Eagle River

Baldy
Location: End of Skyline Drive
Distance: 1.5 miles uphill one way
Difficulty: Moderate; steep but short

Great view on a clear day!  This is an awesome hike because it is short enough to complete in a couple hours and close enough that you don't need all day to hike, drive, etc.  There is a path to the neighboring peaks for those who want to continue.  A good alternative to Flat Top (no scrambling at the top).  Two thumbs up!

The pic below is from May 2016.

Barbara Falls/South Fork Falls
Location: off Highland Drive
Distance: 0.9 mile one way
Difficulty: Easy

Similar to Thunderbird Falls only shorter and not as busy (also similar to Virgin Falls in Girdwood). Short, mostly flat walk to the falls look out area and lots of additional exploring to be had.  Would be a great picnic area for families.

Two thumbs up if you are looking for a relaxing leisurely stroll.

This picture is from July 2018. 

Bear Point (see also Mount Eklutna below)
Location: Peters Creek
Distance: 2 miles each way
Difficulty: Moderate

While this hike is shorter than the hike to Mount Eklutna, it seems much more steep and not as rewarding (although we only took this route downhill, and it was muddy).  In fact, the view of Mount Eklutna where we had just summited was the best part.  Bear Point on its own is pretty flat, but it would be a great place to pick berries on a sunny day.  One thumb up.

This pic is from August 2016.

Black Tail Rocks
Location: End of Skyline Drive
Distance: 3 miles each way
Difficulty: Moderate

Two thumbs up!  This is one of the many hikes behind Baldy.  You can either summit Baldy and take the ridge back (which is what we did) OR start on the trail to the left of Baldy from Skyline Road.  This trail follows the valley, is easier, and much less populated, and therefore recommended.  Once you are behind Baldy, there are many trails to Blacktail, Roundtop, etc.  We did this hike on a very hot day, which made it seem longer than expected.  Make sure you give yourself 4+ hours so you have time to explore; it is easy to get side tracked back here because there are lots of smaller trails, lakes and chirping marmots :)

This pic is from July 2016.

Dew Mound Trail
Location: Eagle River Nature Center
Distance: 3 miles each way
Difficulty: Easy

This hike stops at Dew Lake and also goes along Eagle River.  You can go back the same way you came or take advantage of the loop.  Two thumbs up!

We went in the spring, but I'm sure this hike is even more pretty as it gets more green in the summer!

Eagle and Symphony Lakes
Location: Off Hiland Road
Distance: 6 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy but long

This hike is mostly flat and ends between two lakes: Eagle to the north and Symphony to the south.  The lakes get water from different sources, causing them to vary dramatically in color; Eagle Lake is fed by a glacier and is turquoise, while Symphony is fed by precipitation and is more blue.
Make sure you plan enough time to hike out, enjoy the lakes and make it back.  Although it is an easy hike, it requires a good amount of time.  Bring lots of water and some snacks to enjoy near the two lakes.  Backpacking might be a good option if you have the time.
Another similar lake hike is Reed Lakes, which I prefer, but if you don't want to drive all the way out to Hatcher's Pass, this is a good alternative.
Two thumbs ups!

This pic is from August 2015.  Eagle Lake is to the left and Symphony Lake to the right.

Eagle River
Location: Eagle River Nature Center
Distance: 12 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy

This hike is actually the northern section of Crow Pass (which goes from Girdwood to Eagle River).  It is a long hike, but it is very flat and scenic since it hugs the river.  The trail technically ends where you ford the river to continue to Girdwood.  I would recommend completing the entire Crow Pass hike, but if the river crossing scares you, this may be a good out and back hike to start with.

I did not take many pictures while on this section of the hike because we were trying to conserve our phone batteries for 2-3 days, but here is a picture of some people fording Eagle River right before we did.  This pic is from August 2015. 

Eagle River North Fork
Location: Near Nature Center
Distance: 1/2 mile one way
Difficulty: Easy

Flat, short walk to the river.  Great for families and picnics!  Two thumbs up!

This pic is from April 2016.

Mount Eklutna (and Bear Point)
Location: Peters Creek
Distance: 3 miles each way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy

This is a nice hike because it is close to town and not too long.  You can also do it as a loop, which is what we did (Peters Creek trailhead to Mount Eklutna to Bear Point and back to trailhead).  The Eklutna side was much prettier, not as steep, and also not as busy.  Two thumbs up for the Eklutna side!

This pic is from August 2016. 

Harp Mountain
Location: Eagle River at south end of Hiland Road
Distance: 1.5 miles each way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy

This hike is perfect for those looking for something close, short and quick.  My friend and I hiked up and down in 3 hours.  The view is awesome--you can even see Eagle and Symphony Lakes and various other trails nearby.  We only saw a few people (went in the morning), but I'm sure this trail gets busy later in the day and during nice summer evenings.  Two thumbs way up!

This pic is from June 2016.

Thunderbird Falls
Location: Off the Glenn Highway, between Eagle River and Ekultna
Distance: 1 mile one way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy; short bursts of incline

This is a short hike to a view of the falls.  You can also take a hike down to the creek, which I would recommend, especially since the hike is short, and you've already driven out there, parked, etc.
This hike is family friendly since it is short and not too far from town.
Similarly to Flat Top, it is a pretty busy hike.  I give it one thumb up because I was expecting a better view of the falls and because the hike is over before you know it.

This pic is from the lower trail in May 2015.