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United States

Alaska

Anchorage

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Routes

Running trails & routes

United States

Alaska

Anchorage

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Moderate

4.5

(1413)

18,320

runners

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Q: How long does it typically take to jog the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail?

Jogging the entire 11-mile (18 km) one-way trail from Westchester Lagoon to Point Woronzof can take around 1 hour and 20 minutes , depending on your pace. The komoot tour data suggests an average duration of about 1 hour and 20 minutes for the 12.8 km section from Westchester Lagoon to Point Woronzof.

Q: What is the terrain like on this coastal trail?

The trail is entirely paved , offering a smooth surface suitable for jogging, cycling, walking, and rollerblading. While largely flat, it does feature some rolling hills, with more noticeable elevation changes near Point Woronzof.

Q: What kind of wildlife or scenic views can I expect to see?

You'll enjoy stunning coastal views of the Knik Arm and Cook Inlet. On clear days, you might spot Mount Susitna (Sleeping Lady), the Alaska Range, and even Denali. Wildlife sightings are common, with moose frequently seen along the trail and opportunities to spot beluga whales in the inlet. The route also passes through green forests and wetlands.

Q: Is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail suitable for beginners?

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy to moderate . Its paved surface and mostly flat profile make it accessible for various fitness levels. While there are some rolling hills, particularly near Point Woronzof, it's a great option for beginners looking for a scenic jog.

Q: Is this a loop trail, or out-and-back?

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is primarily an out-and-back route, stretching approximately 11 miles (18 km) one way. You can turn around at any point, or connect to other trails if you wish to extend your journey.

Q: Where are the main access points and parking for the trail?

The trail is easily accessible from downtown Anchorage. Key access points include Westchester Lagoon and near Point Woronzof. There are parking areas available at various points along the trail, making it convenient for joggers to start their run.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail?

The trail is popular year-round. Summer is ideal for jogging, cycling, and walking, offering lush scenery and warmer weather. In winter , it transforms into a groomed trail for cross-country skiing, skijoring, and fat biking, providing a different kind of outdoor experience.

Q: Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Yes, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is dog-friendly . Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the trail's cleanliness for all users.

Q: Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to use the trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and enjoy the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. It is a public multi-use path.

Q: What notable landmarks or points of interest can I see along the route?

Along the trail, you'll pass by several interesting spots. These include Westchester Lagoon and Chester Creek outflow , Earthquake Park (which has informational plaques about the 1964 earthquake), and the scenic Point Woronzof , offering expansive views.

01:21

12.8km

80m

Running

Embark on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for a refreshing jogging experience along Anchorage's scenic coastline. This moderate route spans 8.0 miles (12.8 km) and involves a gentle elevation gain of 256 feet (78 metres), typically completed in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. As you jog, you will enjoy expansive views of the Knik Arm and Cook Inlet, with the paved path winding through green forests and wetlands, offering a smooth surface for your run.

Accessing the trail is straightforward from downtown Anchorage, making it a convenient option for your outdoor activity. You will find various parking spots available along the route, especially near the city access points. The paved surface means you can enjoy this trail year-round; in winter, it transforms into a groomed path suitable for cross-country skiing and fat biking.

Beyond the coastal vistas, the trail offers unique points of interest. You will pass over Westchester Lagoon and through Earthquake Park, where you can learn about the significant 1964 earthquake. Keep an eye out for local wildlife; moose are often seen along the trail, and if you are lucky, you might even spot beluga whales in the inlet.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

267 m

Westchester Lagoon and Chester Creek outflow

Highlight • Lake

This is one of the best spots along the entire Coastal Trail: On one side you have Westchester Lagoon, a gravel pit turned waterfowl sanctuary and public green space, with paved multi-use trails that run in several directions for miles. On the other side is a short walkway across the rushing outflow of Chester Creek, with a quiet-feeling bench where you can enjoy the burble of water or, in the fall, watch for the occasional salmon working its way upstream from the ocean.

Tip by

3.87 km

Earthquake Park

Highlight • Natural Monument

This small, paved "pavilion" is part of Earthquake Park, which showcases the effects of the magnitude 9.2 earthquake that struck Alaska in 1964. One of the steepest hills on the paved Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is also right here, although it is mercifully short... sort of.

Earthquake Park also has some singletrack mountain bike trails, and a short loop of interpretive walking trail. The walking trail really isn't good for running (it's too narrow, overgrown, and often slippery), and it's best for everybody if runners stay off the mountain bike trails here.

Tip by

6.42 km

Point Woronzof

Highlight • Viewpoint

Just a short side trip from the Coastal Trail is Point Woronzof. You can access the parking area from here, and from the parking area you can descend a steep, sandy trail toward a rocky beach. Watch out for fast-moving high tides, and don't go in the water — there is dangerous, quicksand-like mud hidden under there.

However, locals still love coming here to walk, skip stones, and watch big jets take off and land from the nearby Anchorage International Airport. During the winter, this is a very popular spot for watching the northern lights.

Tip by

12.8 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

12.0 km

800 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

6.99 km

4.81 km

957 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 8 July

17°C

12°C

20 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it typically take to jog the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail?

Jogging the entire 11-mile (18 km) one-way trail from Westchester Lagoon to Point Woronzof can take around 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on your pace. The komoot tour data suggests an average duration of about 1 hour and 20 minutes for the 12.8 km section from Westchester Lagoon to Point Woronzof.

What is the terrain like on this coastal trail?

The trail is entirely paved, offering a smooth surface suitable for jogging, cycling, walking, and rollerblading. While largely flat, it does feature some rolling hills, with more noticeable elevation changes near Point Woronzof.

What kind of wildlife or scenic views can I expect to see?

You'll enjoy stunning coastal views of the Knik Arm and Cook Inlet. On clear days, you might spot Mount Susitna (Sleeping Lady), the Alaska Range, and even Denali. Wildlife sightings are common, with moose frequently seen along the trail and opportunities to spot beluga whales in the inlet. The route also passes through green forests and wetlands.

Is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail suitable for beginners?

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy to moderate. Its paved surface and mostly flat profile make it accessible for various fitness levels. While there are some rolling hills, particularly near Point Woronzof, it's a great option for beginners looking for a scenic jog.

Is this a loop trail, or out-and-back?

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is primarily an out-and-back route, stretching approximately 11 miles (18 km) one way. You can turn around at any point, or connect to other trails if you wish to extend your journey.

Where are the main access points and parking for the trail?

The trail is easily accessible from downtown Anchorage. Key access points include Westchester Lagoon and near Point Woronzof. There are parking areas available at various points along the trail, making it convenient for joggers to start their run.

What is the best time of year to visit the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail?

The trail is popular year-round. Summer is ideal for jogging, cycling, and walking, offering lush scenery and warmer weather. In winter, it transforms into a groomed trail for cross-country skiing, skijoring, and fat biking, providing a different kind of outdoor experience.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Yes, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the trail's cleanliness for all users.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to use the trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and enjoy the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. It is a public multi-use path.

What notable landmarks or points of interest can I see along the route?

Along the trail, you'll pass by several interesting spots. These include Westchester Lagoon and Chester Creek outflow, Earthquake Park (which has informational plaques about the 1964 earthquake), and the scenic Point Woronzof, offering expansive views.

Does this trail connect with other paths in Anchorage?

Yes, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is part of a larger network. It is a key component of the "Moose Loop," a 32-mile trail system around Anchorage. It also connects with sections of the Chester Creek Trail and the Mountains to Sea trail, offering opportunities to extend your adventure.