Crow Pass Trail (Eagle River end)

The feel

This is the north end of the Crow Pass Trail, which follows part of the Iditarod National Historic Trail. From the Eagle River Nature Center it runs along the Eagle River through spruce, birch, hemlock and quaking aspen, past Rapids Camp and Echo Bend before it reaches Heritage Falls.

The stretch from the Nature Center to Glacier Lake offers valley views and is an easy, non-technical walk. The famous Eagle River ford lies farther on, for through-hikers.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 11 miles total, with 1420 ft of gain, along the river valley. Heritage Falls is 5.5 miles from the Nature Center, with Rapids Camp at 1.7 miles and Echo Bend at 3 miles.

Time

About 5.5 hours out and back.

Crowds and best time

Late June through September.

Parking

The trailhead is at the Eagle River Nature Center, at the end of Eagle River Road off the Eagle River Loop exit at milepost 11.6 of the Glenn Highway.

Fees and passes

$5 for parking. Alaska State Park Passes are not valid at the Nature Center. Pay at the fee box by credit card or exact cash, because no change is given.

Dogs

Welcome, and they must be on leash in the parking lot. Free bags for dog waste are at the trailhead.

Hazards

Bears love berries, so carry bear mace. Past Heritage Falls the Eagle River ford is 150 to 200 feet across, with cold water from knee-high to waist-high and a current that can be swift.

Cell signal

Cell phones will not work on the trail.

Season and access

June to September.

Mingo says

Save the ford for a day you plan to cross, not for a day hike. Go from June through September, since that is when the full trail runs.

Before you go

• Bring $5 in exact cash or a credit card for the Nature Center fee box, since a state park pass will not cover it.
• Call the Eagle River Nature Center at 907-694-2108 with questions.
• Tent campers at Echo Bend can use the bear-proof storage container, first come, first served.

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