Four miles from the Eagle River Nature Center along the historic Iditarod Trail is a protruding rock dubbed "The Perch." It's a good rest or turn-around spot. You can survey the river and wide, open riverbed and see mountains all around. While we were there, two packrafters paddled by. The first three miles of trail winds easily through mixed forest with mountain views. From Echo Bend at mile 3 to The Perch the trail parallels the river's edge.
For variety, once we got back to Echo Bend, we took the Dew Mound trail back. It climbs slightly up to another rocky outcrop with more mountain views, and continues on through open forest until it reconnects with the Iditarod Trail near the nature center.
Distance (loop): 8 miles
For variety, once we got back to Echo Bend, we took the Dew Mound trail back. It climbs slightly up to another rocky outcrop with more mountain views, and continues on through open forest until it reconnects with the Iditarod Trail near the nature center.
Distance (loop): 8 miles