Northern Lights in Eagle River, Alaska

Seeing the northern lights is on almost every Alaska visitor's list, and Eagle River is one of the best places near Anchorage to catch them. Just 25 minutes from the city's glow, our skies go properly dark, and on active nights the aurora dances right over the Chugach Mountains. Some of our guests have even watched it from the hot tub!

When to come

Aurora season in Southcentral Alaska runs roughly September through March, when the nights are dark enough. The sweet spots are the months around the equinoxes, September through October and February through March, when geomagnetic activity tends to peak. December and January bring the longest nights, which means the widest viewing window, though you will want warm layers. Summer's midnight sun makes the lights invisible from late April through August, so plan a fall or winter trip.

What time of night

The aurora can appear any time after full dark, but the most common window is 10 PM to 2 AM. Check the aurora forecast (the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute publishes a nightly prediction) and look for clear skies. Some of the best displays arrive after midnight, so set an alarm and keep your coat by the door.

Where to watch

On some lights if you are lucky, you may not need to leave the property. Our deck and hot tub face the mountains with wide-open northern sky, and guests have see the lights without driving anywhere. If you want an even darker spot, the Eagle River Nature Center parking area and the Glen Alps trailhead are favorite local viewing points, both an easy drive away.

Tips for a great night

Dress warmer than you think you need. Wind chill on a clear winter night bites fast, and you will want to stay out longer than you planned. Give your eyes 15 minutes to adjust to the dark. Bring a tripod if you want photos, and set your camera to manual focus on infinity. Then just look up. The lights often start as a faint gray-green arc before blooming into curtains of color.

Stay where the lights come to you

Instead of chasing forecasts across town, book a stay where the aurora finds you. Our 4-bedroom home sleeps 8, the hot tub stays steaming all winter, and the sky does the rest.

Keep exploring: Things to Do Near Eagle River | Why Book Direct.