If you’re looking for a fun, easy hike with incredible scenery, Bird Valley Trail runs across the valley floor following a stunning creek. Only a 30 minute drive outside of Anchorage, this beautiful trail is a haven for spotting wildlife, especially bears coming to eat the spawning salmon!

This fun trail is an easy one that follows along Bird Creek.

Justin Helmer / AllTrails There is very little elevation gain, around 198 feet. If you continue on to the less developed trail the last 4 miles that is popular with ATVs, there is an additional 200 feet of elevation gain.

The creek is beautiful to follow as it flows into the inlet.

Arika Browne / AllTrails This is a salmon spawning creek, so there’s plenty of wildlife to view! Including bears, so be sure to practice bear safety by bringing bear spray and being vocal on the trail.

The trail is a total of 19.3 miles, out and back.

Arika Browne / AllTrails It’s located in the third largest state park in the United States, the Chugach State Park. There are over 500,000 acres of gorgeous Alaskan wilderness surrounding you!

This trail can connect to a large series of smaller trails, so you can wind your way around and explore the whole valley floor.

somabrak / TripAdvisor It’s very popular all year round, including in the winter. Because of the maze of trails it’s important to stay oriented and remember where you need to go to head back to your car!

The stunning scenery offers gorgeous views during your hike, whether you’re headed through forest or wildflower dotted meadows.

Nate D / TripAdvisor The trail is open to many types of recreational activities, including horseback riding, ATVs, cross country skiing, mountain biking, and more! Dogs are welcome too, but must be on a leash.

The best part about this trail is you’re able to choose your skill level.

Arika Browne / AllTrails Stay along the valley floor for an an easy hike and turn around when you start to become tired. Or take one of the side trails and ascend Bird Pass or Penguin Peak for a real workout!

The trailhead is open year round!

Cameron Wheelock / AllTrails You can find parking at the Bird Valley Trailhead at this Address: 101.2 Seward Highway, Alaska. There is a $5.00 daily pass parking fee.

Have you ever hiked the Bird Valley Trail? Did you enjoy it? Would you recommend it? Let us know in the comments below!

Justin Helmer / AllTrails

There is very little elevation gain, around 198 feet. If you continue on to the less developed trail the last 4 miles that is popular with ATVs, there is an additional 200 feet of elevation gain.

Arika Browne / AllTrails

This is a salmon spawning creek, so there’s plenty of wildlife to view! Including bears, so be sure to practice bear safety by bringing bear spray and being vocal on the trail.

It’s located in the third largest state park in the United States, the Chugach State Park. There are over 500,000 acres of gorgeous Alaskan wilderness surrounding you!

somabrak / TripAdvisor

It’s very popular all year round, including in the winter. Because of the maze of trails it’s important to stay oriented and remember where you need to go to head back to your car!

Nate D / TripAdvisor

The trail is open to many types of recreational activities, including horseback riding, ATVs, cross country skiing, mountain biking, and more! Dogs are welcome too, but must be on a leash.

Stay along the valley floor for an an easy hike and turn around when you start to become tired. Or take one of the side trails and ascend Bird Pass or Penguin Peak for a real workout!

Cameron Wheelock / AllTrails

You can find parking at the Bird Valley Trailhead at this Address: 101.2 Seward Highway, Alaska. There is a $5.00 daily pass parking fee.

If you’re near Girdwood, grab lunch after the hike and Eat Your Way Through This One Tiny Town In Alaska!

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