Last year stayed at the Comfort Inn in ANC (across from the Alaska RR deopt) for $100/night. Was the most reasonable decent place I could find. Property is fairly new, very clean. Also backs up next to a creek very popular with the locals. Saw hundreds of people at all hours of the day fishing (and catching) huge salmon.
Chugach is a wonderful destination for a day. Plenty to do for the landlocked without four wheels.
I was hoping to return to ANC and FAI this summer for vacation. My move has delayed those plans for a bit...