Near South Fork Eagle River Trail
First portion of the trail.
Near South Fork Eagle River Trail
South Fork Eagle River. Chugach State Park, Alaska.
Near South Fork Eagle River Trail
Crossing the bridge about 1.5 miles into the trail.

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Hike Trail

South Fork Eagle River Trail

4.4 (8 Ratings)
The trail starts out with a smooth surface and a bit beyond the first bridge goes to a less maintained trail.
4.9
mi
Distance
956
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingCommonly BackpackedFall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Avalanche danger in winter.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.9mi
Distance
956ft
Elevation Gain
295ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
2,668ft
High Point
2,006ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This out-and-back trail is located at the the South Fork Eagle River Trailhead. The hike starts with a short climb through an old spruce forest then opens to views of the wide open valley. There are a few trail branches along the route for different hiking options. After about 1.5 miles, the trail enters a hemlock forest as the trail drops down to the valley floor where the views open up prior to crossing the South Fork of Eagle River foot bridge. The route gradually continues up the valley and shortly after crossing the first bridge, the trail surface deteriorates requiring fast foot work to dodge rocks, roots, and puddles. After crossing the second bridge, there is a bolder field that makes hiking difficult, but a "few" more steps are required to get a great view of Symphony Lake. Depending on the season, moose and perhaps bear can be seen, in addition to sheep on the upper mountainside.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Matt Freeman