Cross-Country Ski To Albert Loop Bridge

A beautiful cross-country ski trip out and back to the Albert Loop bridges. The ski out was really fun however all but one of us had taken our skis off by the time we got back to the Nature Center (guess which way is mostly uphill haha!). The trails are so well-used that underneath the snow is ice, not really anything bad it just affects how well you can use your poles.

Snowy Hike On Lower Baldy

We brought sleds but the snow was just a little too heavy and wet, and the incline just not steep enough to negate that. Still one of our favorite local hikes though!

Above The Clouds On Mount Baldy

This was an incredible hike up Mount Baldy to watch the sunset while Eagle River and Anchorage were under a blanket of fog. This hike is even better after crews with Chugach State Park have been installing switchbacks. There's a lot less scrambling for the kids.

Albert Loop Trail

 Another beautiful day on one of our favorite close-to-home hikes. We are so lucky.

Rodak Trail Eagle River Nature Center

The Eagle River Nature Center is a favorite of ours. So much scenery! There's a lot of trails to choose from the 5/8 mile Rodak to the 21 mile Crow Pass. When we just need to get the kids out of the house   it's usually Rodak with a stop by the hollow tree. The fairly short trail has two viewing decks. You'll see a lot of Instagrammers take photos from these spots, with some inferring that they're deep in Alaska backcountry (one popular 'grammer even brought their camp stove and enamel mugs to set up a camping scene just feet from one of the decks. I'm glad their followers liked it but it made me LOL). Anyways don't be fooled! I tell everyone that they should absolutely make a little time to go to the Nature Center - it's one of the fastest ways for us to immerse ourselves in Alaska without having to load up a pack (if you don't want). 

Rodak Trail After First Snow

Early snows are so magical here. Well, okay, any snow any time but when the sun comes high up in the sky and lights up everything around you it's pretty special.

South Fork Eagle River Trail

Every fall I hike this trail to photograph the glowing grass. The low autumn light hits the stalks just right and it feels like walking into a painting.

Reflections Lake

No filters, just nature at Reflections Lake.

Peters Creek Inlet Trail

 This is an easy hike that I can't find much information about online. It's in Chugiak off of Stoltze Dr. It's an easy hike through a birch forest opening into a grassy meadow. The mud can get really slick when wet so be aware! We've seen bear tracks in the silt and my hiking companion said they saw a beluga once so there's some opportunities to see wildlife. I