Local Alaska Parks
With the vast amount of state managed land there are some smaller gems that need recognition. These are some of the favorite Local Alaska Parks throughout the state. Explore the different facets of Alaska and take time to enjoy the space of this protected and preserved land. As always, respect and maintain the integrity of the outdoors we love here in Alaska. You can do this with Leave No Trace techniques and by checking regulations and usage updates of the parks.
Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area
Managed by a local business, Long Rifle Lodge, this local Alaska park is located by mile marker 101
A close up view of the Matanuska Glacier
on the Glenn Highway. From the roadside you can enjoy scenic views of the glacially carved Mat-Su Valley and spot the glacial run off and confluence of the Matanuska River. Take a birds eye view of the Matanuska Glacier. It is to be noted that this recreation site is not an entrance to the glacier. However, guided tours are available near by.
There are a small amount of dispersed campsites in the park that would provide a good base camp for any ice climbing or glacier trekking adventure. This park also puts you in a perfect spot to take a river excursion on the glacially fed river if you wish. The site has an interpretive nature trail within it and gives sight to the surrounding Chugach range and geological wonders of the valley. Here, you can experience wildlife sightings and native plants in abundance.
Chena River State Recreation Area
This park is found east of Fairbanks and centralized around the Chena River. Be aware of the similarly named Chena River State Recreation Site. These are two different sites. This recreation area is open to ATV and snowmobile use.
Reside in a rustic campground setting or reserve a public use cabin to centralize your wilderness explorations. This area is very close to the luxury of the Chena Hot Springs, just down the road. Nearby, the regularly stocked lakes in the park are ideal for catching fish. Because of regulation, catch-and-release fishing is your only option for the rivers. This place offers a great way to relax and experience the interior of Alaska.
Quartz Lake
This is a more popularized area situated southeast of Anchorage near Highway 2. This area borders not only quartz lake but two adjacent lakes, one known as ‘Little Lost Lake’. Early mineral prospectors named the area.
These lakes have a large amount of private land surrounding them, but there is public access. Quartz lake provides maintained hiking trails, and you can even find your our pathways on the 600 miles of public land. This destination is great for the summer but also winter activities. Many people enjoy ski-joring, ice fishing, and dog-sledding, to name a few.
Liberty Falls State Recreation Area
Liberty Falls is located right on the western edge of Wrangells – St. Elias National Park and Preserve. This picturesque area provides rustic camp amenities surrounded by superb vistas of snow covered mountains and running creeks. The forested area gives easy roadside access to it’s namesake, the Liberty Falls.
Enjoy wildlife sightings and variety of outdoor recreation sports. Because of changing availability and seasonal conditions, call the information line to see what information is current at (907) 823-2265. This recreation site is a great home base to navigate the Wrangells-St. Elias park as well as explore the Mat-Su Valley. This area lies close to the Chitina in the Copper River Valley, known for its seclusion and vast expanse of wild terrain.
Sitka National Historic Park
A collection of native totem poles greets you at this island comprised of coniferous forest. This park is a historic site where the invading Russian battled the indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit. Because no roads connect the city to the mainland, Sitka can be reached only by air or sea. Sitka is situated on Baranof Island, on the outer coast of Alaska’s Inside Passage. This is Alaska’s oldest federally designated cultural and historic park.
There is a visitor center where you can see indigenous artwork and learn about the history of the island and the totems. Travel the shores by sea kayak and explore bays for tidal glaciers. The nearby forest floors are laden with native flora and excellent for mushroom finding opportunities. Take the chance to wander the woods or explore rocky beaches that overlook the cloud covered ocean. This rainforest ecosystem is abundant with paramount views and adventure opportunities. A great park to enjoy the coastal side of Alaska.
Kincaid Park
Nestled in the city of Anchorage, this is a locals favorite recreation space. Frequented in the summer by hikers, bikers, and disc golfers, this park is adapting to the community it serves. In 2009 the city installed a 18 hole disc golf course for usage. During the winter months this local Alaska park is home to biathlon races as well as skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. Cross country trails zig-zag the park and give views to surrounding hallmarks such as Denali. An easily centralized park for adventure and leisure.
The gates to the park are open from 10 am to 10 pm everyday. In 2009 and 2010 additional soccer fields and stadium seating were created for recreationists. This park may be in the city but is still home to many wild animals, so keep your eyes peeled. There is also a small lake that rests within the park that people enjoy fishing and boating during the summer, the Little Campbell Lake. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail connects from Kincaid Park to downtown Anchorage as well. This is as close to a wilderness experience as you can get within city limits.
Homer is a hallmark area for coastal views and experiences
Bishop’s Beach Park
Find wonders in tide pools and experience a coastal fishing town from the shores of Bishop’s Beach
Park. This park is located in Homer. The shoreline here is decorated with smoothed stones that sit on sanded beaches, speckled with driftwood. Additionally, when the tide goes out, this place is perfect for exploring tide pools. Here, you can check out anemones, star fish, jellyfish and many more species. This beach gains and loses considerable yardage in short amounts of time with the tide changes. Thus, providing more shoreline space than on average for coastal adventures.
As misty morning clouds burn off with the afternoon sun you will be able to look out over the bay and catch glimpses of seals and otters playing in the water. If you are lucky, you may even catch a whale sighting. Eagles perch themselves atop nearby dead trees in search of possible fish to catch and scour the shores for anything to scavenge. This beach has a trail that runs parallel to the shore so you can take in the coastal mountain views while you are there as well.
