Rules of Chugach State Park

Aircraft landings are limited to the "Bold" Airstrip, located at the up-valley end of Eklutna Lake. Be aware that the gravel airstrip is not maintained. 11 AAC 20.020

ATVs or small off road vehicles are allowed on two trails in the park: the Bird Creek Trail and the Eklutna Lakeside Trail. Eklutna Trail is open to ATVs Sunday through Wednesday, April 1st through November 30th only. ATVs must have safety equipment as required by state law. Operators must have a valid driver's license, or have an instruction permit and be accompanied by an adult of 18 or older, or, if under 14 years, be accompanied by an adult of 21 years or older. Please note that motorcycles are prohibited. 11 AAC 20.015, AS 28.15.011, AS 28.151

Bicycles and mountain bikes are allowed on some former road surfaces within the park. These areas provide good visibility and a good surface for riding. Some excellent biking trails are: the Eklutna Lakeside Trail (12 miles), the Peters Creek Trail (first 5 miles), the Near Point Trail from Prospect Heights to end of homestead roadbed (3 miles), and the Powerline Trail from Glen Alps to Indian (11 miles). Bicycles are also permitted on the gasline trail from Prospect Heights to Indian, from Prospect Heights to the old Homestead site on the Middle Fork Trail (about 3 miles), and the Bird Creek logging trails. Other trails in the park are closed to bike use. 11 AAC 20.050

Boats permitted on Eklutna Lake are non-motorized or with an electric motor only. Boats must be carried by hand to the lake, a distance of up to several hundred yards. (All motorized and non-motorized boats 10 feet long or greater are required to be registered.) 11 AAC 20.025

Fireworks are not permitted in the park. They can injure visitors, disturb wildlife and cause fires. 11 AAC 12.195

Fires are allowed in portable camp stoves, metal fire rings provided by the park and on the river gravel bars of Eklutna, Peters Creek, Bird Creek and the main stem of Eagle River at times of low water. A random campfire can cause a scar that lasts for decades. Destroy fire rings that others may have made. 11 AAC 12.180

Berries and edible plants may be gathered for personal consumption, but not for sale. Disturbing rocks, trees, or other plants is not allowed. 11 AAC 12.170
Wood that is both dead and lying on the ground may be gathered for use in park firepits. 11 AAC 12.170

Goldpanning is allowed year round, except in streams that support salmon (Eagle River, Ship Creek, Bird Creek and Indian Creek), which are open only May 16 to July 14. Only those areas below the high water line (unvegetated gravel bars and stream beds) may be disturbed, and only a pan and shovel may be used-no motorized equipment or chemicals are allowed. 11 AAC 20.045

Guns and other weapons may be carried for self protection. Target practice is forbidden in the park. During legal hunting seasons (limited seasons, limited areas), discharge of weapons is not allowed within one half mile of any campground, picnic area, ski area or other facility, or any roadway in the park including the Seward Highway. 11 AAC 20.010

Horses are allowed in most of the park. However, campgrounds and picnic areas, the Eagle River Valley from Crow Pass to the Nature Center, the Meadow Creek Drainage, the Turnagain Arm Trail, and the Flattop Mountain Trails are closed to horse riding. The park in the vicinity of the Glen Alps Trailhead is also closed to horse use except for one trail from the Glen Alps parking area to the Powerline Trail. Other trails in the Hillside area are generally open but may be closed seasonally to prevent damage. 11 AAC 20.015

Hunting and fishing are permitted in parts of the park during legal seasons. The required hunting and fishing licenses, and regulations published by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, are available at local sporting goods stores. A detailed chart about hunting in the park, and the rest of Unit 14C, is found in the published hunting regulations at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Mudflats in the intertidal areas along Turnagain Arm invite exploring, but the solid surface of the glacial muds suddenly change to quicksand. People and animals trapped in the mud have drowned in the rapidly rising tides, despite rescue efforts. PLEASE STAY OFF THE MUDFLATS.

Pets must be on leash at all visitor centers, campgrounds, picnic areas and trailheads, and under voice control in the backcountry. Please clean up after your pet. In campgrounds, pet noise is not permitted after 11 p.m. 11 AAC 12.130

Permits are required for the organized assembly of more than 20 people, any entertainment, athletic, or competitive event, reserving the use of picnic shelters, visitor centers or other facilities, research involving disturbance or collection of park resources, and for commercial activities (guided river trips, sales of food or firewood, etc.). Permits are available by contacting the park at 345-5014.

Snowmobiles are allowed in 5 areas of the park when snow conditions are adequate. All snowmobiles must be currently registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles before they can be operated in any state park, and must have required safety equipment.

Vehicles must remain on roadways, parking areas, or camping pads. Posted speed limits and parking regulations are enforced for your safety. 11AAC12.020