(Marc Lester / ADN file). Note: A gate just west of the Raspberry Road trailhead gets locked each night at about 10 PM. Dont get too close, and watch for changes in behavior that might signal youre bugging them. Its a popular trail, so be sure to start early to avoid crowds. The park is a memorial to the 1964 Earthquake that shook Alaska and reshaped the landscape where it sits. Continue to the town of Girdwood, then travel up into the Chugach Mountains for another great vantage point on theTurnagain Arm. Other trailheads can be found along Raspberry Road, off Jodphur Road (at the far west end of Dimond Boulevard), and at the end of the road leading to Little Campbell Lake off Raspberry Road at the park entrance. She was big enough to make the SUV look like a compact car. By joining Alaska Trail Guides on one of our bike tours in Anchorage, youll increase your chances of seeing these animals and have an expert guide with you who understands their behavior and is trained to provide the safest experiences possible. In fact, Anchorage is considered one of the best places to see moose in the wild. A subspecies of brown bear, the Kodiak bear, is found exclusively in the Kodiak Archipelago. Keep your eyes peeled for movement if youre in an area with thick vegetation. What can I do in the evening in Anchorage? For more travel tips, please make sure to follow me on Instagram. Moose are extremely common in Anchorage. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Potter Marsh is a protected wetland area located just south of Anchorage. Living with Wildlife in Anchorage: - Alaska Department of Fish and Game (Marc Lester / ADN file) A proposal to allow for a moose hunt in Anchorage's Kincaid Park will not move forward after a state legal analysis found the hunt would . Locals will joke that moose are to Alaska what squirrels are to the Lower 48. Ride along the scenic Seward Parkway to the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge and Beluga Point, stopping for photo ops and wildlife observation. Anchorage, Alaska is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor recreational opportunities. 2023 Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau DBA Visit Anchorage, William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, Mountain View, Russian Jack & Airport Heights, Sand Lake, Bayshore & Surrounding Neighborhoods. 2023 Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau DBA Visit Anchorage, William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, Mountain View, Russian Jack & Airport Heights, Sand Lake, Bayshore & Surrounding Neighborhoods. Yes, there are moose in Anchorage Alaska. The zoo is home to over 100 animals, representing more than 50 species from across the globe. Anchorage's varied terrain includes some prime moose habitat. Can you see the northern lights from Anchorage? Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. When the road ends, it's time to turn around. Don't stop looking when you make the turn to head to the hotel. Here, youll observe these moose up close and learn about their behavior and lives while supporting the centers conservation efforts. Can you see the northern lights from Anchorage? The park offers stunning views of the Cook Inlet, Anchorage skyline, and the Chugach Mountains. What can I do in the evening in Anchorage? We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. You can explore the park on foot, by car, and by bike! The mission of the Alaska Zoo is to provide a unique educational and recreational resource for Alaskans and visitors while promoting the conservation of arctic, subarctic, and like ecosystems worldwide.. Many moose-spotting sights are located all over the city, including Point Woronzof Park, Kincaid Park along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Potter Marsh (part of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge), or in Chugach State Park around the Glen Alps trailhead. A stroll along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a great Anchorage outdoor activity, but you can cover much more ground on a bicycle. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Black bears, the smallest of the bunch, usually dwell in forested areas, but are also more likely to wander into town or pick through garbage cans. More than 1,000 moose live year around inside greenbelts and neighborhoods throughout the Anchorage Bowl. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! Moose Viewing at Kincaid Park | Wildlife Near Anchorage Even in the heart of the city, moose are a regular sight as they browse through parks, greenbelts, and even the occasional backyard garden. If you encounter a moose in the wild, it is important to give them plenty of space and avoid making any sudden movements. Moose thrive in the open birch-spruce forest and willow thickets of Kincaid Park in the southwestern corner of the Anchorage peninsula. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Campbell Creek Trail is a 7.5-mile paved path cutting through the heart of Anchorage. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. The center is home to animals like bears, moose, eagles, and reindeer. Woronzof is a nice spot for views, and the Alaska Range mountains are right before your eyes. The park is home to an extensive trail system, picnic areas, and numerous wildlife species, including moose. The center is home to a variety of animals, including several moose that were orphaned or injured in the wild and cannot be released. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. Sometimes nine at a time!). The marsh is arest area for migratory birds including trumpeter swans, rednecked grebes, golden eyes, and pintails. Cami is a 22-year-old passionate traveler and author of the blog. So when you visit Alaska, Anchorage, or join Matt on a hike through the wild country, keep your eyes peeled for these gigantic land animals. When my photographer Lyle and I landed in Anchorage this past February, we didnt have to wait more than 15 minutes before seeing our first moose. Copyright 2023 AlaskaTrekker | All Rights Reserved. Here are some essentials you should have in your bag: Most moose viewing tours take place in the summer months when the animals are most active. Pack bear spray, waterproof hiking boots, and a rain jacket. The Chugach State Park is one of the best spots for moose watching, as its home to a large number of these majestic animals. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Earthquake Park is a likely place to see one near downtown. In addition to its scenic value, Potter Marsh is also an important stopover for migrating birds. There are several popular trailheads to visit with the best chances at moose viewing. Edwards also said he has an antagonistic relationship with the Department of Law because of a long-running workers compensation claim related to the on-the-job accident in which he was injured by a falling tree, leading to lifelong paralysis. Believe it or not, moose are everywhere in the city of Anchorage. The bulls compete for the attention of cows, and when they butt heads, interlocking their massive antlers, the crash reverberates along the mountainsides.. Plug in Point Woronzof Park on your preferred map app, then keep your camera ready. Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. 4 Things To Know For Viewing Moose In Alaska | TravelAwaits Click the frame at the top right of the map to open The Moose in Google. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. With all of that said, inside the city of Anchorage is a also great place to see moose. Our biking tours of Anchorage are a great way to discover the mountains and city parks, as well as all the wildlife that comes with them! Summer and fall finds moose ambling along the same trails as humans, eating greens and bedding down. Visit Anchorage.net to find a map and more information about planning a wildlife-watching safari around the city. Brown bears, also called grizzlies, are spread throughout most of the state. info@alaskatrailguides.com. Join us on our Chugach Mountain Bike Tour. Can't get enough? 6998 Raspberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502-1858. Fun fact: These same reindeer participate in the annual Running of the Reindeer at the Anchorage Rondy festival each February (think running of the bulls, but with reindeer in downtown Anchorage). A proposal to allow for a moose hunt in Anchorages Kincaid Park will not move forward after a state legal analysis found the hunt would violate Alaskas constitution. Hendricks said the key to coexisting peacefully with the wild moose in town is to avoid confrontations and give them plenty of space. Earthquake Park is a likely place to see one near downtown. Phone : +1 (907) 317-5707 Moose are often seen grazing along the edge of the marsh. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Some, like the wood bison, are raised and reintroduced to the wild. Kincaid Park is one of the most popular parks in Anchorage, Alaska. Looking for a little more adventure than the paved trails throughout Anchorage? Where can I store my luggage in Anchorage? As long as you dont approach or surprise them, youll come away with amazing photos and unforgettable memories. State halts proposed moose hunt in Anchorage's Kincaid Park How do I get between Anchorage and my cruise ship? What can I do on an April visit to Anchorage? Seeing Moose Safely In Anchorage. The parks forests hills and open meadows provide the perfect habitat for moose, and visitors are likely to spot them grazing or resting in the shade. Potter Marsh is a nature lovers paradise, located just outside of Anchorage. Kincaid Park. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Portage), Each of the animals at the Conservation Center has a story. As a result, Potter Marsh is an important part of the local ecosystem and a cherished asset for the people of Anchorage. Alaska Wildlife Viewing You may see moose in Anchorage The trail offers stunning views of the city and the Chugach Mountains, and its a great place to see moose. At Blind Slough, on Mitkof Island, trumpeter swans live year round. I find it hard to believe that this recent (Department of Law) letter is not related when there is already a long-standing precedent in statute and regulation for hunts that grant exclusive or special privileges to take fish and wildlife, Edwards wrote. Here's what happened next. As we shuffled our snowshoes through the thick snow around a lake trail near Talkeetna, Alaska, our guide Matt suddenly motioned us to hold still. No fee for parking. more, Amecca for outdoor sports of all kinds in awilderness-like setting, Kincaid Park offers the easiest way to get deep in the woods right in town. I perked up and looked to where he was pointing down a private driveway that weaved through these woods. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Source | License). As soon as you are in the car, start looking for moose. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Their internal homing devices bring them remarkably close to where they entered the world, and thats where they mate, spawn and die. The Best Moose Viewing Spots in Anchorage Moose Viewing Spots Map More than 1,000 moose live year around inside greenbelts and neighborhoods throughout the Anchorage Bowl. Moose meat is a delicacy in Alaska, and many residents hunt the animals for their meat. During the summer months, salmon return from the sea to the waters where they were hatched. No matter how many moose we see around the city, well probably still pull over to take pictures when we see that impressive bull browsing through the bushes alongside the airport fence, or new spring calves taking their first trembling steps beside one of our popular biking trails.. If you want a closer view, zoom with your camera lens not your feet or check out one of the safe, supervised encounters at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Hendricks said. The center, which opened to the public in 1993, educates visitors about Alaskas wildlife. Salmon surge up rivers and streams beginning in July and continuing in fits and starts through September, luring brown bears and photographers to the Brooks River for the annual feeding frenzy. Anchorage Trails Make the Moose Loop Anchorage has one of the best urban trail systems in the United States, with hundreds of miles of paved and multi-use trails connecting our city. Beyond simply providing a way to view the animals, the zoo focuses on education, research and animal rehabilitation. Bull moose grow antlers every year from April to August, and these massive racks can weigh up to 25 pounds before they shed them after the rut. Snap a photo that shows everyone youve made it to Alaska just after arriving in Anchorage. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. 7-10 days is the most common. Be patient. Moose can move each ear and each eye independently of each other, and their stomachs can hold up to 100 pounds of food. Trumpeter swans, ptarmigan, loons and more birdlife are common. Earthquake Park is located on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and is a popular spot for moose to pass through. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Whether youre into hiking, camping, or simply driving through the wilderness, youre likely to spot a few moose on your Alaskan vacation. Alaska Trail Guides | 2023 All Rights Reserved, Hiking and Bike Tour in Anchorage, Alaska. Moose can even swim quite well and often lounge in rivers to get relief from mosquitos. Never approach a moose calf, as the mother moose may view you as a threat. Campbell Creek Estuary Park Chester Creek Trail Russian Jack Springs Park Best Time of Day to See Moose Moose tend to be more active in the morning and evening hours. These impressive animals can be found throughout the state, and there are plenty of opportunities for viewing them in their natural environment. Contact a Forest Service office for the latest information about permits and restrictions. Even in the heart of the city, moose are a regular sight as they browse through parks, greenbelts, and even the occasional backyard garden. Surprising a moose or being aggressed by them can lead to severe injury or death. With its large wetland and mile-long vistas, Potter Marsh offers a particularly easy place to spy moose from a distance. Bears and whales and moose, oh my! Currently, permits are not required for bear viewing in other areas, but limited visitor group size and other restrictions apply at Anan Creek. Try one of these spots to find moose: Moose tend to be more active in the morning and evening hours. All rights reserved. We arent going to get any closer. Where can I store and ship fish in Anchorage? ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks, Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge - Potter Marsh. Her favorite things include yoga, reading, and all things travel. You could also see moose, black and brown bears, and other animals! See these beautiful creatures and support aworthy, At the 200-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, see Alaskan wildlife up close. The park is home to an extensive trail system and its up to you how you visit it. Guaranteed moose views are always waiting at theAlaska Zooin South Anchorage and at theAlaska Wildlife Conservation Centerin Portage. You can also learn about the Alaskan ecosystem and the efforts to conserve it. We love our resident moose. Point Woronzof Park is a forested area in the Coastal Trail system and a favorite place for locals to see Moose. Moose are most commonly found in the wooded areas of Alaska, but they can also be found in open tundra and muskeg. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Ive seen a video of a person and a moose dancing around a tree for a good 10 minutes.. In the park, Glen Alps is a great place to see moose, as well as stunning views of the Chugach Mountains. Shes got her young, Matt said. Its not unusual for cow moose to bed down twin calves in suburban backyards, or for a bull moose with a full rack of antlers to amble straight across busy a boulevard, halting traffic as it passes. Kincaid Park,Potter Marsh,andthe Chugach Mountainsare all good bets for sightings. Kincaid park is a good place too. Outdoor Activities, Nature & Parks, Hiking Trails. The best time of day to spot these animals is in the early morning or evening. Permits are required for bear viewing at Pack Creek. Look for knock-kneed, adorable newborn calves in the spring, then grab some binoculars and head up to Glen Alps in the fall for a chance to see bull moose during the rut (mating season).