Discover the Magic of Every Season in Alaska on Scenic Potter Marsh Boardwalk

A wonderful example of Alaska’s wild beauty just 15 minutes from downtown, Potter Marsh Boardwalk has officially been declared one of The Gemmies in the United States by our team of local travel experts. The 2025 Gemmies are a collection of destinations that are a true representation of their state. To experience these gems is to know the heartbeat of their American locations, and we think they are all worthy of a visit.

Every family has their favorite spot, a place that calls you back no matter the season. For us, it’s the Potter Marsh Boardwalk in Anchorage. Nestled at the edge of town, this stretch of winding boardwalk allows us a moment to enjoy the wildlife in the city. No matter the season, my husband, our young daughter, and I find ourselves wandering this scenic stretch of boardwalk, tracking the rhythm of nature as it changes around us. It’s a little adventure that invites us to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and soak in the beauty of Alaska’s wild landscapes close to the heart of the city.

Potter Marsh isn’t a long trail — it’s only about a mile of easy, flat boardwalk— but that’s part of what makes it perfect for families. No uphill battles, no tricky terrain, just a smooth pathway that winds through wetlands and offers endless opportunities to spot wildlife. For my daughter, it’s like stepping into her very own nature classroom. She loves pointing out the ducks paddling through the water, watching the swoop of an eagle overhead, or keeping her eyes peeled for a moose grazing nearby. And yes, we’ve had some up-close moose encounters that made her squeal with excitement (from a safe distance, of course).

Each season brings its own charm to the boardwalk, and we’ve made a habit of visiting year-round to soak it all in. In the summer, the marsh is alive with vibrant greens and dotted with wildflowers. The air feels warm and alive, and the sunlight seems to make everything shimmer. It’s not uncommon to spot salmon swimming beneath the boardwalk or hear the chatter of songbirds in the distance. Our daughter loves counting how many birds she can spot in a single visit, while my husband and I marvel at how much wildlife you can see right from the boardwalk.

Come fall, the colors explode in a way that feels almost too beautiful to be real. The yellows, oranges, and reds of the surrounding trees reflect off the marsh, and the crisp air makes everything feel fresh and sharp. We pull on jackets and wander the boardwalk, watching the ducks and geese preparing for their long migrations and marveling at how the landscape shifts so dramatically in just a few weeks.

Winter might be my favorite time to visit. The marsh transforms into a quiet, snow-covered wonderland, the kind of place where you can hear the crunch of snow beneath your boots and feel the crispness of the air on your cheeks. The boardwalk takes on a peaceful stillness, with the snow-covered mountains in the background, creating a postcard-perfect scene. We bundle up and make our way out, breathing in the icy air and enjoying the views of the frozen marsh, where the wildlife feels tucked away in a quiet winter rhythm.

One of my favorite things about Potter Marsh is how accessible it is for everyone. The flat boardwalk is stroller-friendly, making it easy for us to navigate with our daughter when she was younger. It’s also a great spot for visitors of all ages and abilities, whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or just a quick stop to stretch your legs and take in the views.

Fun fact: the boardwalk is actually part of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, which means it’s a hotspot for all kinds of animals. Over the years, we’ve spotted everything from beavers to swans to plenty of moose. And if you’re a bird lover, this place is a dream. During the migration seasons, you might catch sight of sandhill cranes or Arctic terns passing through. We found a bald eagle nest a year back, and now check it out each time we visit.

Potter Marsh isn’t just a trail for us; it’s become a part of our family’s story. It’s an easy, close place where we go to watch the seasons change and catch our breath. There’s something so grounding about standing on that boardwalk, watching the snow creep down the mountains in winter, or watching the birds play in the water. It reminds us of how beautiful and dynamic Alaska truly is and how lucky we are to call it home. If you haven’t visited yet, it’s worth every step!

Have you experienced this gem of a destination yet? From Hawaii to Virginia, you’ll want to discover all of the incredible destinations featured in The Gemmies.

We also love these other great family hikes in Alaska. And if you need some new boots for the kiddos, we love to shop at REI!