If you are an inexperienced hiker, you have small children, or you don’t have a lot of time to spare I totally understand wanting to find a place that is beautiful, yet doesn’t require a lot of walking. In addition, due to the somewhat intimidating wildlife in the area, I like to keep a list of places that I feel comfortable going to completely on my own. These three locations fit the bill!

Let me state, I can’t guarantee you wont see a bear or a moose on these hikes. We are in Alaska after all and these animals are commonly seen walking down city streets. However, I personally feel comfortable enough at these locations that if I were to see one of these animals, I wouldn’t be overly concerned about my or Jasper’s safety.

Glen Alps Viewpoint

This location is the starting off point if you want to hike either Power-line Trail or Flattop Mountain. However, the viewpoint offers such stunning views, we have visited this location on multiple locations just to go to the outlook. You only have to climb a short uphill path and you have amazing views of the ocean on one side and beautiful mountains on the other.

Useful Information:

• There are hairpin turns on the way up to this location.
• There is a $5 parking fee.
• We have experienced snow storms at this location as late as May.
• Though we have never seen large wildlife at this location, we have come upon a trail not far from here that was closed due to a “bear killed moose.”
• The parking lot can get very full during peak months.
• There are restrooms on sight.
• More information about Glen Alps can be found here: http://dnr.alaska.gov.

Glen Alps trail head can be found at: 13101 Glen Alps Rd, Anchorage, AK.

Point Woronzof

A simple walk down a somewhat steep hill and you are on the beautiful rocky beach at Point Woronzof! During the winter there is amazing chunks of ice that have washed in from the ocean. During the summer you can let your children spend the day digging in the mud and finding pretty stones. In addition, you have a wonderful view the the Sleeping Lady and Anchorage from across the Cook Inlet!

In addition this location is super close to Ted Stevens International Airport. You have an amazing view of airplanes arriving and departing! Often people come out here to just watch the airplanes!

Useful Information:

• Parking is free
• The parking lot can get very full during peak months.
• During the summer an ice cream truck can often be found in the parking lot.
• This is a very muddy location, dress appropriately.
• There are porta potties on sight.
• More information about Point Woronzof can be found here: https://anchorageparkfoundation.org.

Point Woronzof Park can be found at: 9700 Point Woronzof Rd, Anchorage, AK.

Potter Marsh Boardwalk

If you enjoy bird watching this is the place for you! Children will enjoy running up and down the boardwalk, watching the baby geese in the spring, and looking through the viewing telescopes. We have seen geese, eagles and many other birds while visiting Potter Marsh Boardwalk. However, my favorite animal that I have seen here is the salmon. These salmon were longer than my arm from shoulder to fingertip! Though we haven’t had the luxury, moose sighting as very common here so be aware.

Useful Information:

• Parking is free
• The parking lot can get very full during peak months.
• Gates are closed 11pm – 6am.
• Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk.
• There are restrooms on sight.
• More information about Potter Marsh Boardwalk can be found here: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov.

Potter Marsh Boardwalk can be found at: 2999 E 154th Ave, Anchorage, AK.