Leaving the summertime bustle of downtown Anchorage behind, it's a 40-minute drive with your guide to the trailhead of this Valley & Forest Hike. The route out of town is a lovely intro to the scenery you'll see on the trail. Craggy mountains rise higher and higher along the road as it winds alongside the Eagle River, eventually ending at the Eagle River Nature Center and Chugach State Park.
Superb valley views.
From here the trail gently descends through contrasting microclimates. Twisting cottonwoods, meadows of tall grass, and groves of birch and aspen neighbor one another. As you continue along the path your guide points out the dynamic forest's features, bring into focus the array of plants and animals within: Devil's club and ferns, chittering birds and maybe even a distant bear. It's an ecological journey as much as a physical one and the miles pass quickly.
When you've returned to the trailhead, it's a short ride to second trail to beautiful Barbara Falls. Some call this place a fairy land, with ferns, moss, and misty air setting the scene for some gorgeous waterfall photos. After soaking in the setting the tour wraps up with a return ride to Anchorage.
The Valley & Forest Hike covers about 5 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain. The valley trail is well established. The trail to the waterfall is more uneven and can be slippery. The tour time includes just over an hour of travel and about four hours hiking.
Wear comfortable outdoor hiking clothes and sturdy hiking shoes. Bring rain gear, extra warm layers, and a hat and gloves depending on the weather. Don't forget a camera, binoculars, and water.
This is a moderate activity. The guide will tailor the group's pace so that all guests are comfortable. No experience is necessary, but it is best enjoyed by those who can walk at least five miles on uneven, occasionally slippery terrain.
The Valley & Forest Hike tour picks up and drops off at the Egan Center in downtown Anchorage.
Egan Center
555 W. 5th Ave
Anchorage, AK
Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.
| Dates | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| 5/1/25 (Th) to 9/30/25 (Tu)5/1/25 (Th) to 9/30/25 (Tu) | Adult: $159.00 | Child: $159.00 |
| The rates above are subject to change without notice. | ||
Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.
| Depart | Location |
|---|---|
| Depart: 8:00 AM | Location: Egan Center Downtown |
| Depart | Location |
|---|---|
| Depart: 2:00 PM | Location: Egan Center Downtown |
Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.
Explore Anchorage’s wild side by foot on these favorite hikes near town. For every hiker type, from the casual walker to avid climber.
"Our guide was awesome. We spotted various wild animals like bear and moose during the hike and that was one of the highlights of the trip!"
~Vallery from California~
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