Albert Loop

The feel

Albert Loop starts at the Eagle River Nature Center and circles out to the banks of Eagle River, a braided river. Bears and moose are commonly sighted here, and the area is prime moose real estate. The trail is easy, with about 100 ft of gain, and it is groomed for skiing in winter.

Expect tree roots and uneven ground, wasps in summer and weather that can change quickly. The trail is closed right now for the salmon run and bear activity.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop of 2.8 to 3 miles with about 100 ft of gain, easy, reaching the banks of Eagle River.

Time

About 1.5 hours.

Parking

Park at the Eagle River Nature Center.

Fees and passes

$5 per vehicle for 24 hours, paid at the fee station by the front door with a credit card or exact cash. Alaska State Park passes are not valid.

Dogs

Dogs must be on a leash on the trail and in the parking lot.

Kids

Rated easy.

Hazards

Moose and bears, tripping hazards such as tree roots and uneven terrain, wasps in summer, and quickly changing weather.

Cell signal

Reception depends on your carrier.

Bathrooms and water

Latrines are in the brown building before the parking lot.

Season and access

It typically reopens in early November. Foot traffic only, with fat tire bikes allowed in winter.

Mingo says

Plan this one for early November, when the trail typically reopens after the salmon run. Until then the closure is enforced, so walk another Nature Center trail.

Before you go

• Call the Nature Center at 907-694-2108 before you drive out.
• Bring $5 in a card or exact cash for the parking fee.
• Bring a leash for your dog, which must be leashed on the trail and in the parking lot.
• The building is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, May through September, and Friday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, October through April.

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