Close to Home: A Walk in Campbell Creek Estuary

Anchorage is known for its green spaces, and some of our urban parks rival hiking trails in other states. Even smaller parks, like Campbell Creek Estuary, are a real treat. Although the easy trails here are quite short, they give you nice opportunities for bird-watching or just a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the grace of being in nature.

Heads up: No dogs are allowed in this park, due to their potential for disturbing wildlife. The parking area can accommodate about ten cars. You’ll find a simple map here, along with a bit more history on the natural area.

This is hike 29 in my guidebook 50 Hikes Around Anchorage.

Hiking Campbell Creek Estuary (and Photos)

This trail is super-easy — mostly flat and only about a mile in total, made up of a loop ’round an open meadow and two spur trails leading to observation platforms and a bird-viewing blind. That makes it great for kids, elders and anyone who wants an easy stroll, and of course as migratory species arrive the birdwatching is excellent. But the place is also gorgeous scenery in its own right, reminiscent of wandering the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge but with all the convenience of being located right here in town.

Here’s a sample of the view from the first observation platform. The waters of Turnagain Arm are just at the edge of the horizon:

Here’s the view from the bird-viewing blind (with two complimentary, early ducks. Can you spot them?)

…and finally, a shot of the meadow loop itself.

All these photos were taken in a chilly April, when the first birds were just starting to arrive in this natural area. Within a month or two the meadows will be full of green grass, swaying in the wind.