Hiking is a wonderful way to see Alaska. In Cooper Landing, hikers may try the Russian Lakes Trail (from Russian River Campground) that leads to the Russian River Falls, where salmon leap up a waterfall to reach their protected spawning grounds, and opportunistic brown bears wait with open mouths. Another trail to try is the Resurrection Pass Trail through 38 miles of scenic mountains from Cooper Landing to Hope (information on North and South portions). A somewhat challenging trail that leads to spectacular views overlooking the Kenai Lake is the Slaughter Gulch Trail. Look for its trailhead near Wildman's. Here is an article on the details. Another trail to try in Cooper Landing is the Skyline Trail that is somewhat challenging but rewarding when you get to the top. Kenai River Trail is a 2.5-mile loop trail located near Cooper Landing, Alaska, and is good for all skill levels.
Cooper Landing and surrounding areas is home to many hiking trails for hikers of different levels of capability. Alaska.org has a great list of Cooper Landing hiking trails. There are many well-maintained trails. Follow this link (at www.trails.com) and this link (www.alltrails.com) for more information on Cooper Landing hiking trails. Here is a web page that lists all hiking trails in the Chugach National Forest, home of Gwin's Lodge. The Chugach National Forest borders the Kenai Wildlife National Refuge, which encompasses Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area. Right down the road at Mile 58 on the Sterling Highway, turn onto Skilak Loop Road, there are many easy-to-moderate scenic hiking trails. Skilak Loop Road is a 19-mile loop that begins and ends on the Sterling Highway.
Exit Glacier is the only part of the Kenai Fjords National Park accessible by road. Here you can hike well-marked trails, get close enough to the glacier to feel the glacial cold air, and take a ranger-led walk. Along the trail, markers mark the retreat of the glacier through the years. The Exit Glacier can be reached near the city of Seward off the Seward Highway. Details. The Harding Ice Field trail, also in the KFNP, is a worthwhile all-day challenge that will reward you with breathtaking views of the Exit Glacier and the Harding Ice Field.
Alyeska is a ski resort in Girdwood 27 miles from Anchorage. Mt. Alyeska is part of the Chugach mountain range. It is the biggest ski mountain in the state of Alaska. An aerial tram takes guests up to the top of Mt. Alyeska, where you can see for miles in all directions, including views of the Turnagain Arm, up to seven glaciers, and endless peaks deep into the Chugach Mountain range. There are also abundant trails for hiking, bicycling, and ATVs.
Portage Glacier is another scenic spot for hiking and photography in the Chugach National Forest. The Portage Valley is about a one-hour drive North on the Sterling Highway from Cooper Landing (one hour South of Anchorage). The Portage Pass Trail is a good day hike for all ages and provides spectacular views of the Passage Canal and the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
Something a bit unusual and a bit farther North is hiking on the Matanuska Glacier. It's a 2-hour scenic drive on Glenn Highway North of Anchorage. At milepost marker 101 is the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area that provides an overlook but does not provide access to the glacier. At mile 102, drive down to Glacier Park onto private property. There is a fee to get access to the glacier, and you can hire a private guide to take you on a hike (cost includes a helmet, crampons, and walking sticks). Using the guide is highly recommended to ensure that you see the highlights while traveling on safe passable routes. Details.
A must-do in Cooper Landing is the boardwalk along the Russian River in the Russian River Campground. Park in the Grayling or Pink Salmon parking lots and walk down the stairs to the very well-maintained walkway. The walkway will lead you to the confluence of the Kenai River and the Russian River. You will have opportunities to see anglers and bald eagles. Brown bears are known to frequent the area. You will also want to check out Slaughter Ridge and Skyline trails, and also the Skilak Lake area in the nearby Kenai Wildlife Refuge.***
***Use Caution and High Alert when hiking on any trail. Bear and moose encounters are a high possibility. Be sure you bring bear spray, insect repellant, with plenty of drinking water and snacks. Always be aware of your surroundings. Make plenty of noises as you walk so that wildlife has time to evade you.