Eagle River Trail Hike: Boreal Forest & Falls

Eagle River trail walk with guide highlighting local flora and fauna in a glaciated valley

A guided hike through the Eagle River trail system in Chugach State Park covers 6 miles of boreal forest, salmon spawning streams and the historic Crow Pass, ending at Barbara Falls where you can walk to the base. A naturalist guide leads the day in English, pointing out the forest ecology, wildlife and seasonal berries and fungi. The tour includes a prepacked snack, day packs and trekking poles on request, and runs about 5 hours with transportation included. Children from age 8 are welcome, and the terrain is non-strenuous grade, though some sections are steep and hilly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Eagle River trail and Barbara Falls

• Travel to Eagle River trail system
• Learn about boreal forests and ecology
• Hike approximately 6 miles on easy trail
• Observe wildlife and edible berries
• Visit Barbara Falls and hike to base
• Return from trail to starting point

The experience

What makes this hike different from a walk in the park is the guide. A naturalist who knows what you're looking at in the boreal forest. The Eagle River trail system sits in a glaciated valley in Chugach State Park, and the trees here are a mix of photogenic birch and aspen with giant spruces, plus smaller willows, alders and devil's club. If berries and fungi are in season, the guide will point them out and you can try a few. The 6-mile route is non-strenuous grade, which means most people feel comfortable on it, though some sections are steep and hilly: the kind of walking that uses different muscles than flat pavement.

The day includes about 4 hours of hiking plus 1 hour of transportation, and wildlife sightings are possible: moose, Dall sheep, bears at a distance, plus smaller mammals and birds. The Eagle River also hosts salmon spawning streams, so depending on the season you may see them. After the main trail, you meander over to Barbara Falls and hike right up to the base of the falls. A prepacked snack (granola bar, apple and cheese stick) is included. Day packs and trekking poles are available if you need them. You meet at a designated trailhead location and provide your own transportation there, or arrange it separately.

What’s included

• A naturalist guide in English.
• prepacked snack of granola bar, apple and cheese stick.
• day packs and trekking poles available on request.
• transportation to and from the trailhead included in the 5-hour tour time.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 2 May 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 to 80 years) · Youth (8 to 15 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Go Hike Alaska

Is this one for you?The hike asks for about 4 hours of walking over 6 miles of uneven terrain with some steep sections, so it suits travelers with moderate fitness who are comfortable on rolling ground and can handle hills, not a flat stroll, but a pace most people manage without scrambling.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 15 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Crow Pass and why is it part of this hike?

Crow Pass is a section of the Eagle River trail system that is part of the historic Iditarod trail, once used by dog sled mushers. It sits within the route you walk on this tour.

Will I see bears or moose on this hike?

Wildlife viewing is possible on the Eagle River trail system, including moose, Dall sheep, bears at a distance, and various small mammals and birds. What you encounter depends on the season and the day.

How steep is the Eagle River trail?

The trail is non-strenuous grade overall, which means most people can walk it comfortably. Some sections are steep and hilly, placing additional stress on areas of the body not used by level terrain, so moderate physical fitness is needed.

What snacks are provided?

A prepacked snack of a granola bar, apple and cheese stick is included. If you have dietary restrictions, let the operator know and they will provide a different snack option.

Do I need my own trekking poles and day pack?

Day packs and trekking poles are available upon request, so you do not need to bring your own unless you prefer to.