The best walks and hikes around Point Mackenzie
4.3
(22)
305
hikers
59
hikes
Hiking trails around Point Mackenzie offer a variety of experiences, primarily featuring routes accessible from nearby Anchorage. The area provides access to coastal paths and urban green spaces, with trails ranging from easy strolls to more challenging excursions. These routes often showcase views of the Knik Arm and surrounding natural landscapes, including estuaries and parklands.
Best hiking trails around Point Mackenzie
- The most popular hiking route is Tony Knowles Coastal Path from Anchorage β Chugach State Park, a 20.1β¦
Last updated: April 27, 2026
4.7
(3)
10
hikers
5.07km
01:19
30m
30m
Hike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for an easy 3.1 miles (5.1 km) experience, gaining only 90 feet (27 metres) over about 1 hour and 18 minutes. As you go,β¦
3
hikers
16.9km
04:23
130m
70m
Embark on a moderate hike along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a paved route stretching 10.5 miles (16.9 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 415 feet (127 metres). Thisβ¦
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2
hikers
7.81km
02:01
50m
50m
Explore the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage, a 4.9-mile paved route offering coastal views and wildlife, rated moderate.
1
hikers
6.59km
01:42
30m
40m
Embark on an easy hike along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, where you can enjoy continuous views of Knik Arm and Cook Inlet. This 4.1-mile (6.6 km) route offers aβ¦
2.23km
00:35
10m
20m
Hike an easy 1.4-mile (2.2 km) segment of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, enjoying views of Westchester Lagoon and the Chugach Mountains.
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Tips from the Community
A railed wooden bridge crosses Fish Creek and connects you to the paved Coastal Trail on either side. There is a little rest area here and you get serine views of the estuary. Out across the Knik arm you can see the mountains and towering peak of Denali.
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The paved trail makes a sharp bend here, offering some views toward the marshland at the bottom of the bluff. There's also a small, unpaved spur trail near here that leads to a sand beach that isn't rideable, but you can always walk your bike or lock it to a nearby bench.
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Once a gravel pit, Westchester Lagoon really is one of the crown jewels of Anchorage. It's also a hub for year-round recreation. It also sits at the intersection of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which runs along the coast, and the Chester Creek Trail that runs east-west through town. Both paved multi-use trails are great for biking.
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This marks one of the larger interpretive displays within Earthquake Park, a parcel of land that showcases the effects of the magnitude 9.2 earthquake that struck Alaska in 1964. It's well worth pulling off the main trail to take a look or, if you're coming from the east, catch your breath from the short but steep hill leading up to this point.
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Point Woronzof is a great place to watch the sunset, although it usually feels safest to be in a car by that time of night. During the day, however, this is a great place to briefly lock your bike up for a stroll on the gravel beach just down the hill, or to listen for tiny wood frogs croaking in one of the nearby ponds before you go on about your ride. You'll also frequently see families picnicking on the wide grassy areas nearby as they watch jets taking off or landing at nearby Anchorage International Airport.
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Although the Kincaid Chalet (sometimes called the Kincaid Outdoor Center) can be rented out for public events, it's usually open to the public as a place to warm up or dry off from your recreational efforts. With plentiful parking available, it's a great place to either start or finish a bike ride. More information on the chalet is available here: https://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Pages/Kincaid.aspx
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Elderberry Park has some modest playground equipment and a few benches with views of the water and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail that passes quite nearby. It's a great place for a break but not the best for starting or ending your ride, as it takes some luck to find parking nearby.
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Just a short side trip from the Coastal Trail is Point Woronzof. You can access the parking area from here, and from the parking area you can descend a steep, sandy trail toward a rocky beach. Watch out for fast-moving high tides, and don't go in the water β there is dangerous, quicksand-like mud hidden under there. However, locals still love coming here to walk, skip stones, and watch big jets take off and land from the nearby Anchorage International Airport. During the winter, this is a very popular spot for watching the northern lights.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Point Mackenzie?
There are over 50 hiking trails around Point Mackenzie, offering a variety of experiences from easy strolls to more challenging excursions. The area primarily features routes accessible from nearby Anchorage.
What are the difficulty levels of hikes in the Point Mackenzie area?
The trails around Point Mackenzie cater to various skill levels. You'll find 36 easy routes, 18 moderate paths, and 2 more difficult trails, ensuring options for different abilities.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options near Point Mackenzie?
Yes, many of the 36 easy routes are suitable for families. For example, the Oscar Anderson House Museum loop from Anchorage is an easy 2.8-mile trail through urban parkland, often completed in about an hour.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see on hikes around Point Mackenzie?
Hiking around Point Mackenzie is characterized by coastal paths, scenic lagoon loops, and urban park trails. You can expect views of the Knik Arm, estuaries, and various parklands.
Are there any circular hiking routes available?
Yes, there are several circular routes. A popular moderate option is the Westchester Lagoon β Fish Creek Estuary loop from Anchorage, which explores a scenic lagoon and estuary environment. Another easy loop is the Hiking loop from Anchorage.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Point Mackenzie?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 27 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, from coastal paths to urban green spaces, and the accessibility of routes from Anchorage.
Are there any notable landmarks or attractions along the hiking trails?
Yes, several interesting points can be found. Along some routes, you might encounter views of Westchester Lagoon and Anchorage Peaks, or the Cook Inlet. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail itself is a significant attraction.
Can I find trails that pass by lakes or water features?
Absolutely. The region features several lakes and water bodies. You can find trails near Lake Spenard, Goose Lake and Park, and the Lake Hood seaplane base, offering picturesque water views.
Are there any trails that are particularly good for longer hikes?
For a more challenging and longer experience, consider the Tony Knowles Coastal Path from Anchorage β Chugach State Park. This difficult route spans over 20 miles and follows the coastline, offering expansive views.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Point Mackenzie?
While specific seasonal details are not provided, the coastal and urban nature of many trails suggests they are generally accessible for much of the year. For the most pleasant conditions, late spring through early fall is typically ideal for hiking in Alaska.
Are there any shorter, easy walks available?
Yes, for a shorter, easy walk, the Westchester Lagoon β Westchester Lagoon loop from Turnagain is a good option. It's about 2.7 miles and offers a pleasant stroll around the lagoon.
Most popular attractions around Point Mackenzie
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