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Experience the Chugach

This northernmost national forest encompasses temperate rainforest, miles of coastline, islands, glaciers and rivers.

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Welcome to Chugach National Forest

From the Kenai Peninsula, across the Prince William Sound to the Copper River Delta, the Chugach National Forest offers visitors the adventure of a lifetime. With over 500 miles of trails and many more of coastline, flourishing wildlife, salmon runs, world class birding, mountains, ice fields, lakes, rivers, and wetlands myriad opportunities for discovery await. 

Choose your own adventure via plane, boat, car, foot, skiis, snow machine, or train! The Chugach National Forest is the perfect place to connect with nature and enjoy the results of committed stewardship.

 

Chugach NF Visitor Guide

Guided hike at Girdwood Fungus Fair

The Chugach National Forest Visitor Guide offers maps and opportunities by geographic region and an excellent place to begin your visit. 

Don't Forget Your Boots!

A simple illustration of two marshmallows one sticks being roasted over a fire. The background is a dark grey with six drawn, 5-pointed stars.

Are you a youngster new to the Chugach National Forest? Not a problem! We have the perfect beginner's guide right here for your convenience. In this guide you will learn where the best starter hikes are, what snacks to pack and the difference between a fly and a lure so you can fish with the best!

"Caring for the land and serving people"

Original graphic USFS motto

This inspired motto conveys the U.S. Forest Service mission with clarity and hopefulness. It has endured for more than 40 years. 

What we believe
Aerial view of the blue ice and dark debris bands criss-crossing the surface of Childs Glacier where it calves into the river.
A brown bear peaks above some wildflowers in a meadow.
A flock of snow geese take flight from the Alaganik Slough with distant view of snowy mountain range.
A fly fisherman wades into the Russian River under a canopy of trees with sunlight glinting off the water's surface.
Orange Fungus fill the view with other foliage.
Sandpipers lift off at Hartney Bay in Cordova, Alaska
A tiny person stands with arms raised in front of a huge iceberg on a frozen lake near Sheridan Glacier
A snowboarder surveys the view from a snowy summit.
Otters swim in the ocean near Cordova, AK.
A pair of moose enjoy a view near a small spruce tree.

Recent Press Releases

Public input requested on proposed cabin fee changes

Release Date: May 23rd, 2025

Russian River Campground closed March 24 – June 3 for construction

Release Date: March 21st, 2025

Revised Forest Service policy supports long-standing traditional use of Alaska’s ANILCA cabins

Release Date: January 8th, 2025
View All Press Releases
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