If you are looking for a quick, easy hike through some of Alaska’s prettiest frozen scenery, the Rodak Nature Loop at Eagle River Nature Center (in Eagle River, AK) provides a hike that isn’t too challenging and a vista worth drooling over. It’s the perfect place to bring the whole family after a fresh snowfall or even when the temperatures drop! Come along while we show you why we think this is a great place to add to any bucket list that includes winter hikes in Alaska.

If you live in Alaska, you most likely adore the winter season.
Donald T / TripAdvisor
With stunning sunsets, white mountains covered in alpen glow, and beautiful frozen landscapes everywhere you turn, there's so much to love about Alaska's longest season.
The Rodak Nature Loop takes you into the heart of the Chugach State Park.
Faith Tufts / AllTrails
You can explore some of the natural beauty of the area without going too far from your car! Even though you're within a mile of the parking lot, it feels like you could be in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.
The trail is nicely maintained by the Eagle River Nature Center.
Faith Tufts / AllTrails
It's clearly marked and features nice aspects like a bridge and viewing decks. The viewing area offers panoramic scenery of the Chugach Mountain Range, one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Alaska.

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The entire hike is only an .8-mile long loop.
Faith Tufts / AllTrails
Depending on how long you stop to enjoy the scenery, you can finish this trail in less than 20 minutes. Or you can add on to the hike by exploring some of the other trails nearby.
And you don't have to worry about hiking up anything steep.
Faith Tufts / AllTrails
The total elevation gain for the entire hike is only 200 feet. And the steepest part is graded nicely, although if it's icy you might want to bring your ice grippers with you.
The hike is short and easy enough you should be able to get everyone in the whole family out on the trail.
Courtney Senas / AllTrails
In the summer, spring, and fall, this beautiful Alaska trail is even wheelchair accessible. It's also a great one to do while you push a stroller!
There is usually plenty of parking at the Eagle River Nature Center Visitor's parking lot.
Anj813 / TripAdvisor
There is a nominal fee for the public, or if you are already a member of the nature center, then it is free. The Eagle River Nature Center is open Fridays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. in the winter. The trails, however, are always open!

Have you ever hiked the Rodak Nature Loop? What did you think? Were the views amazing? Where do you like to spend winter in Alaska? Where would you go for great winter hiking in Alaska? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to make this hike a little longer, pair it with another hike at the center; to do so, check out The Albert Loop Is A Stunning Trail To Admire Alaska’s Fresh. Snowfall. You can learn more about these hikes on AllTrails.

Want to enjoy a very unique lodging experience? Check out this Dome Airbnb In Alaska Where You Can Truly Sleep Beneath The Aurora.

If you’re still in the mood for more Alaska adventures, take a look at this video:

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More to Explore

More To Love About Alaska

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | December 05, 2023

Where can we find museums in Alaska? 

  • The Tanana Valley Railroad Museum located in Fairbanks offers a wide array of interesting historical exhibits and fun train rides.
  • The Hammer Museum in Haines showcases historical hammers from many different cultures and illustrates the overall origins and evolution of tools.
  • The Alaska Museum of Science and Nature in Anchorage features an assortment of dinosaur bones and other relics related to the age of the dinosaur.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other intriguing museums in Alaska.

Where else can we enjoy outdoor adventures in Alaska?

  • Southeast Exposure Outdoor Adventure in Ketchikan is a tribute adventure situated in the middle of the Tongass National Forest.
  • The Icy Strait Point Zip Ride in Hoonah offers 6 thrilling zipline rides that are each 5,330 feet long.
  • The Running Reindeer Ranch in Fairbanks North Star Borough is a unique reindeer-led tour into the outback of Alaska.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other awesome places to enjoy outdoor adventures in Alaska.

Where can we go ice fishing in Alaska?

  • In the Kenai Peninsula some of the most popular ice fishing lakes are Summit, Hidden, Trail, Kenai, and the Canoe System Lakes,
  • In the Glennallen & Copper Valley Area head on out to Tonsina, Silver, Strelna, Van, Long, or Copper Lakes to pluck some fish from the frozen water.
  • In Anchorage some of the best places for ice fishing include Beach, Jewel, Mirror, DeLong, or Clunie Lakes.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other great spots to go ice fishing in Alaska.

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Featured Addresses
Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Rd, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA