Eklutna Lake in Alaska

Trip Overview

Upon arrival at Eklutna Lake you will be immediately stunned by the beauty of the place. This is a large (6 mile by 2 mile) glacial melt lake tucked deep in the Chugach Mountains and surrounded by snow capped peaks on all sides. The water is a deep blue green color from the glacial sediment, and is usually without even a ripple on the surface. Best of all, there are no fishermen (fish don't like the glacial sediment in the water, only little sticklebacks live in it) and no powerboats.

Launching from the beach and heading east along the northern shoreline you will pass beautiful forest areas and several glacial melt streams rushing into the water. Above you at all times will be the snow capped peaks of the Chugach, and you can often see Dall Sheep and Mountain Goats clinging to the cliffs. The park is also a bald eagle sanctuary and home to many moose and bear.

After proceeding along the north shore for about six miles you will come to a large glacier. At the glacier you can get out and hike about a mile if you want to actually touch the glacier. Upon returning to your boat it is about a six to seven mile paddle back to the beach. Overall its a good workout and a very scenic paddle only a few miles outside of Anchorage.

Accommodations:

There is a campground and latrines on site.

Fees:

Five dollar parking fee for the day.

Directions:

From Anchorage, proceed north on the Glenn HWY to the Eklutna exit (about 36 miles). From there follow the signs for Eklutna Lake. Its about 10 miles farther on a curvy, but paved road.