Chugach State Park scavenger hunt for kids

What makes Chugach State Park worth investigating

One of the biggest state parks in America, right next to Anchorage! You can hike to glaciers, spot moose on the trail, and see the Northern Lights — all just minutes from the city. Located in Alaska, this state park invites you to slow down, look closely, and ask questions about how the place came to be. It's at its best in summer, fall, or winter.

Chugach State Park was created in 1970 after local citizens fought to protect the mountains behind Anchorage from development. At nearly 500,000 acres, it is the third-largest state park in the United States. Stories like this are part of why parks exist — places that protect not just landscapes but the people, plants, and animals that have lived alongside them.

Some of what makes it special: Nearly 500,000 acres of wilderness immediately bordering Alaska's largest city. Flattop Mountain is the most-climbed peak in Alaska with panoramic views of Anchorage, Cook Inlet, and Denali. Eklutna Glacier and its turquoise glacial lake are accessible by trail. Beluga whales can be spotted in Turnagain Arm from trailheads along the park boundary. On a visit you might spot Moose on Trail, Flattop Mountain Summit, and Beluga Whale — a small reminder that the more closely you look, the more you find.

9 things to look for

Use this as an observation menu, not a race. Choose fewer items for younger children, pause for questions and sketches, and leave every natural and historic object where it belongs.

• Moose on Trail Wildlife
  Tall moose casually walking along or across a hiking trail near Anchorage Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Flattop Mountain Summit Geology
  Rocky summit with 360-degree views of Cook Inlet, Denali, and the Chugach Range
• Beluga Whale Wildlife
  White whale surfacing in Turnagain Arm visible from Windy Corner pullout Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Eklutna Lake Nature
  Turquoise glacial lake fed by meltwater from Eklutna Glacier
• Bore Tide Nature
  Tidal wave that surges up Turnagain Arm — one of the few bore tides in the world
• Ptarmigan Wildlife
  Alaska's state bird in summer brown or winter white plumage on alpine slopes Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Crow Pass Trail History
  Historic gold miners' route crossing a mountain pass with glacier views
• Dall Sheep Lambs Wildlife
  Baby white sheep playing on high rocky ridges above the treeline Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Northern Lights Nature
  Green and purple aurora borealis dancing over the mountains on clear winter nights

Checklist items describe things a visitor might observe. A sighting is never guaranteed. Do not approach wildlife, cross barriers, leave approved areas, or handle protected objects to complete an item.

Adapt the hunt by age

Turn “I want to go there” into a family plan

1. The child finds Chugach State Park in the HomeSchool.You park catalog and taps the heart.
2. The parent receives an in-app alert that the child wants to visit.
3. Chugach State Park appears in the child’s Travel Wish List inside the parent area.
4. The family chooses timing together, checks current conditions, and prints or opens this hunt.
5. After exploring, the child can save visit memories and progress in the park passport.

Respect the place

An adult should supervise the entire visit. Observe wildlife from the required distance, stay on allowed routes, follow posted and ranger instructions, pack out waste, and do not collect plants, rocks, cultural objects, or animals. HomeSchool.You is an independent learning platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Park Service or any state or local park agency.

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