November 22, 2024 (Anchorage, AK) – Parking fees at all Alaska State Parks facilities on Friday, Nov. 29 will be waived to give Alaskans another reason to get outside during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend!

"Each year, Alaska State Parks offers free parking on this day in hopes that it encourages more Alaskans to experience our state’s great outdoors with their families and friends," said Ricky Gease, director of the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. "On a day when many people tend to shop and spend money, getting outside costs us nothing yet pays dividends for our future in health benefits. This time of year also coincides with our launch of the annual Alaska State Parks parking pass."

Yearly parking decals make recreating in the 157 Alaska State Parks facilities easier and more cost-effective all year long. Day-use parking passes are $60 per vehicle, while boat launch annual decals are $150.

Alaska State Parks 2025 Day-Use parking decal stickers are available online, and for in-person sales at locations throughout Alaska:
- DNR Public Information Center - Anchorage
- REI - Anchorage
- The Hoarding Marmot - Anchorage
- Alaska Mountaineering & Hiking - Anchorage
- Alaska Public Lands Information Center - Fairbanks
- REI - Fairbanks
- Beaver Sports - Fairbanks
- Homer Chamber of Commerce (after mid-December)
- Seward Chamber of Commerce (after mid-December)
- Additional locations will be posted online as the passes arrive

The 2025 pass will be honored for the rest of 2024 as well.

For information and online decal sales, visit https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/fees.htm. For 2023-2027 Disabled Veteran camping passes, contact the Anchorage Public Information Center at 907-269-8700.

Day-use decals are popular holiday gifts, and bulk sales may be arranged by calling the division’s Community Engagement office at 907-269-8738.

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: Wendy Sailors, 907-269-8738, wendy.sailors@alaska.gov

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

Mission Statement

"The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation provides outdoor recreation opportunities and conserves and interprets natural, cultural, and historic resources for the use, enjoyment, and welfare of the people."

Accessibility Notice

Donate To

Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Atwood Building
550 West 7th Avenue
Suite 1380
Anchorage, AK 99501
DNR Public Information Center:
(907) 269-8400