So I am starting up a Tuesday's Trail blog with the trails we decide to try out this summer. I am hoping they will be from all around Alaska. For my first one I am going to start off with a trail that is close to home for me, the Rodak Nature Trail at the Eagle River Nature Center.

In case your new to the area the nature center is located at the end of Eagle River Rd, about 10 miles east of Eagle River. If you are traveling north on the Glenn Highway out of Anchorage you can take the Hiland Rd exit just before Eagle River and follow the Hiland Road until Eagle River Rd where you will turn right and follow it until it ends at the Eagle River Nature Center which is where the trailhead begins. If you are traveling south on the Glenn Highway out of Palmer/Wasilla then the easiest  way to get there is to proceed through Eagle River on the Glenn and take the Hiland Rd exit and follow the same directions as above.

Now that you know how to get there let's talk a little about the hike itself. We are building up our fitness level and are choosing to do trails that fit our levels so most of the trails that we tackle this summer should be doable by a lower fitness level, families with smaller kiddos or families just starting to hike together. With that in mind I must say that the Rodak Nature Walk was a perfect start for us. This trail is well maintained and absolutely beautiful.

IP145Hiking on the Rodak Nature Trail.

You start at the Nature Center itself and then you descend into the valley through dense birch and cottonwood trees. We saw some stunningly large cottonwood trees that looked almost magical. The forest floor is dotted with ferns and all types of greenery, reminded me of the rain forests down by Seattle. When you reach the bottom you step out of the forest to a truly Alaskan view: the snow capped Chugach Mountains rim a lush green valley that has the Eagle River winding through it.

IP143Eagle River Valley in the spring.

All of this creates the perfect opportunity to see wildlife. If you are lucky enough there will be a moose or a bear to watch but even if those aren't available there is almost always birds of all kinds to check out from the viewing decks over the river. Don't forget to check out the side trail that leads you to a beautifully done totem that is hidden in the woods.

IP144Totem found on the Rodak Nature Trail at the Eagle River Nature Center.

When you are finally able to pull yourself away from this view and you continue back into the woods you slowly climb back up to the Nature Center. The path has benches along the walkway to help give you a rest along the way. I have a confession, this is definitely not my first time on this trail. We love this trail and go on it year around, although I will caution you to take ice cleats if you go in the winter as it can get treacherous otherwise. If you are looking for a quiet, beautiful starter hike go check out the Rodak Nature Hike.