Eagle River is a neighborhood community suburb in the Municipality of Anchorage, between Fort Richardson and Chugach State Park. About 30,000 people live in the Eagle River and Chugiak areas, on both sides of the Glenn Highway. [1] It has been suggested that Suburbia be merged into this article or section. ... Note: an anchorage is a place where a ship lays anchor. ...

Demographics

The 2000 census found a population of 18,000 in Eagle River and an additional 10,000 in the settlements northeast of Eagle River — Chugiak, Birchwood, Peters Creek, Thunderbird Falls and Eklutna. Many personnel from Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Air Force Base live in Eagle River, and many of the area's civilian residents commute to Anchorage jobs. Chugiak (pronounced Tchougaiak or Tchoogeeak) is a small town in Alaska situated approximately 25 miles to the northeast of Anchorage and approximately 7 miles from Eagle River. ... For other uses of Birchwood, see Birchwood (disambiguation) Birchwood is a district in the east of Warrington in the North West of England. ... Eklutna is located at the head of the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet, at the mouth of the Eklutna River, 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Anchorage, Alaska. ...

The town sits along the Eagle River, east of the Glenn Highway, at the edge of Chugach State Park which itself lies in the Chugach Mountains. The Eagle River Nature Center, sitting at an entrance to the park, is 12 miles up Eagle River Road. A state campground is located where the Glenn Highway crosses the river, and a state prison is nearby.

Popular activities include rafting the river, hiking, skiing and exploring the local mountains. One of the more popular local hikes is up Mount Baldy, overlooking the town. The historic Crow Pass Trail, which runs 26 miles from the Eagle River Nature Center and ends near the town of Girdwood, remains a favorite backpacking trip. There is no fishing to speak of in the river, but anglers do gather at Fire and Mirror lakes.

Eagle River is the shopping hub between Anchorage and Palmer-Wasilla. Chugiak High School is northeast of town while Eagle River High School is on the Southern end.

Community events include the Highland Games and the Bear Paw Festival.

Climate

Eagle River's average temperatures in January range from 6 to 20 degrees; in summer, temperatures range from 50 to 70. Annual precipitation is 15.9 inches, with 69 inches of snowfall.

History

The name Eagle River was first reported in 1939 by the U.S. Geological Survey. The Eagle River/Chugiak area was settled by homesteaders and prospered on agricultural activities. The Eagle River post office was established in 1961. 1939 (MCMXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will take you to calendar). ... 1961 (MCMLXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will take you to calendar). ...

In spite of local opposition, Chugiak and Eagle River became annexed to the Municipality of Anchorage, when the City of Anchorage and the Greater Anchorage Area Borough were unified in 1975. 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1975 calendar). ...

Sources

• Alaska.com