Whether you’re traveling out to the far flung, black sand beaches of the Aleutian Islands or deep in the woods of Tongass National Forest, where hikers can safely watch bears in their own habitat, Alaska is not immediately thought of as “accessible.” Usually you have to do a fair bit of trekking to get anywhere in the state. Yet, just outside of Anchorage is a highly accessible state park that is home to one of Alaska’s best glistening glacial lakes that is an amazing place to kayak and camp.
Eklutna Lake is an exceptional body of water that sits at the base of the Chugach Mountains in the aptly named Chugach State Park. The lake has been connected to the native Dena’ina Athabascan people for hundreds of years. The abundant fish and wildlife have been prized by upland hunters for centuries. While great efforts have been made to keep the lake pristine, it also serves as a vital water and power source for nearby Anchorage — Alaska’s largest city and home to the world’s largest chocolate waterfall.
The city itself is easily accessed via Anchorage International Airport. From there, it’s a little over an hour’s drive north on Alaska Route 1 to Eklutna Lake. So, when you fly in, spend a day or two exploring Anchorage and adjusting to the endless summer light. Then, head off to camp and explore one of the most stunning landscapes in the entire state.
Exploring the waters of Eklutna Lake
With over 3 million lakes to its name, Alaska is one place that kayakers can come back to for their entire lives and never paddle the same place twice. While all of these dramatic waters beckon to be explored, Eklutna Lake is the body of water that best captures the Alaska paddling experience in a single location. The turquoise-blue color of this glistening lake are the product of the silty glacial waters that flow into the lake via the Eklutna River…