If you are looking for a quick, easy hike through some of Alaska’s prettiest frozen scenery, the Rodak Nature Loop at Eagle River Nature Center provides a hike that isn’t too challenging and a vista worth drooling over. It’s the perfect place to bring the whole family after a fresh snowfall, or even when the temperatures drop!

If you live in Alaska, you most likely adore the winter season.

Donald T / TripAdvisor With stunning sunsets, white mountains covered in alpenglow, and beautiful frozen landscapes everywhere you turn, there’s so much to love about our longest season.

The Rodak Nature Loop takes you into the heart of the Chugach State Park.

Faith Tufts / AllTrails You can explore some of the natural beauty of the area without going too far from your car! Even though you’re within a mile of the parking lot, it feels like you could be in the middle of the wilderness.

The trail is nicely maintained by the Eagle River Nature Center.

Faith Tufts / AllTrails It’s clearly marked and features nice aspects like a bridge and viewing decks. The viewing area offers panoramic scenery of the Chugach Mountain Range.

The entire hike is only a .8 mile long loop.

Faith Tufts / AllTrails Depending on how long you stop to enjoy the scenery, you can finish this trail in less than 20 minutes. Or you can add on to the hike by exploring some of the other trails nearby.

You don’t have to worry about hiking up anything steep.

Faith Tufts / AllTrails The total elevation gain for the entire hike is only 200 feet. And the steepest part is graded nicely, although if it’s icy you might want to bring your ice grippers with you.

The hike is short and easy enough you should be able to get everyone in the whole family out on the trail.

Courtney Senas / AllTrails In the summer, spring, and fall, the trail is even wheelchair accessible. It’s also a great one to do while you push a stroller!

There is usually plenty of parking at the Eagle River Nature Center Visitor’s parking lot.

Anj813 / TripAdvisor There is a $5.00 fee for the public, or if you are already a member of the nature center, then it is free. The Eagle River Nature Center is open Fridays through Sundays in the winter, from 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. The trails are always open!

Have you ever hiked the Rodak Nature Loop? What did you think? Were the views amazing? Let us know in the comments below!

Donald T / TripAdvisor

With stunning sunsets, white mountains covered in alpenglow, and beautiful frozen landscapes everywhere you turn, there’s so much to love about our longest season.

Faith Tufts / AllTrails

You can explore some of the natural beauty of the area without going too far from your car! Even though you’re within a mile of the parking lot, it feels like you could be in the middle of the wilderness.

It’s clearly marked and features nice aspects like a bridge and viewing decks. The viewing area offers panoramic scenery of the Chugach Mountain Range.

Depending on how long you stop to enjoy the scenery, you can finish this trail in less than 20 minutes. Or you can add on to the hike by exploring some of the other trails nearby.

The total elevation gain for the entire hike is only 200 feet. And the steepest part is graded nicely, although if it’s icy you might want to bring your ice grippers with you.

Courtney Senas / AllTrails

In the summer, spring, and fall, the trail is even wheelchair accessible. It’s also a great one to do while you push a stroller!

Anj813 / TripAdvisor

There is a $5.00 fee for the public, or if you are already a member of the nature center, then it is free. The Eagle River Nature Center is open Fridays through Sundays in the winter, from 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. The trails are always open!

If you want to make this hike a little longer, pair it with another hike at the center: The Albert Loop Is A Stunning Trail To Admire Alaska’s Fresh Snowfall.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Rd, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA