Park Condition Reports
Last Update: November 21, 2024
PARK OPEN STATUS
TRAIL REPORTS & PARK CONDITIONS
Caines Head State Recreation Area - November 4
Chugach State Park - November 20
Denali State Park - November 21
Kachemak Bay State Park - October 31
Hatcher Pass East Mgmt. Area & Summit Lake SRS - November 20
Nancy Lake State Recreation Area - November 20
Shuyak Island State Park - July 19
Wood-Tikchik State Park - March 15
Latest News Releases
Director's Orders Regarding Various State Park Fees
Parking, Camping, Boat Launch, Historic Site Access, Programs, Sanitation, and Firewood
Fees for Public Use Cabins
Fees for Reserved Use of Park Facilities
Fees for Special Use Permits
Fees for Non-Competitive Commercial Use Permits
Director's Order Regarding Orders 340, 341, 342, 342, and 344.
Risk of Human-Bear Conflicts Closes Eagle River’s Albert Loop Trail
August 8, 2024 (Anchorage, AK) – Bears returning to feed on salmon near the Eagle River Nature Center have prompted Alaska State Parks managers to close the Albert Loop Trail and nearby areas, effective today Aug. 5, 2024.
The popular trail features several bridges across Eagle River and associated side channels, and winds past a number of beaver dams.
"Black and brown bears use the bridges and dams as fishing platforms, increasing the risk of human-bear conflict," said Ben Corwin, Chugach State Park Superintendent. "Since 1997, we’ve closed the trail each season to reduce the potential for interactions and to protect the safety and well-being of both humans and bears."
The closure does not affect the Iditarod/Crow Pass trail, the Rodak Loop and its viewing platforms, or the Dew Mound Trail, all accessible from the Eagle River Nature Center trailhead. The Albert Loop trail will likely be reopened at freeze-up when most bears go into hibernation.
Those recreating anywhere in Chugach State Park are encouraged to take appropriate bear-aware precautions and be prepared to encounter bears and other wild animals.
UPDATE 11/14/24: The Albert Loop Trail has reopened for use.
CONTACT: Ben Corwin, Chugach State Park Superintendent, 907-345-5014, csp@alaska.gov
Grants Available for Recreational Trails
August 1, 2024 (Anchorage, AK) – The Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (DPOR) is accepting grant applications for the Recreational Trails Program for fiscal year 2025. Approximately $2.2 million is available for eligible Alaska projects. The Recreational Trails grant program provides up to 90% matching for the cost of a project.
Funding for the program comes from the Federal Highway Administration, which has awarded Alaska $22 million (requiring $6 million in matching funds) for 571 projects since 1993. Alaska’s available apportionment is typically between $1 million and $1.5 million each year.
"The Recreational Trails Program is a primary source for outdoor recreation trails in Alaska, providing safe and accessible opportunities for Alaskans and visitors to our Great State," said Ricky Gease, Director of the Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation. "Grant categories include motorized, non-motorized, and diversified (winter and summer) projects."
The maximum individual grant award amounts for FY2025:
- $300,000 for Motorized/Motorized diversified projects
- $200,000 for Non-motorized/ Non-motorized diversified projects
Recreational Trails Program applications are due by Oct. 31, 2024. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, State of Alaska, local and federal government entities, native corporations and tribal governments. Interested parties can register on IRIS. The grants will be awarded between March and May of 2025. More information is available here: https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/grants/trails.htm.
The Department of Natural Resources' mission is to develop, conserve, and maximize the use of Alaska's natural resources consistent with the public interest.
CONTACT: Danette Berkovitz 907-269-8706, danette.berkovitz@alaska.gov
