Earthquake Park

A Landscape Forever Changed

Set on the outskirts of Anchorage, Earthquake Park is a 134-acre site that demonstrates nature's raw power. This isn't just any green space - it marks the spot where an entire neighborhood vanished during the 1964 Alaska earthquake, a staggering 9.2 magnitude event that remains North America's most powerful recorded quake. Sometimes called the Good Friday Earthquake, it transformed this land in seconds.

Walk the grounds today and you're actually traversing the aftermath of disaster. The blue clay beneath the original neighborhood liquefied during the quake, causing the land to drop about 20 feet. Seven residents lost their lives as homes sank and were swept into the inlet. The undulating, rippled landscape you see isn't a random design of nature - it's the preserved seismic waves frozen in time.

Learning Through the Landscape

Within the park, interpretive displays help make sense of what happened here. These informational panels explain the geological forces that literally reshaped this land and provide context about Anchorage before and after the catastrophe.

From the parking lot, you can access an interpretive walking trail that guides you through the most telling signs of the earthquake's aftermath. The trail forms a loop and connects to the longer Tony Knowles Coastal Trail network. Thanks to well-maintained paved paths, exploring these grounds is accessible for visitors of all mobility levels year-round.

Nature's Viewpoint

Beyond its geological significance, Earthquake Park offers some of the most breathtaking vistas in Anchorage. Take a moment at the overlooks to soak in views of the Knik Arm waterway, the jagged peaks of the Chugach Mountains, and downtown Anchorage spreading below. On particularly clear days, you might even spot Mount Denali in the distance, some 240 miles away. The sunset views over Cook Inlet are spectacular if you can time your visit right.

The wooded areas provide shelter for local wildlife, with moose frequently wandering through the trees. Keep your eyes open and you might also spot black bears or woodpeckers going about their business. While the park commemorates a disaster, it's also very much alive with Alaska's natural beauty.

Getting Active

Earthquake Park isn't just for history and nature buffs - it's a recreational hotspot for locals and visitors alike. The paved walking and biking paths invite you to jog, cycle, or walk your dog (just remember to keep them leashed).

In winter, these same trails transform for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. And given the park's location about 2 miles from the airport, you can sometimes watch planes taking off and landing from certain spots along the coastal trail - an unexpected bonus for aviation enthusiasts.

Before You Visit

The park provides free parking with plenty of space for all vehicle types. Do note that there are no restroom facilities within the park itself, so plan accordingly. If you're visiting during summer, don't forget your insect repellent - the mosquitoes can be quite enthusiastic here.

You can visit daily from 6AM to 11PM year-round, however winter conditions might affect how easily you can navigate some trails. The park's proximity to Anchorage airport makes it ideal for travelers with tight schedules who still want to experience a slice of Alaska's powerful natural history.