Winter Valley and Forest Hike: An Immersive Experience in Alaska's Boreal Landscapes
4.3
9 Ratings
Anchorage
Embark on a winter hike through Alaska's boreal landscapes, capturing stunning photos and exploring glaciated valleys. Spot wildlife and learn from an experienced guide. Join us now!
Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chugach State Park - We will begin by visiting the Chugach State Park’s best waterfall, Barbara Falls. What a sight to behold! Afterwards, we will head to the confluence of North and South Fork Eagle River where a clearing in the woods exposes the Chugach mountains for miles. This is a perfect location to take amazing photos.

Onward we will go through snow covered spruces while keeping an eye out for wildlife. If Eagle River is frozen, we will have the opportunity of hiking on top of it, which is really a treat! We may see the “American Dipper” swimming in an unfrozen tributary warmed by geothermal heat. They swim in water when the air temperature is below freezing to keep warm. We may also see moose, small mammals like the snowshoe hare or red fox, and rodents such as the porcupine or voles. At a distance approximately 6 miles in length, and a non-strenuous grade, most people can feel comfortable participating.

Transportation included in total time of tour:
(1 hour transportation & 4 hours hiking)

What's Included
  • Snow gaiters available upon request
  • Snacks included
  • Day Packs, Trekking Poles, and Microspikes provided
What's Not Included
  • No hotel, B&B, Air B&B, or other accommodation pickups.
  • Must meet at designated meeting location or provide own transportation to trailhead.
  • Snowboots or high-top hiking shoes.
  • Appropriate clothing for snow.
Additional Information

If you haven’t tried hiking in the winter, you should give it a go. The thrill of winter trekking is wonderful, and it’s good for your mental and physical health during the long periods of darkness and chill. This trip offers ample chances for photography, and a thorough exposure to the diverse natural elements of Alaska’s boreal forests, including a visit to a local waterfall. Does that sound appealing?

• Trek along the frosty Eagle River in Chugach State Park and marvel at the icy Barbara Falls!
• Ideal for independent explorers and couples.
• Immerse yourself in the stunning vistas. Your camera will love the fantastic scenery!
• Gain insight into Alaska’s glaciated valleys and boreal forests from a knowledgeable guide.
• Possibility of encountering wildlife such as moose, hare, voles, and porcupine!
• Package includes a pre-arranged snack, compliments of Kat’s Epic Trail Bites. We’ll also supply micro-spikes for navigating icy trails.

Sign up for a quintessential Alaskan journey today!

  • Experience Suggestions: No experienced required, but you should be able to walk at least 7 miles on flat pavement, or 5 miles of uneven rolling terrain over the course of roughly 4 hours. Some parts of the trail are steep and hilly, placing additional stress on areas of the body not impacted by level terrain. Not recommended for those with cardiac or respiratory issues/illness. May be difficult for those with severe joint issues.
  • Participation waiver signature required prior to departure.
  • If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know and we will accommodate you with a different snack option.
  • Appropriate winter clothing and footwear is the guests responsibility.
Location
William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center
West 5th Avenue
Meeting, Transportation, and Parking Information: Our meetup spot is in front of the Egan Center. There are parking garages in the area if you need them. ​You may also choose to meet us at the trailhead using your own arranged transportation, just notify us in advance.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(9 Ratings)
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E6616wogeorgef
Apr 25, 2024
Absolutely Wonderful Experience with Go Hike Alaska! - My hike with Go Hike Alaska was first class from start to finish! It was a fairly easy hike in a beautiful area near the Chugach Mountains with gorgeous scenery throughout. The guide, Bryce was fantastic! He was on time for pickup, enthusiastic and very informative throughout the hike. Bryce shared his great knowledge of the plants and wildlife we saw along the way. It was a good workout but Bryce gave us time to admire the many amazing vistas. I highly recommend Go Hike Alaska to anyone who wants to see the best Alaska has to offer!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Escape21308959499
Jan 17, 2023
Beautiful hike and moose! - My wife and I had the best time on our hike with Leah! The trail was beautiful and we saw 3 moose. Leah was super knowledgeable and we learned so much about the area and Alaska flora/fauna. We highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Allison_p
Mar 10, 2022
Winter wonderland - Very easy walk through the forest. Great way to get out and learn a bit about the frozen landscape. Our guide Leah knew all the plants around, we even found some edible berries to try! She pointed out a new beaver house, and we got to see a moose. What I really appreciated was she allowed the tour to run a bit late, asking us first, so we could make time for Barbara falls!
Review provided by Viator
Ashley_s
Feb 20, 2022
The valley was beautiful,... - The valley was beautiful, and Greg was great!!! The waterfall was so pretty! It was awesome to see when the ice was frozen over, pictures turned out beautiful!
Review provided by Viator
Beepoole
Feb 11, 2021
Hiking in Alaska..This is how it’s done! - The frozen waterfall left me in awe..Walking along the frozen river was was quite an experience. Matt’s love for this place shines through, couple that with the beauty of the forest made this hike an extraordinary experience! Couldn’t have asked for a better guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Regularnewyorker
Jan 23, 2020
Awesome hike - Awesome experience! Matthew was an awesome guide and is very knowledgable of the area. Anyone looking for an alaska experience in nature should definitely give this a try
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Larry_c
Mar 9, 2022
Don’t miss Barbara Falls - The hike at Eagle River Nature Center had beautiful views of the mountains and a moose. It was a nice forested hike with fairly easy terrain. Our guide Leah pointed out lots of plants, even in the snow, and a new beaver lodge. Barbara Falls was spectacular with ice formations and flowing water. A great way to get out and experience this landscape that is close to the city.
Review provided by Viator
Marina_c
Jan 2, 2023
Very overpriced for what you get - I can’t believe we paid $150 per person to take a walk in the woods. This was soooo overpriced. The views were very foggy too, so we didn’t see much.
Review provided by Viator
Njcsmeets
Apr 20, 2024
Not worth your money - Very overpriced. The hike is really easy, it is basically a walk in the forest. There is not much of a challenge to it. You could easily do it yourself by following the signs or follow a trail on AllTrails. The guide was friendly and it’s nice that transportation is included. But the guide did not add much value, he pointed out one or two plants along the way. Spikes and hiking sticks are provided, but not really needed since it’s a relatively flat trail and not icey at all. Overall, we had high expectations for a guided hike that pricey, but those were not met. We felt like we’d been robbed/scammed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor