Chugach National Forest

Bald Eagles, Rainforest, Sea Birds, Bears and Dall Sheep

Alaska’s Chugach National Forest extends over almost 7 million acres in Southcentral Alaska and includes mountainous areas in Prince William Sound, the Kenai Peninsula, and the Copper River Delta. With its vast expanse, the Chugach Forest’s wilderness is largely untouched by roads or trails. It is home to many Alaska birds, mammals, and marine species, including a bald eagle population larger than the continental 48 states combined.

Created in 1907 from a larger forest reserve, the Chugach Forest is technically a sub-polar rainforest between the Pacific Ocean and the icier alpine zone in the Pacific temperate region. The Kenai Peninsula section is home to over 200 colonies of seabirds, as well as between 3,000 and 5,000 bald eagles. The Copper River Delta portion of the forest is considered one of the essential shorebird habitats in the world, with over 20 million birds habituating there annually, including one-quarter of the world’s migrating trumpeter swans and dusky Canada geese. Other Chugach wildlife includes Dall sheep, moose, caribou, Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goats, and black and grizzly bears. Marine life is abundant with humpback whales, sea lions, and otters common in the waters surrounding Chugach shorelines, as well as all five species of Pacific salmon (king salmon, red salmon, silver salmon, chum salmon, and pink salmon).

Header photo courtesy Jack Bonney/Visit Anchorage

 

Choose from 34 vacations in Alaska related to Chugach National Forest

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Grand Alaska Guided Bus Tour

Great option as a stand-alone touring program or as a comprehensive land tour before or after an Alaska cruise. There is spectacular mountain scenery every day, with local sightseeing insights from a professional guide the entire tour—first, journey... Browse itinerary

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All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour

Explore three of Alaska's National Parks: Denali, Wrangell - St. Elias, and Kenai Fjords. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout. Travel on four designated National Scenic Byways showcasing Alaska's natural beauty with its jagged mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows,... Browse itinerary

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Turnagain Turnaround Tour

On this Anchorage day tour, travel with a small group along Turnagain Arm, one of the most scenic drives in Alaska. Your driver will pick you up from your Anchorage hotel and take you south along the Seward... Browse itinerary

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Denali & Glacier Experience

By train, travel along the scenic Seward and Portage Glacier Highways before entering the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the second-longest tunnel in North America. On arrival in Whittier, embark on the 26 Glacier Cruise with lunch. Enjoy viewing... Browse itinerary

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Family Fun Vacation by Car

An excellent family itinerary designed to allow for a leisurely travel pace with plenty of time for family-oriented activities. Top destinations include Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. Touring highlights include riding aboard a "whistle stop" train operated... Browse itinerary

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Alaska Highlights Self-Drive Tour

This independent Alaska self-drive tour features many of the state's most popular attractions and scenic roadways. Visit Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park and the cities of Anchorage, Fairbanks, Valdez, and Seward. The circular... Browse itinerary

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Alaska by Rail and Car Tour

This rail and road trip takes you from Anchorage to Fairbanks on a classic Alaska train trip aboard the Alaska Railroad with an independent tour by car from Fairbanks to Valdez, driving the scenic Richardson and Glenn Highways.... Browse itinerary

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Alaska Railroad Adventure

Touring Alaska by train is a relaxing way to experience all that the Great Land has to offer. Designed for independent travelers and train enthusiasts this tour utilizes several segments of the Alaska Railroad. This round trip itinerary... Browse itinerary

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Columbia Glacier Cruise

This Valdez day tour with a glacier and wildlife cruise through Prince William Sound features a visit to Columbia Glacier. On board, you can view Prince Williams Sound’s diverse wildlife, including sea lions, sea otters, and whales. Learn... Browse itinerary

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