Eagle River Valley

The Eagle River Valley doesn’t have the name recognition as some of the natural wonders around the country. Still, this picturesque wonderland has the scenery and the activities to earn comparisons to popular locations such as Yosemite National Park. “It’s a very versatile area. We have access to the park. There’s a nature center there that offers a lot of outdoor activities,” says Wendy Wiltfong, a Realtor with Jack White Real Estate. “You can do anything from cross-country skiing to hiking and camping. I find it to be very versatile and majestic.” Located about 40 minutes from downtown Anchorage and on the western border of Chugach State Park, this serene valley is the ideal neighborhood for homebuyers who want to be near the outdoors.

Most of the homes in the valley are on hilly, winding streets covered with evergreen trees. You can find a mix of housing styles in these areas. “We have some original homesteads back there. These can be simple cabins up to multi-million-dollar homes,” says Wiltfong. “Most of the houses are at a higher price point, but you get more land and privacy.” There are several log cabins in the area, as well as newer custom Craftsman homes with stone exteriors and spacious porches. On the western edge of the neighborhood, close to the community of Eagle River, you’ll find homes that are closer together on streets laid out in grids. Most of these houses are ranch-style homes, often with built-in garages. The houses in this area typically cost around $500,000 to $600,000.

Students in Eagle River Valley will likely attend Ravenwood Elementary School, Gruening Middle School and Eagle River High School. Eagle River High is rated an A- overall by Niche and has been rated as one of the top 10 high schools in the state. The school offers an engineering academy where students use hands-on learning to prepare for careers in engineering fields. Students in the program use the same 3D software that leading companies such as Intel and Lockheed Martin use. The school also had athletic success early in its history, winning the softball state championship in its first season in 2006. The co-ed cheer team also won the state title in 2012.

You won’t have to go far to find a spot to enjoy the outdoors. Trails and wilderness are all around you in the Eagle River Valley. If you drive to the end of Eagle River Road, you’ll end up at the Eagle River Nature Center. This facility is operated by a nonprofit organization running it as a Chugach State Park visitor center. The area has several trails, ranging from an easy ¾-mile trail to a moderately strenuous 6-mile trail. The nature center has yurts and cabins available to rent if you feel like taking an overnight trip into the woods. You can also participate in educational programs such as children’s hikes, story time and a nature journaling club.

Several other trails and natural areas throughout the neighborhood are easily accessible from the roads. The Mile High Saddle trailhead is just off Brownie Drive, a short distance from Eagle River Road. This 3.4-mile trail takes hikers to Mt. Magnificent and offers pristine views of the Cook Inlet and even Denali if the weather is clear. If you want to find somewhere more secluded to hike, just ask your neighbors, and they’ll tell you the good spots. “The hiking is great, especially if you know where the hidden gems are. There are some access points that others would never know about,” says Wiltfong. “You kind of discover them from your neighbors showing you or sharing.” Wiltfong adds that you should be aware of wildlife while you’re out hiking, as bears and moose are common in the area.

When you need groceries or feel like dining out, head into Eagle River proper for a broad mix of shopping and dining options. You can shop at Carrs, Walmart or Fred Meyer. Garcia’s Cantina & Café is a popular local Mexican restaurant known for its chimichangas and live music. Anytime you need to commute to Anchorage, Glenn Highway takes you right into downtown. But with all the natural beauty and activities in the Eagle River Valley, you probably won’t want to make too many trips into the city.

Written By

Matthew Atkins

Photography Contributed By

Chad Jackson

Video By

Anne Sheridan