Ship Creek Trail

The feel

The paved trail travels east from downtown for 2.6 miles, following its namesake creek for nearly its entire length and crossing it a few times. It starts at the Alaska Railroad depot on the north side of Anchorage and ends at Tyson Elementary School in the Mountain View neighborhood.

The west side is industrial and the east end is wooded, with a bridge over the Alaska Railroad tracks. Anglers fish the creek as well.

What to expect

Route and terrain

2.6 miles one way on pavement, rated Easy, following the creek and crossing it a few times.

Season and access

May to October. Reach the trail via the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail at H Street and 2nd Avenue.

Mingo says

Come in summer if you want to watch salmon swim up the stream. Plan the trip for May to October, when the trail is open.

Before you go

• Start at the Alaska Railroad depot on the north side of Anchorage.
• Join from the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail at H Street and 2nd Avenue.
• Expect an industrial stretch on the west side before the wooded east end.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.