Chugach

Chugach is a name used for a geographic region in southcentral Alaska and for the Indigenous groups historically associated with that region. In geography, it designates the Chugach Mountains and the adjacent coastal area, including the Chugach National Forest. In anthropological and historical contexts, the term has been used for the Chugach Eskimo, an Alaska Native group that is part of the larger Sugpiaq (Alutiiq) people.

The Chugach Mountains form a coastal range that runs roughly east to west along the Gulf of Alaska, separating the coastal zone from the interior. The surrounding landscape includes glaciers, fjords, and rugged terrain that influence climate and access in the region.

The Chugach National Forest is a federally managed public forest along the southern coastline of Alaska. Covering about 6.9 million acres, it spans coastal valleys, glaciers, and wilderness areas and is one of the largest national forests in the United States.

Historically, Chugach people inhabited the Prince William Sound and Gulf of Alaska coast, relying on marine resources such as salmon, seals, and whales. They practiced seasonal subsistence and developed maritime technology and coastal housing. Today many identify as Sugpiaq or Alutiiq, with the Chugach designation remaining in heritage and place names; their language is Alutiiq (Sugpiaq), part of the Eskimo–Aleut family.

In contemporary Alaska, the name appears in institutions and designations, including the Chugach Alaska Corporation, a Native corporation created under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to manage land and resources for people of the region. The area is known for rugged scenery, abundant wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities.