) At Grandview there is a short interpretive
trail where passengers can stretch their legs. Grandview
is the end of the line for the Glacier Discovery Train and
returns back to Portage and Anchorage after this stop. In
the future, the Chugach Whistle Stops will be connected
by 30 miles of trails with the potential for a multi-day
excursion into the rugged Kenai Mountains. So climb
aboard and experience the Alaskan backcountry where
only the Alaska Railroad and the Chugach National
Forest can take you.
DON’T MISS...
Iditarod National Historic Trail
—Southern Trek
The Chugach National Forest has restored and
developed 65 miles of the Southern Trek of the Iditarod
National Historic Trail, connecting the communities
of Seward and Girdwood. Additionally, there has been
an installation of seven major bridges and numerous
minor bridges, construction of one new trailhead, and
restoration of one historic cabin. The trail represents a
national heritage, recreation, and education resource
that inspires and draws Iditarod enthusiasts, history
buffs, students, and outdoor adventurers from around
the world. Located less than an hour from Anchorage,
the Southern Trek provides year-round opportunities
to experience the spirit of the historic Iditarod.
5
Prince William Sound
The forest meets the sea in Prince William Sound, where
lush rainforest borders 3,500 miles of intricate coastline.
Glaciers are a prime attraction in Prince William Sound
with hundreds of glaciers spilling from high peaks, some
flowing all the way to the ocean and calving into remote
fiords. As our climate changes, the ice is retreating in many
areas, providing a glimpse of unique geology and postglacial reforestation.
Keeping it Wild
In 1980, Congress designated roughly two million acres
along western Prince William Sound as the Nellie
Juan-College Fiord Wilderness Study Area (WSA). This recognized the area’s exceptional beauty and remoteness and
its possible future designation as federal Wilderness. The
Forest Service maintains the area’s wilderness character to
provide the public outstanding opportunities for solitude,
primitive recreation, and inspiration in an undeveloped
setting. Fishing, hunting, hiking, kayaking, skiing,
camping, birding, and many other non-motorized
activities are encouraged. The WSA only
pertains to Chugach National Forest lands and does not
affect motorized or other uses on marine waters.
Recreating in the Sound
Unplug from daily life! Enjoy kayaking, boating, glacier
and marine life viewing, and ample wilderness. Established
trails are few but the hiking is beautiful and short treks
reach alpine areas and great views. For overnight stays,
spend days exploring the alpine slopes, berry-picking,
fishing, hunting, or skiing in winter, and evenings at a beach
campsite. Always practice Leave No Trace principles (visit
lnt.org), and note restrictions in the wilderness study area.
Permits are not required for general camping and all
campsites are primitive. Contain camping activities to
beach gravel surfaces and clean up bits of garbage,
dismantle fire rings, and replace moved rocks or
materials. Four campsites in Blackstone Bay and Culross
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Passage provide durable gravel camping surfaces. Bear
cans and portable toilets are loaned free at the Glacier
Ranger District. For details visit Begich, Boggs Visitor
Center in Portage Valley, Glacier Ranger Station in
Girdwood, or Crooked Creek Information Site in Valdez.
Sightseeing
If you don’t have a lot of time, a day cruise or flightseeing
trip is an excellent way to see Prince William Sound.
Catch a boat from Whittier or Valdez. Cruises range
from four hours to several days and you can tailor the
trip to meet your schedule. Flightseeing allows for a
birds-eye view of the sound—flying over 15,000 square
miles of fiords, inlets, glaciers, and mountain peaks. Both
choices allow for great wildlife viewing and sightseeing.
DON’T MISS...
A Kayak Trip in Prince William Sound
Experience profound silence and calm as you ply the
waters of Prince William Sound. Kayaking is a wonderful
way to be out on the water and explore busy bird
rookeries, sealife, and breathtaking scenery. Plan a
multiple day trip to access remote campsites and cabins
around the Sound. Cabins can be reserved 180 days in
advance.
Be prepared! Help can be hours away. Review tide, bear,
and water safety information before heading out, as
communications may be non-existent. If you are not
comfortable heading out on your own, check out local
tour operators that can provide guided kayak adventures
in the Sound.
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Copper River Delta
The 700,000 acre Copper River Delta, the largest
contiguous wetlands along the Pacific coast of North
America, is named for its abundant copper deposits. It’s
woven from six glacial river systems and renowned for its
vast wetland habitats, mountains, and glaciers—with
Miles and Childs Glaciers calving directly into the river.
Unconnected by roads, you must take a boat, ferry, or
plane to Cordova to access the area.
It is obvious the delta is managed for the conservation
of fish and wildlife and their habitats. Bear, moose, bald
eagles, and mountain goats are frequently sighted,
making wildlife viewing very popular. More than two
million salmon spawn in the river each year traveling
almost 300 miles to return to spawning grounds. The high
concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids the fish require for
the journey make them a favorite of cooks and chefs the
world over.
variety of sedges, grasses, and forbs bordered by shrub
communities dominated by sweet gale. Willows, alder,
and ponds dot the landscape and pockets of Sitka spruce
harbor common terrestrial species of the area. The best
time to catch wildflowers in bloom is from June to July
along the boardwalk and road.
Cabins
Scattered around eastern Prince William Sound and the
Copper River Delta are 16 cabins where you can get away
from it all. Take a short flight from Cordova and find
yourself nestled on the beach in one of our beautiful
cabins. The cabins do not have electricity or running
water, but if roughing it doesn’t bother you, check them
out. Try your hand at beachcombing for glass balls, wild
berry picking, digging razor clams, or fishing.
Birding
The delta is for the birds—literally. Swans, geese, ducks,
shorebirds, and bald eagles are all temporary or permanent
inhabitants of the area. Birds flock here to take advantage
of lands set aside as nesting grounds and as a refueling
and resting stop on their way through the North American
flyway. The delta is an integral part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, which brings together
organizations to recognize and protect critical shorebird
habitat.
Alaganik Slough
Alaganik Slough is a unique wildflower viewing area
situated on the expansive Copper River Delta. The threemile road accessing Alaganik Slough from the Copper
River Highway winds through species-rich wetlands and
ponds. At the end of the road you will find a developed site
with a wheel chair accessible 900-foot-long boardwalk that
parallels the slough. This area supports both aquatic and
terrestrial plants. The wetlands here are dominated by a
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DON’T MISS...
Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival
The most inviting small town in Alaska just may be
Cordova, a fishing community and birder’s paradise. Each
year during the first weekend in May, the community
welcomes millions of shorebirds to the Copper River
Delta. Community events, workshops, and educational
opportunities are offered throughout the week. Travel
to Cordova from Anchorage by air or if you have time
for a more leisurely trip, the ferry leaves from Whittier,
60 miles southeast of Anchorage, and crosses scenic
Prince William Sound (www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs). More
information is available from the Cordova Chamber of
Commerce (www.cordovachamber.com)
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Kenai Peninsula Trails
Camping
in the Chugach
Cabins
There are 42 primitive (no electricity or running water) cabins located
throughout the Chugach National Forest.
Hiking Highlights
Campgrounds
Campgrounds are generally
open from mid-May through
September. The stay limit is 14
days except for the Russian River
Campground, which has a 3-day
limit from June 10 through
August 20. Most campgrounds
have a few sites for large RVs.
Quartz Creek and Williwaw are
able to handle 60-foot RVs. Backcountry camping is permitted but
is limited to 14 days in one area.
COST:
$30-$85 a night.
STAY LIMIT:
3-7 nights summer; 7 nights winter.
Campground Location
GET THERE:
Hike, paddle, charter a plane or boat.
KENAI PENINSULA
HEAT:
Woodstove and/or oil stove. Check before you go: A few
cabins have no stove and others require you to bring your
own fuel.
BRING:
Sleeping bags and pads, cook stove and gear, first aid, water,
food, insect repellent, extra food, and clothing.
# Sites
A variety of trails exist in the Chugach National Forest, from short, easy day
hikes to more strenuous, multiday adventures.
Lost Lake Trail: This popular 7.3-mile trail leads to the beautiful alpine
Lost Lake and neighboring small lakes and ponds that populate the hills to
the east. Mount Ascension is aptly named as it towers more than 3,000 feet
in the west. A favorite backcountry run takes place here every summer. The
area is still snow-covered into late June. The trail is steep and difficult, but the
views and open cross-country walking make it worth the effort.
Heney Ridge Trail: This local favorite will have you waxing lyrical about
its merits. The fact that the trail is a mere 6 miles out of the town of Cordova
belies the beauty of Heney Ridge. As you make your way through the oldgrowth forest with massive moss-covered Sitka spruce, you cross the oldest
split log bridge in the area and begin your way through a series of switchbacks. The views from the switchbacks tantalize you as they come in and out
of focus. Two and a half miles sees you at the top knoll with great views of
Orca Inlet. If you are still feeling strong, continue another mile and a half to
the top and reward yourself with a knockout view of the Gulf of Alaska and
Kayak Island.
Cooper Creek
26
Crescent Creek
9
Porcupine
34
Trail of Blue Ice: A walk in the woods that is fun for the whole family
Primrose
7
Ptarmigan Creek
16
Quartz Creek
45
CAMPGROUND REGULATIONS
Russian River
84
is waiting for you in Portage Valley. The wide trail allows for side-by-side
strolling and has an accessible, smooth surface of gravel, pavement, or wood
decking. The views are spectacular as you walk along the creek and through
glacial valleys. You can hike or bike the round-trip from Williwaw Fish
Viewing Platform to Moose Flats, or customize your trip with a 3-mile loop
that begins and ends at Portage Lake.
Store all foods, beverages, garbage, pet food, cooking or food storage
Tenderfoot Creek
35
Trail River
91
EMERGENCY: No phones, no radios, and cell phone coverage is not
guaranteed. Be prepared.
equipment in a vehicle, food locker, or camper.
Fires are allowed only in established grates. Cutting live vegetation or
standing deadwood is prohibited.
PORTAGE/TURNAGAIN PASS
Pets must be on a leash at all times. Please dispose of feces in garbage
Bertha
12
cans. Secure pet food inside a vehicle.
Black Bear
12
Do not feed any wild animal, even birds.
Granite Creek
19
Williwaw
60
Reservations
For cabins and campground reservations call (877) 444-6777 or visit
www.recreation.gov. To reserve the Spencer Bench Cabin in the summer
season, mid June-mid Sept., call the Alaska Railroad 1-800-544-0552.
10
Trail Guide
Nightly camping fees range
from free for remote sites to
$30 dependingon campground,
and $150 for a large group site.
Campgrounds on the Kenai Peninsula and the Portage/
Turnagain Pass area are operated by Alaska Recreation
Management under permit from the Forest Service. Childs
Glacier Campground is operated by the Forest Service.
The trail is always open, but check-in at the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center
for a map of the area and suggestions on customizing your walk. The
Visitor Center is open from 9am to 6pm, 7 days a week, Memorial Day to
mid-September with great exhibits, an award-winning film, and a bookstore.
COPPER RIVER DELTA
Childs Glacier campground cannot
be accessed via the Copper River
Highway due to a bridge closure.
Contact the Cordova Chamber of
Commerce for a list of companies
that provide access to the area.
Carter Lake
Crescent Creek
Crescent Lake Trail
Devil’s Pass
Falls Creek
Grayling Lake Trail
Gull Rock
Iditarod–Bear Lake
Idit.–Meridian Lakes
Johnson Pass
Lost Lake
Primrose
Ptarmigan Creek
Ptarmigan Lake
Rainbow Lake
Resurrection Pass
Resurrection River
Russian Lakes
Victor Creek
3.4 miles
6.2 miles
8.1 miles
10 miles
3.9 miles
1.5 miles
5.7 miles
7.5 miles
8.3 miles
23 miles
7.3 miles
7.5 miles
3.5 miles
3.6 miles
0.3 miles
38.4 miles
16.3 miles
21.8 miles
2.25 miles
Whistle Stop Trails
Grandview Vista
Spencer Viewpoint
Spencer Glacier
Spencer Bench Cabin
0.2 miles
1.3 miles
3 miles
5.4 miles
Girdwood/Portage Trails
Byron Glacier
0.8 miles
Crow Pass
4 miles
Gary Williams Moraine
0.2 miles
Portage Pass
2 miles
Trail of Blue Ice
5 miles
Upper Winner Creek
9 miles
Williwaw Nature
1.25 miles
Winner Creek
3.5 miles
Copper River Delta Trails
Alaganik Boardwalk
Alaganik Slough
Alice Smith Intertie
Copper River
Crater Lake
Eyak River
Haystack
Heney Ridge
Lake Elsner
McKinley Lake
Muskeg Meander
Pipeline Lakes
Power Creek
Saddlebag Glacier
Sheridan Mountain
0.2 miles
0.4 miles
6.6 miles
0.6 miles
2.4 miles
3.3 miles
0.8 miles
3.7 miles
6 miles
2.4 miles
3 miles
1.8 miles
4.2 miles
3.1 miles
2.9 miles
Mileage provided are one-way distances.
For more trail and camping information visit
www.fs.usda.gov/chugach
11
Don’t Have a Bad Bear Day!
Watchable
Wildlife
The Chugach National Forest is bear country.
It is your responsibility to BE BEAR AWARE!
• Watch for signs of bears such as tracks and scat.
• Make noise to avoid surprising bears in the area.
EASTERN KENAI
COPPER RIVER DELTA
Tern Lake
Hartney Bay
Located at the intersection of the Seward and Sterling
highways at Milepost 37. This area hosts a myriad of
animals, birds, fish, and unique plants. Common loons,
bald eagles, and arctic terns share the area with a
variety of songbirds and shorebirds like the northern
water thrush, golden-crowned sparrow, and the greater
yellowlegs. Beavers, river otters, muskrats, and salmon
ply the cold, clear waters of Tern Lake. Moose, Dall
sheep, and mountain goats can be seen on the surrounding mountains. Best viewing seasons: spring, summer,
and fall.
Located at the end of Whitshed Road, approximately 5
miles south of Cordova (not on Forest Service land). From
mid-April to mid-May, visitors have the opportunity to view
whirling flocks of tens of thousands of shorebirds as they
rest and refuel during their long journey northward. The
rest of the year brings a wide variety of songbirds and marine
mammals such as harbor seals, Steller’s sea lions, and sea
otters. In late summer, pink and chum salmon return to
Hartney Creek to spawn. Best viewing seasons: spring and fall.
Moose Flats Day-Use Site
Located at Mile 1.0 on the Portage Highway. This site has a short boardwalk trail
along several ponds. It is a good site for
observing waterfowl that nest and rear
their young in the ponds and river
channels. Moose are also frequent visitors
to the area and the boardwalk makes a
nice observation post. Best viewing seasons: spring,
summer and fall.
Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform
Located at Mile 4 of the Portage Highway. Spawning
sockeye, chum, and coho salmon arrive in late July and
remain throughout early fall. In addition to salmon,
visitors may see a variety of local songbirds, bald eagles,
and black and brown bears. Best viewing seasons: spring,
summer, and fall.
Alaganik Slough
Located at Mile 17 of the Copper River Highway. An
accessible boardwalk leads visitors to stunning views of both
the expansive wetlands of the Copper River Delta and the
surrounding mountains. A wide variety of wetland animals
including trumpeter swans, moose, brown bear, and shorebirds
can be seen in the area. Best viewing seasons: spring and fall.
VIEWING SAFETY
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
If an animal alters its behavior because of your presence, you
are too close. Responsible visitors use binoculars and telephoto
lenses to observe an animal’s normal behavior.
RESPECT THE ANIMALS
Animals often respond to repeated interference by abandoning
homes, nesting sites, and even their young. Remember that we
are the visitors.
NEVER FEED WILDLIFE
PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND
Crooked Creek Information Site
Located on the outskirts of Valdez at Mile 0.5 of the
Richardson Highway. Pink and chum salmon return
to this clear water stream each summer to spawn.
Occasionally, black bears can be observed feasting on the
returning fish. Best viewing seasons: summer and fall.
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Animals that become accustomed to human food become
problem animals that need to be removed from the area. Don’t
leave backpacks, trash, or food where an animal might find it.
DRIVE SAFELY
When you see wildlife, stop to view it from a safe pullout, not
from the roadway. Please do not follow an animal at close
distance in your vehicle. Be alert for animals crossing the road,
especially at dawn, dusk, and at night.
• Travel in groups. Groups are noisier and easier
for bears to detect and avoid.
• Never approach a bear. This aggressive behavior
on your part forces a bear to react. Harassing bears
is illegal and very dangerous.
• Dogs can increase your risk of a serious bear encounter. Consider leaving them at home, or keep on a leash.
• Store food, trash, and personal hygiene products in
provided bear-proof lockers or in your vehicle in the
frontcountry. Use a bear-resistant food canister in the
backcountry. Never store them in your tent.
• Cook and store food at least 100 yards from your tent.
Learn more about bears and bear safety. Pick up a copy of
Bear Facts at any Forest Service office.
• Bear spray has been found to be an effective
deterrent in bear country. Become familiar with
the deterrent you carry before going outdoors.
FISHING IN BEAR COUNTRY
Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Be knowledgeable about bear behavior and the area where you will be fishing.
• Avoid fishing during low light conditions when visibility is decreased.
Stay Alert While Fishing
• Keep stringers and belongings with you at all times.
• Splashing fish attract bears. If a bear is close enough to notice splashing—stop fishing.
• Do not let a bear get a hooked fish. Cut the line.
Handle Your Catch Properly
•
•
•
•
Bleed your fish into the water immediately.
Cut carcasses into small pieces that can easily be carried by the current.
Toss all fish waste into deep, fast-moving water.
Procedures for handling catch differ for the Russian River (see below)
Attention Anglers at the Russian River!
When fishing along the banks of the
Russian River or hiking along the Russian River Anglers Trail ALL possessions must be within
3 feet, all retained fish within 12 feet. Do not clean fish on the river beyond a gut and gill. Take
fish out whole to clean and dispose of the waste responsibly elsewhere. Pick up a copy of the
Russian River Guide at the Russian River Campground entrance station for more information.
13
Backcountry Guide
BE PREPARED: Carry extra food, water, insect
Begich, Boggs Visitor Center
FIRE SAFETY
repellent, a map, compass, a pocketknife, waterproof
matches, and emergency supplies with you.
• Build campfires away from overhanging branches,
steep slopes, rotten stumps, dry grass, or leaves
DON’T take scented, spiced or smoked foods with
you as they attract bears. Don’t drink untreated water—
Giardia occurs in the forest. Boil all water or use a filter.
• Pile extra firewood away from the fire
PACK OUT: Toilet paper, used pads, tampons, and
garbage.
• Have a shovel handy for shoveling dirt on an
out of control fire
PLAN AHEAD: Always let someone know where you
• Keep your campfire small
are going and when you expect to return. Have a backup
plan and a flexible schedule.
• Be sure any matches you use are out; break them
into pieces
TAKE A FRIEND: Traveling alone increases your risk
• Never leave a campfire unattended
dramatically. Traveling in groups is recommended.
• Extinguish fires completely
DRESS PROPERLY: Leave your cotton at home;
• Never bury a fire as the fire will continue to
smolder and could catch roots on fire that will
eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire
• Keep plenty of water on hand
synthetic pile or wool are best. Rain gear is a necessity.
Bring a hat and gloves—even in the summer.
STAY BACK: Icebergs are unstable and can roll over at
any time. Stay away from the face of tidewater glaciers to
avoid large, unexpected waves caused by falling ice.
• Fires in Prince William Sound should be built in the
intertidal zone, below the high tide.
• If you see a fire burning out of control call 911
Planning Your Trip
Visit the Alaska Geographic bookstores at
the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center in Portage
Valley, the Crooked Creek Information
Site in Valdez, or the Ranger District
Offices in Girdwood and Cordova to find
books, maps, films, and gifts related to the
natural and cultural history of the Chugach
National Forest.
Chugach National Forest
In the backyard of Alaska’s largest city, the Chugach
National Forest is a treasure for all to enjoy. Let author
Andromeda Romano-Lax lead you through its riches to
discover cultural traditions, abundant wildlife, recreational
opportunities, and the Forest Service’s 100-year legacy of
celebrating these treasures.
Item #12293001
Softcover $17.95
Hardcover $21.95
Chugach National Forest Map
U.S. Forest Service
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Hours
Activities
Fees
Contact us
9 am to 6 pm daily
Summer
(Closed in winter)
Information, award-winning
film, exhibits, ranger-led
programs and guided hikes,
and Alaska Geographic
bookstore.
$5.00 for adults, children 15
and younger are free!
Fee includes admission to
movie and exhibits.
Begich, Boggs Visitor Center
800 Portage Lake Loop
Portage Valley, AK 99587
(907) 783-2326
Crooked Creek Information Site
The Crooked Creek Information Site near Valdez perches between Prince
William Sound and the forested mainland. The site is open from Memorial Day
to Labor Day and is a popular place to watch wildlife and spawning salmon.
There is an underwater salmon camera at the site that can be viewed on
YouTube in the summer.
Hours
Activities
Contact us
9 am to 6 pm
Tuesday-Sunday,
closed Monday
Summer
(Closed in winter)
Information, viewing platform,
exhibits, ranger-led programs,
and Alaska Geographic bookstore.
Crooked Creek Information Site
Mile 0.5 Richardson Highway
Valdez, AK 99686
(907) 835-4680
Legacy of Land, Sea and Sky
Item #12293001
Discover Alaska Collection
This overview map of the entire 5.4-million-acre Chugach
National Forest indicates land ownership, public-use cabins,
campgrounds, hiking trails, and includes information on the
area’s human and natural history.
Pins, patches, magnets, hats
Item #35025002
Show your support for Chugach National Forest
with these collectable designs: Portage Valley,
Prince William Sound, Copper River Delta, Kenai
Peninsula. Exclusively from Alaska Geographic.
The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is a world-class facility with interactive,
multi-sensory exhibits, the Portage Valley Learning Center, the Alaska
Geographic bookstore, and a 200-seat theater that shows the film Retreat
and Renewal. Knowledgeable Forest Service interpreters provide programs on
the natural and cultural wonders of the Chugach National Forest. During your
visit, be sure to take a cruise on the MV Ptarmigan for a spectacular
view of Portage Glacier.
$10.00
Also available online at alaskageographic.org
Forest Partners
Not only is the Chugach National Forest known for its
recreation opportunities, but also for its innovative youth
programs. Engaging youth across the forest in varied
disciplines enables us to provide meaningful outdoor
career experience and create public stewards for the future.
Chugach Children’s Forest is a unique partnership between
Alaska Geographic and the Chugach National Forest; it
empowers and enables Alaskan youth to explore and care
for their public lands.
We work with the Student Conservation Association and
Environment of the Americas to engage youth and young
adult interns in forest-wid