CHUGIAK, ALASKA

For a tranquil and relaxing Alaska vacation, consider lodging accommodations at a Chugiak or Peters Creek bed and breakfast . These small, quiet communities in the South Central region of the state are set in the foothills against the Chugach mountain range, with beautiful rushing rivers emptying snow melt from the mountains to the Knik Arm. Chugiak is the ending point of the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Sled Dog race, which runs 12 miles out of Anchorage the first day, before officially starting the following day from their headquarters in Wasilla. Wildlife abounds, from bald eagles to bears to moose. Nearby are Thunderbird Falls , the native Athabaskan community of Eklutna (its Russian Orthodox/native log church has been in continuous existence for more than 300 years), and Eklutna Lake , a large mountain cirque (the lake's elevation is around 600 feet) hemmed by soaring white-capped mountains. Visitors can rent bikes and kayaks there or walk the gravel path around the lake. Our local BBAA innkeepers invite you to come experience the natural beauty of the Chugiak-Peters Creek area.