Eagle River, Alaska

The community of Eagle River is located on the edge of Chugach Mountains. Eagle River is one of the chief gateways to Chugach State Park, the third-biggest state park in the country at 773 square miles. Two of the more famous trekking trails leaving from the nature center are Rodak Nature Trail and Albert Loop Trail. The length of Rodak Nature Trail, which goes through an exceptional observation deck extending across a salmon stream, is less than a mile. The Bear Paw festival, held in mid-July, features a vintage car exhibition, a delightful parade, and the Miss Bear Paw Beauty Pageant.