Eagle River (Favorite Channel) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eagle River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Eagle River in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Municipality | Juneau |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Eagle Glacier Coast Mountains, Tongass National Forest 994 ft (303 m) 58°35′16″N 134°43′26″W / 58.58778°N 134.72389°W |
| River mouth | Favorite Channel 20 miles (32 km) northwest of downtown Juneau 0 ft (0 m) 58°31′37″N 134°49′18″W / 58.52694°N 134.82167°W |
| Length | 5 mi (8.0 km) |
The Eagle River is a small river, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) long, located near Juneau in the state of Alaska. It starts at the Eagle Glacier in the Coast Mountains. From there, it flows southwest until it reaches Favorite Channel. This channel is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast of Juneau city. A road called Alaska Route 7 (Glacier Highway) connects Juneau to the river. Near the river's end, you can find a state park, a church camp, and a Boy Scout camp.
You can explore the river's path using hiking trails that run alongside it. One trail, the Amalga Trail, leads to a public cabin near the Eagle Glacier. You can also find old mining town remains and the Eagle Creek Mine slightly north of the river.
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Exploring the Eagle River's Journey
Where Does the Eagle River Start?
The Eagle River begins its journey at the Eagle Glacier. This glacier is part of the Coast Mountains in Southeast Alaska. The river flows generally southwest for about 5 miles (8 kilometers). It passes through parts of the Tongass National Forest.
The river's starting point includes a small, unnamed lake. A hiking path, the Amalga Trail, runs along the right side of this lake. Also on the right side, near the end of the lake, is the Eagle Glacier Cabin. This cabin is open for public use and is managed by the United States Forest Service.
What Other Streams Join the River?
As the Eagle River flows, smaller streams join it. These streams come from both the left and right sides of the river. One stream, joining from the right, drains an area called the Amalga Site. This site holds the remains of the old Eagle River Mine and the mining town of Amalga.
Eagle River's Lower Path and Recreation Areas
Further downstream, the river runs next to the Eagle Beach State Recreation Area. This park is on the right side of the river. The Amalga Trail, which is part of the recreation area here, also stays on the right.
Inside the recreation area, you'll find a United Methodist Church camp. A path called Loop Trail goes around this camp. It connects with the Amalga Trail near the river. A little further downstream, the river flows under Alaska Route 7 (Glacier Highway). Here, the Herbert River joins the Eagle River from the left side.
After the Herbert River joins, the Eagle River flows past flat, muddy areas called tidal flats. The Loop Trail continues along the right bank here. It eventually meets the Beach Access Trail, which leads to a picnic area on the beach. On the left bank, the Boy Scout Beach Trail follows the river. This trail is connected to the Boy Scout camp, which is across the river from the church camp. Finally, Saturday Creek, which flows through the Methodist Camp, enters from the right. After this, the Eagle River empties into Favorite Channel.
Eagle Beach is about 2 miles (3 kilometers) north of Dotsons Landing. It is also about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Juneau. The river's mouth is across from Shelter and Lincoln islands. These islands separate Favorite Channel from Saginaw Channel to the west. The Alaska Marine Highway travels along Favorite Channel, passing between the islands and Eagle Beach.
