Kayaking and Glaciers

Our third day in Alaska was full of adventure (and driving). 


We left Anchorage at 8 in the morning and traveled about 1 hour Northeast to the small town of Eklutna. About 15 miles off the freeway is remote Eklutna Lake; there we used a Groupon I'd purchased to rent a double kayak for 2 hours. It was so much fun!

Eklutna Lake

The Eklutna Glacier carved this valley as it retreated; then glacial and freshwater streams flowing into the valley created the 7-mile-long lake. The lake water level is high in the fall, but can be as much as 60' lower in the Spring! We had to hike quite a distance to get to the kayak boat launch due to the low water level. Before getting out on the water, we were warned that the weather can change rapidly in this valley, bringing sudden high winds, and we definitely did experience this towards the end of our kayaking time. The Lake is quite large and even though we did not see much wildlife while we were kayaking, we enjoyed soaking in the gorgeous mountain scenery.


After kayaking, we drove up to Hatcher Pass for lunch at the Hatcher Pass Lodge, and also checked in for the night. A few reviews online mentioned that the owner was harsh and difficult to deal with, but we didn't feel that way. Hap was very friendly with us and told us that when we returned later that evening we should just open whatever cabin we'd like and check out in the main lodge in the morning. He sat at our table during lunch and chatted about the local hiking and amenities of the lodge. After lunch, we got back in the car and drove some 120+ miles to the Matanuska Glacier. (see my blogpost about Hatcher Pass Lodge here!)

Matanuska Glacier

Arriving near the Glacier, we met up with our tour group, and guide, at Mica guides and got all our gear for hiking on the Glacier. The weather was great for pictures, creating an awesome contrast against the blue/white glacier. Our guide was super knowledgeable and friendly and had a ton of great adventure stories to tell us as we went along. Mica Guides offers multiple options for hiking tours on the Glacier; we chose the 3 hour trip - which provided an hour of prep/end time and 3 FULL hours on the actual Glacier. 

The Matanuska Glacier is 26 miles long, and is the largest Glacier in Alaska that can be reached by vehicle. It is well worth the drive to get out there to see it. 

If you don't want to spend the money to go on a guided tour - which provides boots (if you need them), day packs, helmets and crampons - you can most definitely drive to the Glacier and walk on it yourself. There are few picnic tables at a view point close to the parking lot which would make a great place for lunch.