Ship Creek Trail

The feel

Ship Creek Trail is a paved path along Ship Creek near downtown Anchorage, with views of downtown, Government Hill and Cook Inlet. It runs from near the Alaska Railroad depot and the Ship Creek fish ladder in the west to William Tyson Elementary School in the east. The surface is typically at least 5 feet wide, with railings at the bridges and benches along the route.

Salmon run up the creek, and wildlife includes beavers, bald eagles and black bears. Interpretive panels east of the fish ladder tell the story of Anchorage as a railroad camp and tent city, and the path passes the site of the 1915 tent city. The easy grade suits kids, strollers and wheelchairs. In winter the trail turns to cross-country skiing and kicksledding.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 5.8 miles total, easy, with 131 to 255 ft of gain. Paved, with a grade mostly 5% or less and one moderately steep 5 to 8% section at about 1.3 miles eastbound. Part of the 32-mile Moose Loop.

Time

1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Parking

Free at the paved lot off West 1st Avenue at the west end, which has at least 3 van-accessible spaces, and at Ship Creek Overlook Park (302 East Whitney Road). The trailhead can be hard to find from downtown.

Fees and passes

Parking is free. Fishing is limited to the very western end of the trail, where The Bait Shack rents gear and sells permits.

Dogs

Welcome, on a leash.

Kids

Kid-friendly, stroller-friendly and wheelchair-friendly.

Hazards

Black bears use the corridor. Some stretches are overgrown.

Bathrooms and water

Restrooms at the Ship Creek stop.

Season and access

Open year-round.

Mingo says

Come in June to catch the king salmon run at its peak. Coho salmon follow from late July through September. Adult salmon often show in the creek by the hatchery from early July through September.

Before you go

• Stop at the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery, 941 N Reeve Blvd, free Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Pack bear spray, layers, water, a map and a charged phone.
• Buy fishing permits at The Bait Shack before you cast a line.
• Check the hatchery hours before you plan around seeing adult salmon from the creek.

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