mchugh creek recreation area

McHugh Creek is the first left on the Seward Highway after Potter Marsh and the residential area, about 6 miles south. There is a beautiful waterfall into a small pond, and trail access to several locals. Carry your pepper spray as there are bears, sheep, an occasional moose, and a gorgeous view of the inlet. If you have a picnic in the area, you probably won't need bug spray as there is a pretty constant breeze that blows to keep away the mosquitos. Many people hike the trails that hook up or pick berries in the fall. I like it for the view and so will you.

Beautiful waterfalls within short walking distance, and beautiful view of Beluga Point too. It is landscaped for easy access, and it is easy to pull off the main road to see it. There are great photos to be taken from here too.

If you just want a short hike to the waterfalls which is actually just steps away from the parking lot or hike for the day this is the place to go. But be sure to bring bear spray as you are most definitely going to see a bear. What an awesome place just outside of Anchorage to hike around for some breathtaking views and lots of wildlife. Happy Hiking.

There are a million places to stop along Seward Highway, but McHugh Creek is well worth it. In a few short steps, you've found the creek, and the stop is worth it.

Love the new deck they have overlooking the waterfall. It is a beautiful place and I highly recommend taking pictures. Lots of space for picnics and BBQ

When I am on call for the weekend, and can't venture far, my first pick for a bright sunny day lies just a few miles south of Anchorage, mile 112 of the Seward Highway. My first visit to McHugh Creek, I was alone, looking for an inspiring view to enjoy my lunch break. With picnic tables overlooking Turnagain Arm, and gorgeous rugged mountains framing the water, I thought it couldn't get any better than this. I thoroughly enjoyed the beauty and peace that surrounded me. I returned a week later with my husband. We ventured along the creek, and about a quarter mile up the trail to a bridge crossing McHugh Creek, that provided a lovely place to saturate ourselves in God's glory. We discovered more picnic tables sprinkled along the edge of the stream and we agreed to return soon for a cook out. So, a couple weeks later, we returned with steaks for the grill and some delicious accompaniments. What a relaxing day! After cleaning up all the bear enticing goodies and trash, we headed up the trail, past the bridge. Up we hiked, higher and higher, eventually coming to a clearing that provided the perfect spot to take in the entire Turnagain Arm. Words, nor pictures can do this place justice. Glory! Glory! Glory! God is worthy to be praised! We have been back numerous times and will never tire of this breathtaking little heaven on earth! Although we went as a couple, this would be a great place to take family or friends. Just watch the little ones!

Just 20 minutes outside of Anchorage, there it is - the wild. Traffic can still be heard, but near the creek, the roar of rushing water makes its presence known more loudly. A refreshing break from the "buzz" of the city! Gets crowded at peak times and parking is limited; off hours are best for this special spot.

Pay a lot to park here, but the hike is nice, and the creek, waterfall and pond are pretty. There's a good (and easy) trail through the woods with some good lookouts, heading north to the next recreation area parking lot.

Lots of nature and a good hike. We did not make it all the way to the creek so can't review on that but what we did see was beautiful. There is also a camp host(?) that parks in the lot you leave your car in so we felt a little safer.

This spot is located closer to Anchorage than it is to Girdwood.  It can be incredibly windy here (downright dangerous during strong storms).  Bears also roam the area in summer (watch for warning signs).  Nice picnic area overlooking Turnagain Arm.  Also the starting point for a great trail into the Chugach State Park.  Small waterfall.

Nice spot, little crowded on weekends and summer. Trail can be muddy & skeeters can be thick. Watch out for bears. Have spooked many on the upper reaches of this trail as it passes from treeline to alpine tundra. Consider going the opposite direction from Rabbit Lake.

One of my favorite places to visit during the summer absolutely gorgeous.