Overview: Hope Point is a steep and spectacular day-hike perched above Turnagain Arm in Chugach National Forest. Despite its relatively short distance, the trail delivers dramatic panoramic views of Resurrection and Porcupine Creek valleys, the rugged Chugach Mountains, and the sweeping waters of Turnagain Arm. The route ventures through berry-laden forests and alpine slopes, offering hikers a thrilling ascent and rewarding vistas.

Overview: The Lost Lake Trail is a spectacular full-day hike nestled within Chugach National Forest, winding through old-growth rainforest, dramatic canyons, and high alpine terrain to a serene glacial lake. It’s celebrated for its lush Sitka spruce and hemlock forests, mountain-framed vistas—including Resurrection Bay and Mount Ascension—and the chance to encounter wildlife like marmots, mountain goats, moose, and bears. Perfect for both adventurous day hikers and those aiming for backcountry exploration.

Overview: The Slaughter Ridge (Slaughter Gulch) Trail near Cooper Landing in Chugach National Forest is a steep, short-but-intense climb that rewards hikers with sweeping alpine views of Kenai Lake, the Kenai River valley, and ragged mountain ridgelines. It’s a classic Kenai Peninsula ridge hike — lots of elevation packed into a relatively short distance — making it a favorite for day hikers who want big panoramas without an overnight commitment.

Overview: The Byron Glacier Trail in the Portage Valley (Chugach National Forest area) is a short, easy hike that delivers big glacier scenery without a long approach. The trail follows a creek up a narrow, glacier-scoured valley and ends at a viewpoint near the toe of Byron Glacier, where you can take in sweeping icefields, moraine-scoured rock, and dramatic mountain walls. The route is family-friendly and popular for day hikers who want a close glacier view within a modest outing.

Overview: The Portage Pass Trail in Chugach National Forest is a short but spectacular hike that rewards a relatively brief, steep climb with sweeping views of Portage Glacier, Portage Lake, and the surrounding snow-clad Chugach peaks. Hikers follow a historic pass used by native peoples and early travelers, then drop down to the gravel shores of Portage Lake where the glacier’s blue ice and calving fronts dominate the scene.