Chugach State Park
Overview
Chugach /'tʃu:gætʃ/ [pronounced CHEW- gatch] is the tribal name for the indigenous people of the upper cook inlet region.
Chugach State Park is located in Southcentral Alaska mostly within the
Municipality of Anchorage. The park contains approximately 495,000 acres of
land and is one of the four largest state parks in the United States.
Southcentral Alaska is an area of diverse land forms and rugged topography,
bounded on the north and west by the Alaska Range, and on the east by the
Chugach and Wrangell Mountains and Prince William Sound.
The region
contains extensive ocean shoreline, abundant lakes, massive glaciers and
ice fields. The park's westernmost boundary lies in the western foothills
of the Chugach Mountain Range and is a mere seven miles to the east of
downtown Anchorage. The park is further defined by the Knik Arm on the
north, Turnagain Arm on the south, and Upper and Lower Lake George and
Chugach National Forest on the east. Within minutes of the park are the
communities of Palmer, Eagle River, Chugiak, Indian, Bird, Girdwood, the
village of Eklutna, and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Permits for Chugach State Park
Commercial Use Permits
Anyone conducting commercial activities within a unit of the State Park system must obtain, in advance, a permit issued by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Examples of commercial activities include guided activities, charter services, transportation services, and outfitting, supply or equipment sales or rentals within state parks.
The Commercial Use Permit application and required documentation must be submitted to the Chugach State Park office located at:
18620 Seward Hwy.
Anchorage, AK 99516
(907) 345-5014
Applications may be submitted by mail or via email: parkpermitting@alaska.gov
Once the permitting process is completed, the Commercial Operator will receive the permit and at that time will be authorized to conduct the permitted activity in the park. Commercial Operators are not authorized to operate in the park until the permit has been issued.
All vehicles that operate within the Alaska State Park system must be registered commercially with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. A copy of the registration must be given to the permitting office. A vehicle decal will be issued and is to be permanently affixed to the lower corner of the driver side of the windshield.
Commercial Use Permit Application
Special Use Permits
Special Use Permits are issued by Alaska State Parks for a wide variety of special events, such as those listed below. A special use permit is not required for regular recreation activities.
For a complete list of commercial and non-commercial activity fees, please read the current Director's Order on Permit Fees.
- Groups of 20 or more people.
Example: Company picnic or family reunion. - Organized athletic events or competitive recreational events.
Example: Trail race or ski event. - Other organized events.
Example: Weddings. - Conducting scientific research.
Example: Collecting plants for scientific study, collection, or educational purposes.
Included with the Special Use Permit will be a list of standard, general stipulations. When you are issued a permit, it may also include additional stipulations customized to your specific situation.
Chugach State Park Special Use Permit Application