The Park In Alaska That Transforms Into An Ice Palace In The Winter
By Megan McDonald
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Published February 20, 2023
Alaska is a verifiable winter wonderland each year, and every spot in the state brings something special to the table. But the Chugach State Park in winter is something else! With so many gorgeous, accessible frozen waterfalls and hikes frequently coated in ice after a hoar frost, this incredible park is the place to be each winter season.
Chugach State Park is a place of wonder and amazement, especially during the winter season.
The park is a vast expanse of rugged wilderness that is home to a wide range of wildlife, from moose and black bears to bald eagles and lynx. But what makes the winter season particularly special in Chugach State Park are the frozen waterfalls and glaciers that can be found scattered throughout the park.
Chugach State Park is located in Southcentral Alaska, just an easy 20-minute drive outside of Anchorage.
Chugach State Park covers around 495,000 acres of land and is one of the four largest state parks in the United States. It’s a stunning place that looks like an ice palace each winter.
The park is so large it encompasses areas from Prince William Sound to the Wrangell Mountains and all the way to the Alaska Range.
The park is so massive that it holds huge lakes, many glaciers, and even ice fields. There are plenty of accessible entries into the park where you can go explore and wonder at the beauty of Alaska in the winter.
Some of the more popular places to explore in Chugach State Park in the winter is the waterfall Virgin Creek Falls in Girdwood.
A half-mile hike brings you within an easy distance of a beautiful frozen waterfall. But Chugach State Park has plenty of frozen waterfalls to visit.
We also love the frozen waterfalls in Eagle River.
The Barbara Falls trail is an easier one to do, even with the youngest family members. Take a 15-minute hike out to stunning ice formations on this beautiful winter walk.
More of Chugach State Park's waterfalls are found in Eklutna Canyon, where you'll find not just one but several frozen waterfalls.
Our favorite is the Thunderbird Falls hike, where you can travel over moderately easy terrain to be greeted by a frozen waterfall masterpiece. Or check out the Eklutna, Portage, or Knik Glaciers, all relatively easy to see and get to within the Chugach State Park.
Chugach State Park is a magical place during the winter season, with its frozen waterfalls, breathtaking glaciers, and stunning scenery.
Whether you are an experienced hiker or a first-time visitor, there is something for everyone in this incredible Alaska state park. So pack your bags, bundle up, and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Have you ever visited Chugach State Park in winter? What did you think? Was it utterly magical? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for more fun things to do in the winter? Read all about these amazing places in Alaska in the winter.
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Chugach State Park, 18620 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA