There are many things to see and do in Healy, Alaska. It’s a census-designated place and the borough seat of Denali Borough. As of the 2010 and 2020 censuses, the population was 966. Several tourist attractions are located in the city, including the Denali National Park and the Eagle River Visitor Center.
Eagle River Visitor Center
One of the best places to visit in Healey is the Eagle River Visitor Center. The center offers several different hiking trails. You can also visit the nearby Eagle River, which has glaciers and a beautiful valley. The valley is a popular tourist destination all year round.
Another attraction is the Barbara Falls, which plunges 25 feet into a narrow gorge. It then splits into two channels. A half-mile walk takes you to the falls, where you can catch a view of the cascading water.
The center was founded in 1995 and is part of the Chugach State Park. Its mission is to connect people with nature. There are many programs for children and adults of all ages, and docents lead hikes and nature walks throughout the year. It also organizes story times and trail races.
After visiting the center, you may want to enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants. Tinker’s Rainforest Deli is popular among locals, offering all-day breakfast and sandwiches. The deli also has a special lunchtime hoagie and soup combo. You can also order fresh salads, refreshing smoothies, and a chicken ranch wrap. It also offers packed lunches.
The museum also houses Wolf Song of Alaska, a non-profit organization that was established in 1988 to bring awareness to the plight of wolves in the region. The museum’s focus is on the wolf’s natural history, evolution through the ages, and representation in folklore. The museum also features many interesting exhibits on the history of wolves.
Chena Hot Springs Resort
The Chena Hot Springs Resort is a privately owned hot springs resort with modern rooms and cabins. It also offers camping spaces and yurts. The resort also has a restaurant and cafe. This place is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the hot springs but don’t want to have to leave their car.
The Chena River State Recreation Area is nearby, and visitors can enjoy float trips and camping along the river. There are also many hiking trails in the area, including the Angel Rocks trail, which is a relatively short trek that will give you a great view of the surrounding landscape.
The Chena Hot Springs Resort also offers dog sledding. From May to October, the resort runs dog sleds and carts. For those who don’t own a dog, you can visit the retired huskies at the nearby Chena Hot Springs Mushing Center.
The resort offers hot springs recreation every day from 7 A.M. to midnight. The hot springs are heated and offer a wide open view of the Alaskan sky. The area is also great for watching the Northern Lights during the winter months. Hotel guests are provided with towels and bathing suits.
Mt. Baldy
Healy is a small community located near the Denali National Park. It is a great place to go hiking and enjoy the wide range of outdoor activities available. It is also a popular overnight base camp for tours of the park. The town is home to many restaurants, hotels, lodges, and flightseeing operators.
OHV enthusiasts can take advantage of the many OHV trails on Mount Baldy. The trail also includes an off-shoot that was once the site of a B-52 bomber crash. The trail is short but offers great views of the Knik Arm. It is also a great spot to catch an aurora in the northern sky.
For hikers, there are two trails to Mt. Healy: the Mt. Healy Overlook Trail and the Mount Healy Trail. One starts at the trailhead and takes you through a forest with many types of trees and plants. The trail also features a few switchbacks and stone steps. The hike will take about an hour and will have you enjoying the stunning views of the valley.
The mountain is not far from Fairbanks. The road is closed from late September until May, but there are several locations on the outskirts of the city that are good spots for viewing the northern lights. During this time, the road is closed to cars so you can enjoy the spectacular scenery.
The area is popular with mountain climbers and bikers. Hiking trails are paved, and the view is spectacular from every angle. There are restrooms and informative signs to help you get the best view. The trail is about 6.5 miles long and is ideal for birdwatchers. It also overlooks the Igloo Mountains. Several tour buses stop here on the way north, so the area can get busy.