Eagle River Nature Center

As my mom's visit came to an end we decided to do a few final site seeing adventures.  Between Anchorage and our home in Chugiak, Eagle River is nestled.  We had heard that Eagle River had a great nature center with walking trails.  So we hopped in the car, on another 80 plus degree day, and went to check it out.

When we arrived, we learned the nature center itself was closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.  Disappointed we found a trail guide and selected a 3/4 mile path.  After saturating ourselves with bug spray we walked behind the building.

We were in awe!  This was just the trail head, we hadn't even started the hike, yet!

Not letting the bugs or the heat deter them, the boys set off on the trail.  It was a well groomed path the led to a beaver viewing bridge as well as a salmon viewing bridge.

Our first stop was the beaver viewing overlook.  Oh my word.  The water was so still that the reflection was perfect, just like what you would see in a mirror.  I am pretty sure my mom and I stood there with our mouths agape.  We didn't see any beavers.  The educational signpost detailed how beavers will eventually use up all of their building materials in an area and have to abandon their work for an area full new material.  That must have been the case, here.

The salmon viewing bridge was appealing to the boys.  Jack kept hinting at how "refreshing" the water looked.  As tempted as I was I didn't give in to his pleas to "take a dip."

There were no salmon to be seen here in late June.  They typically run from August to October.  We will have to return to see the action.