Hidden Gems Along the Anchorage Birding Trail

In summer season of 2025, I launched into the internship project of my desires. Armed with a Nikon D3200, a 2008 birding map, and a wholesome provide of espresso, I set out with my coworker to {photograph} all 35 websites on the Anchorage Birding Trail throughout the normal lands of the Dena’ina Athabascan individuals. Within the time since, I’ve explored a few of the metropolis’s most numerous and breathtaking habitats, capturing their distinctive magnificence by way of the lens of my digital camera.

My project afforded me a useful and in-depth perspective of Anchorage as an extremely distinctive place. I’ve slid down glacial snow, sunk knee deep in mud, and hiked within the northernmost temperate rainforest to watch the birds that form the area’s vibrant and noteworthy ecosystems. Thirty-five websites and greater than 2,000 pictures later, I’ve gained a complete understanding of all that the Anchorage Birding Path has to supply. For birders, nice information: Every web site is effectively price your time, and my eBird has by no means seen extra submissions.

However even for individuals who are much less bird-inclined, the path has a lot to supply. These places are additionally residence to fascinating hidden gems that make visiting a rewarding expertise. From desert landscapes to deserted army bases, the Anchorage Birding Path is stuffed with wonders simply ready to be explored.

A 12 months-Spherical Rainforest

Whereas exploring Russian Jack Springs Park, I anticipated all the same old Anchorage magnificence—trickling streams, wildflowers, and wooded forests populated with songbirds. What I didn’t anticipate was to be transported to the rainforests of Costa Rica or the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. 

Located inconspicuously on a grassy hilltop, the Mann Leiser Memorial Greenhouse is a portal to a different world. Stepping by way of the doorway, I used to be met with a wave of humidity and heat air. As the remainder of my senses caught up, I took in my environment—lush, thick vegetation, vines creeping alongside the greenhouse wall, and air heavy with moisture. Vivid orange koi fish swam lazily by way of an amber-colored pool, and water misters emulated the near-constant condensation of an equatorial paradise. Nestled right into a 20-by-20-foot constructing, a tropical rainforest thrives all through temperate Alaskan summers and harsh polar nights.

Getting into the following room, the humidity dissipated, instantly changed by a desert warmth as quickly as I stepped over the brink. Solar streamed in by way of the translucent roofing, a stark distinction to the thick jungle cover of the earlier ecosystem. The room was a fantastical assortment of desert species, vegetation I had seen within the stark landscapes of Dying Valley and the Mojave, however by no means anticipated to occur upon in Alaska. Towering cacti, symmetrical succulents, and spear-shaped Large Agave meshed into a singular desert panorama, one so plausible my coworker remarked that she was homesick for Phoenix.

Exiting the greenhouse right into a brilliantly blinding summer season day, I felt as if I had been let in on a little bit secret: Rainforests and deserts exist in Alaska—if you recognize the place to look.

It’s A Fowl … And A Airplane!

A few of Nuch’ishtunt, or Level Woronzof’s, birds look a little bit completely different than others. And by “completely different,” I imply some are feathered, and a few are 136,000-pound metallic winged contraptions hurtling by way of the sky at 180 miles per hour.

At Level Woronzof, a surprising expanse of seashore on the tip of West Anchorage, flocks of Quick-billed Dowitchers and White-winged Scoters dot the shore. Financial institution Swallows nest within the excessive bluffs overlooking the rocky coast. Whereas these great species present nice birdwatching, if you end up tiring of peering by way of binoculars, haven’t any concern—there are many winged spectacles you’ll be able to spot with the bare eye.

This prime birding space backs up towards the Ted Stevens Anchorage Worldwide Airport, which signifies that by waiting for birds, you’re additionally inherently waiting for airplanes. Throughout take-off and touchdown, planes soar low overhead, permitting you to snap photographs and take within the thunderous rush of a Boeing 737 launching into the air. 

Many residents and vacationers alike perch atop a small grassy hill close to Level Woronzof Park, scouting the planes as they arrive and go. Initially puzzled by this phenomenon as my flight landed in Anchorage again in June, I’ve since joined the lots, tilting my head to the sky to gaze in awe on the planes, in addition to the birds, that make Level Woronzof particular.

Fruitful Finds in Arctic Valley

In the event you’re on the lookout for a lesson in meditation (and engaging snacks), go no additional than Arctic Valley Ski Hill. Dwelling to flittering Boreal Chickadees and bulbous Willow Ptarmigans, this ski slope additionally hosts giant populations of untamed blueberries and low-bush cranberries in the summertime.

Intrigued by the berry pickers dotting the mountainside, my coworker and I set out with makeshift berry buckets: hers was an empty yogurt tub, mine a washed bitter cream container. Berry choosing, because it seems, is equal elements meditative and scrumptious. Throughout the subsequent hour spent scouring the hillside, my sole pursuit grew to become discovering clusters of ripe berries ensconced in low-to-the-ground shrubbery. Settling right into a rhythm—scan, discover, choose, (eat), repeat—I discovered myself noticing the intricacies of alpine flowers and chirps of Lapland Longspurs.

The fruits—fairly actually—of my labor had been ¾ of a bath of blueberries and a brand new favourite interest. Following some tedious destemming, the blueberries had been reworked into a tasty pie. Arctic Valley affords all of it: a ravishing spot for bird-watching, a bountiful web site for berry-picking, and a peaceable technique to join with nature.

Ship Creek’s Stunning Stream of Life

It’s not each day you see wild salmon in the course of a metropolis. Until you’re at Ship Creek in the summertime, through which case, it’s each day. Nestled between a railroad and a busy road, this waterway supplies a haven for spawning salmon as they endure their closing upstream journey.

Ship Creek is a 10-minute stroll from my workplace, so I’ve had the pleasure of visiting a number of instances all through the summer season. Every go to, I’m met with a brand new species of salmon. Chinook salmon greeted me upon my early June go to, Coho salmon got here by way of in July, and as I write this, hordes of Pink salmon congregate close to the Ship Creek Dam. In the event you’re on the lookout for a spot to catch fish, and even simply watch fish, Ship Creek has a plentiful provide all summer season lengthy.

In truth, Dgheyaytnu, or the mouth of Ship Creek, hosts a plethora of wildlife. The place the river pans out into mudflats, Canada Geese collect, waddling throughout the slick floodplain at low tide. Herring, Bonaparte’s, and Mew Gulls inhabit the skies and shores, attracted by the salmon. Biking into the workplace, I’ve had the luck to see beluga whales coming up and down within the water.

In the event you’re hoping to understand Alaskan wildlife throughout the consolation of an city setting, Ship Creek is the positioning for you. I’ve but to be upset by this pure gem nestled into the whirlwind of downtown Anchorage.

Digging Into Crow Creek’s Historical past

Driving alongside Crow Creek Street, our hunt for Spruce Grouse and Pine Grosbeaks was interrupted by a easy picket signal promoting the “Crow Creek Gold Mine.” Intrigued by the prospect of a gold mine in the course of a dense forest, my colleague and I took a detour to analyze. The woods opened as much as an idyllic mining village backed by pine bushes and snow-capped mountains. A golden retriever eagerly wagged her tail as we approached the steps of the principle constructing.

Rustic buildings and mining tools fill the grassy area, providing a window into Alaska’s gold rush. Established in 1896, Crow Creek Gold Mine continues to be operational in the present day, with skilled miners and guests alike heading to the riverbed to pan for gold. For many who are extra concerned with a historical past lesson, the mine affords self-guided excursions of the unique settlement, full with mining artifacts of the time. Wildflowers adorn the property, hanging from porches, fenceposts, and an historical inexperienced vehicle. Effectively-preserved, this hidden gem really brings you again in time.

In the event you’re concerned with a slice of Alaskan historical past alongside along with your birding, be sure you take the quick detour to discover this snapshot of the previous.

Don’t Moose Out on Kincaid

My first two weeks in Anchorage had been surprisingly moose-less, save for the taxidermy bull moose that greeted me within the airport terminal upon my arrival. I started inquiring about the place I would see one, and each native pointed me in the identical path: Kincaid Park.

On my 26-mile bike experience to Kincaid (the farthest I’ve ever biked in pursuit of something), I handed by way of a number of different birding path websites, gazing with marvel at Arctic Terns at Westchester Lagoon and Sandhill Cranes at Fish Creek Estuary. By the point I reached my vacation spot, I had skilled breathtaking views of mountains and mudflats, in addition to the equally breathtaking expertise of biking up a really steep hill. However the effort paid off; I used to be rewarded with a mom moose and her child peacefully grazing within the woods alongside Kincaid.

In the event you’ve already seen your fair proportion of moose, Kincaid affords superb leisure alternatives along with wildlife viewing. An 18-hole disc golf course meanders by way of the park. Over 100 miles of cross-country snowboarding trails wind by way of the woodlands. Because the snow melts, these trails rework into havens for hikers and mountain bikers. And should you’re extra concerned with sightseeing, the Kincaid Outdoor Center has a roof deck that gives views of Prepare dinner Inlet, Nutuł’iy (Fireplace Island), and Denali on a transparent day.

Salmon Up Shut

Earlier than shifting to Alaska, a fast Google search yielded photographs of snowcapped mountains, moose traipsing by way of marshlands, and shiny purple salmon battling their approach upstream. I later noticed that final scene in actual life on the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery.

Regardless of its fish-centric identify, the hatchery is a web site on the birding path. Bordered by Ship Creek, the glacial-blue waters provide prime viewing situations for Chinook salmon, their purple our bodies strikingly distinct towards the rocky riverbed. Clustered collectively, the salmon stayed in place as they languidly fought the present, permitting guests to collect and observe from the platform.

The salmon-filled river was just the start. Contained in the hatchery constructing, which doubles as a museum, 6 million fish inhabit the tanks, ready to be launched into streams and lakes all through the summer season and early fall. Rainbow trout and Arctic char swam in dizzying circles as I peered by way of viewing home windows, taking within the large vats of fish. Documentaries, data panels, and fish-inspired artwork lined the hallway, making a energetic and academic setting good for adults and youngsters alike. 

The interconnectedness between fish and the remainder of Alaska’s wildlife is on full show on the hatchery. Widespread Mergansers and Belted Kingfishers frequent the river, American Dippers nest within the decommissioned fish ladder propped towards the dam, and bears generally cease by for a salmon snack. Whereas the fun of recognizing that first shockingly purple salmon was unforgettable, I discovered myself equally captivated by all of the wildlife sustained by the hatchery’s waters.

“A Metropolis Beneath One Roof”

When you emerge from the darkish, slim, seemingly unending tunnel that capabilities as the realm’s solely entrance, Whitter turns into an idyllic seaside city. Mountains seem to emerge from the ocean, carpeted in thick inexperienced vegetation and topped with year-round snow. Excessive on the slopes, glaciers glare within the daylight, their sluggish ice-melt reworking into raging waterfalls that pour into the ocean. Sailboats rock backwards and forwards in strikingly blue water, gulls and kittiwakes soar overhead, and memento outlets line the road.

Whittier is picturesque. Aside from the Buckner Constructing.

Nestled farther again into city, the decrepit Buckner Constructing nearly blends into the encompassing forest. However for a horror-movie fanatic like myself, the crumbling facade instantly caught my curiosity. As I approached the constructing, its many years of neglect grew to become extra obvious. Shattered windowpanes afforded me a view into the construction. Water dripped rhythmically from the ceiling, forming swimming pools that mirrored rippling patterns onto the partitions. Rusted stairwells led skyward to numerous empty rooms lined with moss and graffiti. The constructing’s apocalyptic exterior felt much more becoming once I discovered about its meant goal.

Accomplished in 1954, the Buckner Constructing was designed to be a army base and self-sustaining metropolis, housing over 1,000 troopers throughout the Chilly Conflict. Within the occasion of a doomsday, the constructing was geared up with all of the facilities of life—a barbershop, a cafeteria, a jail, even a bowling alley. Nevertheless, the one assault that ever shook Whittier was the 9.2 magnitude Good Friday Earthquake, which the construction dutifully withstood. In 1960, the Military stopped working within the constructing, and it has remained dormant ever since. 

Regardless of its disuse, it is not each day you’ll be able to see an deserted, very-haunted-looking army base looming over an enthralling seaside city. In the event you’re after a one-of-a-kind birding journey—with uncommon seabirds, towering glaciers, an eerie tunnel, and a abandoned Chilly Conflict relic—Whittier delivers.

Subsequent Cease for the Anchorage Birding Path

Reflecting on my months as Audubon Alaska’s Outreach and Communications Advocate, I’m extremely grateful to have spent my time photographing and exploring the Anchorage Birding Path on Dena’ina Ełnena. Every web site instilled a way of marvel and offered me with a deeper understanding of the Anchorage space as a wild, intricate, and flourishing metropolis. Although I used to be following the birds, I discovered myself consistently discovering wildlife, pure landscapes, and artifical creations that piqued my curiosity, took my breath away, and served as an vital reminder that all over the place we shield birds, we additionally shield nature, historical past, and neighborhood. 

If my summer season expertise has impressed you to go birding, gold panning, or berry choosing, I’ve some thrilling information for you. Coming subsequent yr, the Anchorage Birding Path will likely be obtainable digitally on Audubon Alaska’s web site, full with photographs, up-to-date info, and maps. You’ll have 35 new adventures to discover, only a click on away. Take pleasure in.

—Grace Miller is Audubon Alaska’s Outreach and Communications Advocate.