Chugach National Forest
Chugach National Forest (USDA Forest Service) · Girdwood, Alaska
The second-largest national forest in the United States, covering about 5.4 million acres of mountains, glaciers and coast on the Kenai Peninsula, around Prince William Sound and across the Copper River Delta, and the most northerly national forest in the country. Much of Southcentral Alaska's outdoor life happens here: salmon fishing on the Russian River, glacier views in Portage Valley, long trails such as Resurrection Pass and Crow Pass, and dozens of public-use cabins reachable by trail, boat or float plane. The Alaska Railroad's whistle stop at Spencer Glacier drops hikers in roadless valleys, and the Copper River Delta near Cordova hosts huge spring shorebird migrations. In 2026 the Forest Service warned of a potential landslide above Portage Lake that could cause a tsunami, and reported avalanche debris on the Byron Glacier Trail.
Portage Valley, Portage Glacier Road, Girdwood, Alaska, 99587, United States
The forest is open year-round. Visitor centres, campgrounds and cabins keep seasonal hours; the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center hours vary by season (check). Check Chugach National Forest alerts before travelling.
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