The Fourth of July holiday is upon us and the Chugach National Forest is a great destination for the long weekend. The USDA Forest Service asks residents and visitors to share in the stewardship of their public lands, and to keep the following tips in mind to help everyone enjoy a safe and fun holiday.
- Fireworks – The use of and possession of fireworks are prohibited on National Forest System lands, at any time of year. Violations are subject to a penalty and fine.
- Campfires – While exploring the national forest during the holiday, visitors are asked do their part to prevent wildfires by keeping control of their campfires, making sure the coals are cool to the touch before leaving, disposing of cigarettes in ashtrays, and obeying any posted fire restrictions. Always practice campfire safety and keep wildfire prevention in mind, regardless of weather conditions.
- Bear Aware – The Chugach National Forest is bear country and even if they are not seen, they’re around. To avoid a human bear interaction, be bear aware and make noise when hiking. Be alert in thick brush and along streams and rivers. Properly store food and other products with strong odors in bear-resistant containers and away from your tent. If you do encounter a bear, do not run. Back away slowly and calmly. Carry and know how to use bear spray.
- Campgrounds – All campgrounds on the Forest are open for visitors and fill up quickly.
- Developed Trails – The majority of the Chugach National Forest’s 200 miles of developed trails have dried out and vegetation along the trails is growing. Some trails may have thick brush. For those hiking or biking with exposed skin be careful of skin contact with cow parsnip which can result in a rash.
- Russian River Campground & Fishing – Be aware that available campsites at the Russian River are already reserved and first come, first served sites are typically occupied by Thursday night. For fishing updates at the Russian River and other sites across the Forest check out Alaska Department of Fish and Game weekly fishing reports.
- Visitor Centers – The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is not yet open, but Forest interpreters are holding informal programs in front of the building during the weekends and are hosting campfire talks at the Williwaw Campground amphitheater at 7 p.m. most Friday and Saturday evenings. Crooked Creek Information Center is not yet open, but the grounds remain open.
- Pack it in, pack it out! – Be responsible for picking up and disposing of your trash in appropriate trash receptacles. If the trash can or dumpster is overflowing, don’t add to the problem, take your trash with you. Trash and debris left behind can be harmful and even fatal to wildlife. It represents a human health hazard and degrades the Chugach National Forest.
- Whistle Stop – Visit the backcountry via train. Whistle Stop train service to Spencer Glacier begins Friday, July 3.
- Practice Patience – Holiday traffic and road construction make for extremely crowded roads and parking areas. Please use caution when traveling to and from and in the national forest.
Visitors are also urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with local health and safety guidance. For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, click here.
