Campbell Creek Estuary Natural Area

Natural Setting

Established in 1982, the Campbell Creek Estuary Natural Area spans 285.8 acres in Anchorage, Alaska. It is named after Campbell Creek, which runs through its grounds, with the creek itself named after Sir Joseph Campbell, who explored Alaska from 1792 to 1785.

Situated on Lake Otis Avenue, just south of the Lake Otis & Tudor intersection, this natural area serves as a popular access point for the Campbell Creek Trail, a 7.5-mile multi-use trail that parallels Campbell Creek from Northwood Drive at West Dimond Boulevard northeast to Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

Recreational Activities

The park is a favored spot for various outdoor activities throughout the year. In the summer, visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing in Campbell Creek, and salmon viewing.

The creek is known for its salmon runs, with chum, pink, and sockeye salmon spawning annually. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden can also be found in the creek.

During winter months, the trail running through the park is lit for cross-country skiing. The park also serves as a popular launch point for inner tubing adventures down Campbell Creek.

Amenities

For families with young children, the natural area features a playground suitable for toddlers aged 2-5 years, which is ADA accessible. The park also includes a small ball field area for recreational sports.

To accommodate visitors, the park provides two parking lots, one on each side of Campbell Creek, with a total of 16 regular parking spaces and 2 handicap-accessible spaces.