Far North Bicentennial Park

Size and Location

Located in Anchorage, Alaska, Far North Bicentennial Park is a sprawling 4,000-acre natural haven - the largest park in the city. Stretching from Tudor Road down to Abbott Road, this vast expanse of forest, muskeg, and rolling terrain sits right at the feet of the Chugach Mountains.

What's remarkable about this place is how it feels so wild despite being right in Anchorage. One minute you're in the city, and the next, you're immersed in authentic Alaskan wilderness at the doorstep of the magnificent Chugach range.

Trail System

With over 100 miles of multi-use trails weaving through dense woods and alongside the bubbling forks of Campbell Creek, there's something here for everyone, no matter the season.

Winter transforms the park into a playground for cross-country skiers, fat-tire cyclists, and dog mushers. The well-groomed trails provide excellent snow biking opportunities during winter months. If you're fascinated by dog sledding, the ASDRA dog mushing trails offer dedicated routes where you might spot mushers training their teams.

Come summer, the park buzzes with mountain bikers, hikers, and runners. Many trails are wide and gentle enough for family outings, while the singletrack trails - both old favorites and newer additions - serve up technical challenges for more adventurous mountain bikers. Expect everything from lung-busting climbs to rewarding descents with both technical sections and smooth, flowy runs.

Wildlife

This park is a significant wildlife habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for moose browsing through the underbrush, black and brown bears ambling along the trails, bald eagles soaring overhead, and if you're really lucky, the elusive lynx.

The diverse ecosystem offers great opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Bear encounters aren't uncommon, particularly along Campbell Airstrip Road and near trailheads. Always be bear aware - carry bear spray and stay alert while exploring.

Since Campbell Creek runs through the park, be extra cautious during salmon spawning seasons when bears are especially active near the water. If you're into fishing, don't forget your fly rod - Campbell Creek has some nice spots to cast a line.

Notable Features

On the southern edge, you'll come across the Hilltop Ski Area offering downhill thrills, while the Alaska Botanical Garden near the northern border provides a more cultivated natural experience.

The Campbell Creek Science Center, run by the Bureau of Land Management, stands as a valuable educational hub for science and outdoor activities within the park boundaries.

Scattered throughout are several charming bridges crossing Campbell Creek, adding picture-perfect moments to your trail experience. On clear nights, the park transforms into an excellent spot for stargazing - the perfect place to marvel at the stars and passing satellites.

Terrain

Far North Bicentennial Park blends seamlessly into the neighboring Chugach State Park, creating extensive options for wilderness exploration. With elevations ranging from about 60 to 360 feet, you'll come across varied terrain suitable for different experience levels.

The landscape is predominantly forested, featuring clearly marked multi-use trails alongside smaller social and game paths that invite exploration. Multiple trailheads let you choose your own adventure depending on what scenery you're in the mood for.

Visitor Information

The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 11PM. You'll come across port-a-potties at some trailheads, but there aren't permanent restrooms within the park itself.

Four-legged friends are welcome, with most trails requiring dogs to be leashed, but there are designated off-leash areas available. Since the trails are shared by many different user groups, you should clean up after your pet.

While the trails are well-marked, it's worth checking a map before setting out - the network is extensive, and it's easy to take a wrong turn. If you're visiting in summer, come prepared for mosquitoes, which can be quite abundant in the wooded sections.