Area Glaciers

Glaciers are one of the many spectacular natural wonders of Alaska. Many of them are visible from the roadway, or accessible by trail, boat or air.

The Knik and Matanuska Glaciers are both near the Agate Inn. Or drive south on the Seward Highway to visit Portage Glacier.

Knik Glacier

Knik Glacier, a large valley glacier visible from Palmer and Wasilla, can only be reached by boat or air. It is used as a film backdrop for some very well known movies.

Hunter Creek Outfitters (907-745-1577), Knik Glacier Adventures (907-746-5133) and Mt. View Knik Glacier Airboat Tours (907-745-5747) offer air boat rides to the glacier with a picnic lunch or dinner. Watch icebergs the size of ten-story buildings tumble into Knik Lake, hike "The Gorge" trail or paddle a raft or kayak around the ice. Grasshopper Adventures (907-746-6923) offers flights over the glacier and lands in a beautiful secluded spot in Grasshopper Valley, with handicap accessible camping.

Matanuska Glacier

Another nice drive follows the Glenn Highway (Hwy 1) east about an hour to the Matanuska Glacier. The lodges along the way are nice places for lunch.

For a small fee, Matanuska Glacier Park Resort (907-745-2534) allows visitors to drive to the foot of the glacier. MICAguides and NOVA (907-745-5754) offer glacier trekking tours.