Spectacular outdoor sights include thousands of migrating waterfowl, moose, bears,andto whales, and calving glaciers. The famed Columbia Glacier is melting at the rate of 10 to 15 tons of ice a day. Day trips on charter boats are popular with photographers and fishermen alike. Motor coach and walking tours are available. The city borders on Chugach National Forest, which is the size of New Hampshire and home to a variety of wildlife, including many land mammals, and waterfowl and other bird species.
Sport fish are abundant.
Activities in the park include boating, fishing and kayaking. Hunting is permitted, subject to state regulations, as is recreational gold panning. There are about 200 miles of hiking trails in Chugach National Forest. Backcountry travelers should avoid traveling alone, inform others of their itinerary, wear layered clothing, carry emergency gear and bug repellent, and travel in wide flat valleys or on ridges. Camping, hiking, sport fishing, kayaking and cruises are available in summer months.