
Summer Valley and Forest Hike
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 74 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Summer Valley and Forest Hike worth booking?
Summer Valley and Forest Hike is a 5-hour experience in Anchorage, United States, from $189 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 74 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (74)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $189 per person
Experience the wonders found in one of the Chugach State Park's fondest, glaciated valleys. On this tour, we will take you to the glorious Eagle River trail system where boreal forests, and salmon spawning streams are found. This trail network also hosts the renowned "Crow Pass", which is part of the historic Iditarod trail system once used by dog sleds and mushers. Afterwards, we meander over to iconic Barbara Falls, where you can hike right up to the base of the falls! If you're ready for a wilderness valley adventure, join us! • Experience hiking in Chugach State Park's Eagle River trail system, and Barbara Falls! • Perfect for solo travelers and couples. • Enjoy breathtaking views of towering vistas. Amazing landscapes await! • Learn about Alaska's boreal forests and glaciated valleys from a skilled naturalist. • Opportunity for wildlife viewing including, salmon, bear, moose and birds. • Provisions include a prepacked snack.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the wonders found in one of the Chugach State Park's fondest, glaciated valleys. On this tour, we will take you to the glorious Eagle River trail system where boreal forests, and salmon spawning streams are found. This trail network also hosts the renowned "Crow Pass", which is part of the historic Iditarod trail system once used by dog sleds and mushers. Afterwards, we meander over to iconic Barbara Falls, where you can hike right up to the base of the falls! If you're ready for a wilderness valley adventure, join us! • Experience hiking in Chugach State Park's Eagle River trail system, and Barbara Falls! • Perfect for solo travelers and couples. • Enjoy breathtaking views of towering vistas. Amazing landscapes await! • Learn about Alaska's boreal forests and glaciated valleys from a skilled naturalist. • Opportunity for wildlife viewing including, salmon, bear, moose and birds. • Provisions include a prepacked snack.
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- Day packs and trekking poles available upon request.
Not included
- No hotel, B&B, Air B&B, or other accommodation pickups.
- Must meet at designated meeting location or provide own transportation to trailhead.
What you'll see and do
Eagle River hosts amazing phenomena and a rich ecology that you will learn about from our skilled naturalists. You will see photogenic birch and aspen trees mixed with giant spruces, as well as smaller brushes like willows, alders, and devil's club. Imagine endless varieties of edible berries, and fascinating fungi. If they are in-season, we will try a few! We may see moose, Dall sheep, and even a bear on this tour. Plus, there are many species of small mammals and birds we could encounter, too. At a distance approximately 6 miles in length, and a non-strenuous grade, most people can feel comfortable participating. Transportation included in total time of tour: (1 hour transportation & 4 hours hiking)
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Anchorage
We meet outside the Dena'ina Center. Please be parked and ready 15 minutes before the start time to ensure a timely departure. All tours leave no later than 5 minutes after the start time. There is no parking at the Dena'ina Center. The JCPenney Parking Garage is the best option, at 414 W 6th Ave.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We meet outside the Dena'ina Center. Please be parked and ready 15 minutes before the start time to ensure a timely departure. All tours leave no later than 5 minutes after the start time. There is no parking at the Dena'ina Center. The JCPenney Parking Garage is the best option, at 414 W 6th Ave.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Go Hike Alaska
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Experience Suggestions: No experienced required, but you should be able to walk at least 7 miles on flat pavement, or 5 miles of uneven rolling terrain over the course of roughly 4 hours. Some parts of the trail are steep and hilly, placing additional stress on areas of the body not impacted by level terrain. Not recommended for those with cardiac or respiratory issues/illness. May be difficult for those with severe joint issues.
- Participation waiver signature required prior to departure.
- If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know and we will accommodate you with a different snack option.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 74 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Physical effort
8 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
74 verified traveler reviews for Summer Valley and Forest Hike. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The Perfect Hike
I did the Summer Valley & Forest Hike with Todd and it was so much fun! We saw two young bull moose right away and got to spend time watching them roam. Todd was a great guide and had great knowledge of the flora and fauna. I learned a lot of fun facts while taking in the stunning scenery. I can’t wait to come back and do another hike with them!
via Viator
A truly excellent guided tour
Todd was an excellent guide. He was very knowledgeable about a huge range of topics. We walked through a beautiful area for about two hours they’re a beautiful valley area with some stunning vistas,then drove to another spot and walked a little less than an hour to an absolutely gorgeous waterfalland he stopped and told us things about some of the plants and we got to taste several fruits that were in season. He told us about the animals and about the salmon and things about the history of the area, and the people who had lived there. He made sure that we were all keeping up and walking at a good pace. This is such a beautiful area and having an excellent guide make this a truly ideal experience.
via Tripadvisor
Hike to explore Chugach State Park’s Eagle River
We did a 6‑mile hike in the Chugach State Park’s Eagle River trail system with Nick, and it was a fantastic experience. As a biologist, he was incredibly knowledgeable and shared insights about the plants and vegetation we encountered along the way. The waterfall at the end made the entire walk even more rewarding. Nick is also a former wildlife research expert, and the stories he shared added a fun and fascinating layer to the hike. It was a great way to get outside, learn something new, and enjoy the beauty of Alaska. Highly recommend hiking with Nick — he’s engaging, informative, and makes the experience truly memorable.
via Tripadvisor
A must do for solo travelers
Stephen (my apologies if misspelled) was amazing. His energy and love for Alaska was contagious. He was not only knowledgeable about plants and berries (we even tasted some) but also about glaciers and Alaskan history. If you enjoy nature, love hiking, and doing all that with a fun, energetic and authentic tour guide, then this is a must do excursion while in Anchorage. I loved every minute and learned so much. Thank you Stephen ☺️
via Viator
Alaskan Adventure
Felt like a real Alaskan experience walking through the beautiful forest. Didn’t see any bears but did see many signs of them, such as tracks, “scratching post with their fur”, etc. Our guide Todd was very knowledgeable and taught us about the various plants, berries, mushrooms , birds, beavers, and insects. We also took a short hike to a magnificent waterfall. Highly recommend this tour!!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 26
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Go Hike Alaska, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.4.
See everything Go Hike Alaska runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Summer Valley and Forest Hike: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Anchorage.
How much does Summer Valley and Forest Hike cost?
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Prices start at $189 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Anchorage usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Summer Valley and Forest Hike take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Anchorage is not rushed.
Is Summer Valley and Forest Hike worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 74 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Anchorage, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Summer Valley and Forest Hike?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Summer Valley and Forest Hike suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Summer Valley and Forest Hike?
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Around 26 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Anchorage can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Anchorage and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Summer Valley and Forest Hike start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Anchorage within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Anchorage?
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Anchorage is the staging point for glacier cruises out of Whittier and Seward, Denali flightseeing, wildlife conservation centre visits, dog sledding and northern lights chases in winter. Long transfer times make itinerary honesty essential. On Outty we rank every Anchorage experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include PRISTINE - Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience in Anchorage, Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour, Anchorage Trolley's 1-Hour City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Anchorage?
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June to August for glaciers, September to March for aurora. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Anchorage?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Summer Valley and Forest Hike?
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Included: Snacks; and Day packs and trekking poles available upon request. Not included: No hotel, B&B, Air B&B, or other accommodation pickups; and Must meet at designated meeting location or provide own transportation to trailhead. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Summer Valley and Forest Hike?
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We meet outside the Dena'ina Center. Please be parked and ready 15 minutes before the start time to ensure a timely departure. All tours leave no later than 5 minutes after the start time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Summer Valley and Forest Hike offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Summer Valley and Forest Hike?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Summer Valley and Forest Hike if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Summer Valley and Forest Hike?
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Across 74 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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