Snowmobiling Areas in Chugach State Park

The following areas will be posted open to the use of snowmobiles when the Chugach State Park superintendent has determined that the snow depths are adequate to protect the underlying land and vegetation. A 24-hour recorded message, with status of all snowmachine areas within Chugach State Park, can be heard by calling 269-8400 and pressing extension "1". See the Alaska State Parks current events page for the latest information.

All snowmobiles operating on state land must be registered with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and display a valid decal. Contact the DMV for further information.

Note: Park's winter map.

EKLUTNA LAKE VALLEY

The snowmobile area is the valley bottom, from the Eklutna Lake Trailhead to the toe of Eklutna Glacier. Areas not opened to snowmobiles are Twin Peaks Trail, Bold Ridge Trail and East Fork drainage.

To access the Eklutna Lake Trailhead, take the Eklutna exit at Mile 26 of the Glenn Highway and follow the park signs ten miles to Eklutna Lake.

Users in the Eklutna Lake Valley will have views of steep canyon walls, waterfalls and the Eklutna Lake Glacier. Wildlife such as Dall sheep and mountain goats may be seen as well. Use of the Lakeside Trail is advised, as the lake ice can be unstable, especially at the edges. Caution must be used when crossing the lake ice.

PTARMIGAN VALLEY & PETERS CREEK VALLEY

The Ptarmigan Valley (also known as "Little Peters Creek") is open to snowmobiles and can be accessed from the trailhead off the Old Glenn Highway (next to the Rural Discount Center, east side of the highway, one mile south of the Chugiak Senior Center). There are nice woodland views at lower elevations. Be sure to stay on the trails in these areas. There are also views of upper Cook Inlet and Eagle River from this area. Please obey the speed limit within the Ptarmigan Valley, which helps to reduce noise level impact on nearby residential areas.

The Peters Creek Valley is opened down valley from the small creek that enters Peters Creek from the north within Section 19, Township 14 North, Range 2 East, Seward Meridian. Please note that the last mile of the valley beyond the creek lies within a wilderness zone. Access to this area is via the Peters Creek Exit at Mile 21 of the Glenn Highway. A city map will assist you in locating Malcom Drive where the trailhead is located. There are no signs at the trailhead or trailhead parking. Please respect the private land the first 2.5 miles of the trail. After the first 5 miles, the trail is unmarked and easily lost. Please be aware that there are unbridged stream crossings, steep slopes and gullies that are prone to avalanches.

EAGLE RIVER

Only the surface of Eagle River and its gravel bars from the confluence of Icicle Creek and Eagle River in Section 25, Township 13 North, Range 1 East, Seward Meridian, downstream to the Glenn Highway are open to snowmobiles. The South Fork and Meadow Creek are closed.

Access to the snowmachine area are via the Briggs Bridge Access off of Eagle River Loop Road or the North Fork Access (Mile 7.4 of Eagle River Road). At the North Fork Access, you will need to use the bridge and trail to get to the main river. Travel on the North Fork is very hazardous. While on the river, beware of thin ice, open water and overflow

UPPER HUFFMAN, SOUTH FORK OF CAMPBELL CREEK (Powerline Pass)

The South Fork of Campbell Creek (south of Sections 28 & 29, Township 12 North, Range 2 West, Seward Meridian) which is the signed area up-valley of the Glenn Alps access to Powerline Pass and the access corridor from Upper Huffman are accessible from the Upper Huffman Trailhead. The Middle Fork (Williwaw Lakes Valley) is closed to snowmobiles. In addition Boundary between upper valley and lower valley is signed.

There is good parking ($5 per day fee or you may purchase a Day Use Pass) and an off-loading ramp. This Alpine area receives early snowfall. Hazards include steep avalanche prone slopes, especially near Powerline Pass, uneven terrain and many small creeks.

BIRD CREEK

The open area is from Bird Creek Drainage down stream from the Quartz Creek Ford in Section 23, Township 11 North, Range 1 West Seward Meridian and upstream of the park access. To access this area go to Mile 101 of the Seward Highway to the Bird Creek Trailhead, then turn toward the mountains and go .6 miles to park at the trailhead and gate. The main trail follows the creek up the valley floor. Ride with care, as there are large trees in this area.

Please respect the private property near the trailhead. Parking is poor and we ask that you not block access for the local residents.

For further information, you may contact the Chugach State Park Headquarters office at 345-5014 or the Public Information Center in Anchorage at 269-8400.