But we thought it would mean it was "less good." We had some refreshments and trailmix at … He is a great guide. Both operations very professional, highly informative & reasonably priced. The Lodge has a helicopter right on site and offers 60, 75, and 90-minute tours of the glacier. The boat was a lot of fun also, especially circling the icebergs. You cannot quite grasp the expanse of a glacier until you see it from the air. See the azure blue melt pools, crevasses, and the bizarre ice formations created by water, wind, and the sun. Knik Glacier is one of the largest accessible glaciers in south central Alaska! There is an eight mile trail at the end of Knik River Road, but the trail includes water crossings so … As of Dec. 1, the sun never hits the valley floor! The ride to the Knik Glacier ranks as one of the most scenic rides, anywhere, and it is very accessible. To see the glacier from above, book a flightseeing tour with the Knik River Lodge. glacier and the wildflowers are amazing! We had a good time on the trails taking pictures of the gorgeous scenery and Knik Glacier and another glacier that was visible. My first Fat Bike tour… ~20 miles to the toe of Knik Glacier from the Old Glenn Highway Bridge, 8.5 hours roundtrip. Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Palmer (near Anchorage) If you’re considering an autumn wedding, The peak for colors in Alaska is generally about September 15 – October 5, depending on your elevation and if it’s a wet or dry summer. Alaska is one of the few places in the world where you can land on a glacier. ‎The Knik Glacier is the centerpiece of the 17,000 acre Lake George National Natural Landmark. more, Recommended experiences in and around Palmer, This trip is a great way to see real Ak. They take you to a beautiful glacier and let you walk around and take pictures. We also did the trip as a wedding destination for our daughter. The Knik River valley is one of Alaska’s finest with an indescribable landscape, thanks to Knik Glacier. With some tours, you’ll drive right up to the face of the glacier and gaze at the peaks of blue ice that surround you. It's located in Alaska, United States.Difficulty is a bit high since you have to take equipment with you which ranges from hiking gear to canoes and of course, a camera. Surrounded by snow covered peaks, hanging glaciers and waterfalls, the views are spectacular. Getting to Knik is an adventure in itself. With a five-mile-wide face and daily calving, it’s an impressive sight: 400-foot ice walls rise out of a lake filled with icebergs that are floating, turning, and breaking apart. Seemingly modest compared to its former self, Knik Glacier has since retreated 50 miles east of Anchorage and now runs 25 (40 km) miles long and 5 miles (8 km) across its face. After a 15-minute flight, land on the Knik Glacier and enjoy approximately 30-minutes exploring the azure blue melt pools and bizarre ice formations with your pilot guide. The glacier has an impressive five-mile-wide face and 400-foot ice walls that rise out of a lake. De Knik Glacier is een gebied vol bergen, sneeuw, water en ijs. That was the only reason we really went for it. For $359 per person, he’ll take you on a 60-minute adventure, where you’ll land atop Knik Glacier, ... “Now we see land appearing to form under the glacier,” adds Schadee. My Cruise Planner. Join the Anchorage Fat Bike Facebook group for latest trail conditions. Despite the shrinkage, it is still one of the largest glaciers in Southcentral Alaska. Hotels near Knik Glacier Tours, Palmer on Tripadvisor: Find 10,187 traveler reviews, 3,048 candid photos, and prices for 30 hotels near Knik Glacier Tours in Palmer, AK. There are no roads to the Knik Glacier, most travel up the Knik River by jet or airboat, yet the lake packed thick with ice bergs often prevents boating all the way to the glacier. Deze aparte natuurschoon is al vaak op de beeldbuis geweest, aangezien het gebied regelmatig is gebruikt in Hollywood films. It would be amazing to see this in bloom in the spring. This is a must do activity if you are in the Palmer-Wasilla area. Het unieke klimaat zorgt hier voor een mooi, maar mysterieus landschap en een bijzondere dierenpopulatie. You can get a partial view of the ice floe at Mile 7 of Knik River Rd off Old Glenn Hwy, but the best way to experience it is on either an air- or jet-boat ride up the Knik River. Knik Glacier Tours, Palmer: See 236 reviews, articles, and 250 photos of Knik Glacier Tours, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 15 attractions in Palmer. In many parts of Alaska one can see glaciers, but in the Mat-Su Valley, you can actually get out and touch one. I highly recommend this as a fun unreal, AK wedding experience. About. Adventure seekers will be thrilled with the ice climbing options. Its face is about three miles long at the head of Knik River. Keep your camera's ready as moose and other wildlife sightings are common. From a helicopter, you see the deep blue hues of the glacier ice. While it remains active, with motion imperceptible to the naked eye, this glacier is in a constant state of change. Wear insulated boots. 13 reviews of Knik Glacier Tours "My husband and I went into this with low expectations. Getting to Knik is an adventure in itself. Suddenly the entire sweeping Knik Glacier comes into full panoramic view, studded with ethereally blue and glowing ice. • Conditions : Warm weather could cause the ice to deteriorate on the river in the coming weeks, so be aware. !” -Katrina. Knik Glacier via Jim Creek is a 38.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Palmer, Alaska that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. It's a Not chosen size geocache, with difficulty of 3, terrain of 5. We will cross rivers, view salmon spawning areas, see beautiful fields of wildflowers and … This is truly a spiritual experience and sure to be one of your trip's highlights. Bad weather and high winds can prevent aircraft from reaching the glacier. of the gorgeous scenery and Knik Glacier and another glacier that was visible. Quick Tips. Get a closer view of Knik Glacier via an airboat tour by taking the Old Glenn Highway exit and driving to either Knik Glacier Adventures, located off Knik River Road about 20 miles from Palmer, or Mountain View RV Park, which is just off of Smith Road via the Old Glenn, about three miles south of Palmer. July 30 -Drive to Whittier for 26 Glacier Cruise and overnight at Alyeska Resort. Plan ahead and book tour in case it doesn’t run everyday. The Knik Glacier Landing is a great choice for those looking for an easy and affordable Anchorage helicopter tour with an incredible guided glacier walk! This tour departs from Glacier Adventure Base at Knik River Lodge and takes you over the Knik river & glacier through the Great Gorge towards Whiteout Glacier, Colony Glacier, and Lake George. It is close to Anchorage. Get events, specials and more delivered to your inbox. I Highly recommend this tour it is amazing and leaves you in awe! There are no roads to Knik Glacier but you can catch a glimpse of it as you drive south of Palmer. Drive the two miles from the park gate to the moraine to set foot on the ice. Highlights by far were our day with Tom to the Knik Glacier followed a day later by a glacier landing at the top of Mt. She was a lot of fun. Our tour guide was wonderful!!! The sights and scenery of Fall in AK is breathtaking Very cool experience. From a helicopter, you see the deep blue hues of the glacier ice. The Harding Icefield near Seward is a classic example, and is one of the few icefields easily accessible by foot (a five-hour hike from Exit Glacier, rising from sea-level to 3,500ft). See the azure blue melt pools, crevasses, and the bizarre ice formations created by water, wind, and the sun. The Knik River / k ˈ n ɪ k / is a 25-mile-long (40 km) river in the U.S. state of Alaska. Alaska glacier treks and boat trips are ideal for families. Either way Knik Glacier was amazing to see. Often referred to as Alaska's 'sunny glacier', a unique microclimate or "rain shadow" has created a truly diverse ecosystem. Knik Glacier Nestled into a broad mountain valley, the Knik is a 25-mile-long, 5-mile-wide layer of undulating ice, punctuated by sharp crevasses. https://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/2267-knik-glacier-trail Both Knik Glacier Tours and Knik River Lodge also offer free parking for fat bikers. Both Knik Glacier Tours and Knik River Lodge also offer free parking for fat bikers. Several modes of transportation are available: all terrain vehicle, jet boat, guided pack rafting, and helicopter. We rented four fatbikes from Alaska Pacific University, and borrowed three more. July 29 - Kenai Fjords Cruise and Ididaride Tour. Tours all begin at our base camp office and … Over 28 miles long and 5 miles across this is one of central Alaska's greatest rivers of ice. Be sure to check out the blue melt pools in the summer and icebergs in the winter! Knik Glacier Tours is proud to offer one of Alaska's most exciting day tours. The Knik Glacier snakes out of the Chugach Mountains, tumbling into an iceberg-studded lake that feeds the Knik River. Knik Glaciers #1 ATV Tour. Ideal months for a glacier landing are in early summer or early fall when the temperatures are cooler. Hotels near Independence Mine State Historical Park, Hotels near Palmer Visitor Information Center, Hotels near Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau, Hotels near Government Peak Recreation Area, Hotels near National Tsunami Warning Center, Hotels near Crevasse Moraine Trail System, Alaska Hiking and Packrafting Adventure Guides, Independence Mine State Historical Park: Tickets & Tours‎, Palmer Visitor Information Center: Tickets & Tours‎, Government Peak Recreation Area: Tickets & Tours‎, National Tsunami Warning Center: Tickets & Tours‎, Crevasse Moraine Trail System: Tickets & Tours‎. Terminal lakes are growing around Alaska as the glaciers melt back. We live in Anchorage and will be back for sure!!! Be sure to drive slowly, and keep an eye out for moose on your way to the lodge – we see several almost every time we leave the lodge! Access to this glacier is through a private concessionaire at Mile 102. The boat was a lot of fun also, especially circling the icebergs. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Before the great earthquake of 1964, Knik Glacier used to seal off Lake George Gorge causing Lake George to form. We decided to do this tour because of a coupon we had. Read More, Come Experience Alaska with us! Stay the night at local area lodges for the ultimate glacier experience. For your second landing, you will fly high above to an alpine meadow where you will have a unique birds eye view of the massive Knik glacier below, with Colony and Cataract glacier across Lake George. The trail offers a number of activity options. Knik River Road is a popular spot for all wildlife viewing. Trips are available year-round and include an awesome glacier landing. A visit to Knik Glacier is always an Alaska vacation highlight, making it a real pleasure to share with visitors. Book Now. Worth your time and money. Travel Tips for Knik Glacier Weddings: Be sure to have a backup location plan or be flexible with your date. We almost always see moose and Dall sheep. Scroll down to see our tour options. Randy from Juneau was our guide. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Get info about the valley’s hidden treasures! The trip out and back is interesting. © 2016-17 Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau. Which is good! See the azure blue melt pools, crevasses and the bizarre ice formations created by water, wind and the sun. Bring the sunscreen and water bottle to fill up on icy, glacier water! We loved riding in the open air both rig and boat. It was named for … Start early in the day. Knik Glacier. Some adventuresome locals even ride fat tire bikes out there in the spring. The truck drive thru the wilderness was a blast especially when it drove thru a river!! The Knik River Valley is a scenic, secluded valley nestled up against the Chugach Mountains. Unlike Denali flightseeing, you land on ice rather than snow at Matanuska and Knik glaciers. Its source is at Knik Glacier, from which it flows northwest and west and empties into the head of Cook Inlet's Knik Arm, near the mouth of the Matanuska River. This lake wasn’t there several years ago. Each spring, the water would erode the glacier ice dam and as much as 150 million gallons of water per minute would begin to pour through the gorge, at times forming a wall of water 150 feet high. Suddenly the entire sweeping Knik Glacier comes into full panoramic view, studded with ethereally blue and glowing ice. We guarantee you an unforgettable day and hopefully the highlight of your Alaska adventure. The Knik Glacier and the beginning of the Knik River are managed under the Knik River Public Use Area (KRPUA) Management Plan. Knik Glacier The Knik Glacier is located just 50 miles east of Anchorage, Alaska on the northern end of the Chugach Mountains.The ice field averages over 25 miles long and over 5 miles across, making it one of the largest glaciers in southcentral Alaska. Hiking to the top of Bodenburg Butte, near Palmer, offers views of the Knik Glacier and amazing, 360-degree views of the surrounding area. No roads lead to the Knik Glacier, but Knik Glacier Tours can take you there. See the azure blue melt pools, crevasses, and the bizarre ice formations created by water, wind, and the sun. This exciting ATV Tour leads you over 20 miles into Alaska's backcountry crossing rivers and spashing through mud holes with chances to see wildlife. With several tour companies operating in the area, visitors can view the glacier by air via a flightseeing company, all-terrain vehicle, jetboat, airboat charter, or on a guided packrafting tour. All tours include a glacier landing right in the middle of Knik Glacier, where you can get out of the helicopter and spend about 30 minutes exploring ice thousands of years old with your pilot/guide. This valley is home to several large stunning glaciers, many smaller glaciers, cliff hanging glaciers, amazing glacier icefalls, and a large glacier lake with glacier icebergs floating around in it. Length 38.8 mi Elevation gain 2,401 ft Route type Out & Back This tour departs from Glacier Adventure Base at Knik River Lodge and takes you over the Knik river & glacier through the Great Gorge towards Whiteout Glacier, Colony Glacier, and Lake George. Use a bike with studded tires. Wear a helmet. We had a good time on the trails taking pictures. It was absolutely perfect. You'll see how massive icefields, dozens of miles long, spill into valleys to create glaciers. There was a creek crossing within the first mile from the … It's been several years since I've been there but I plan on going back again in the future. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Being from the South this was a surreal experience. Unlike Denali flightseeing, you land on ice rather than snow at Matanuska and Knik glaciers. See the azure blue melt pools, crevasses and the bizarre ice formations created by water, wind and the sun. Knik Glacier Tours, Palmer: See 236 reviews, articles, and 250 photos of Knik Glacier Tours, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 15 attractions in Palmer. You will soar over the Knik River & Glacier through the Great Gorge towards Whiteout Glacier, Colony Glacier and Lake George, whilst bracing the opportunity to spot native Alaskan wildlife. This tour departs from Glacier Adventure Base at Knik River Lodge and takes you over the Knik river & glacier through the Great Gorge towards Whiteout Glacier, Colony Glacier, and Lake George. At its peak, it covered the entirety of the Anchorage bowl and all of Cook Inlet. The Matanuska Glacier is one of Alaska's most spectacular glaciers, is also one of the oldest. Select your cruise ship and we’ll display only the tours that work with your schedule in each port. Why? Visitors can enjoy viewing this natural wonder on an air boat, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or flightseeing trip. Driving over rocks, splashing through mud, and exploring Alaska terrain on an ATV is an excellent way to experience glaciers on land. Despite the shrinkage, it is still one of the largest glaciers in Southcentral Alaska. Knik Glacier, born in the Pleistocene Glaciation period (the beginning of the Ice Age) 600,000 years ago, covered the Anchorage bowl and the entire Cook Inlet. Knik Glacier (GC1WHHG) was created by tmitchh on 7/29/2009. Knik Glacier is located on the northern edge of Alaska's Chugach Mountains. We travel 4 miles through the spectacular backcountry of Lake George National Natural Landmark. Knik Glacier Ride with Alaska Bike Adventures By Gomez on March 26, 2020 in Ride Report , Winter Riding On a recent trip to Alaska, I was fortunate enough to score a guided day trip with Alaska Bike Adventures out to Knik Glacier. My uncle came up for two weeks this summer and, while tooling around down Knik Glacier Rd, saw signs for these guys. Knik Glacier by Fat Bike. Sheets of Dryas octopetala are found in the area. Our tour guests often see moose, bear, mountain goats and Dall sheep. Knik Glacier is located 50 miles east of Anchorage on the northern edge of Alaska’s Chugach Mountains. Riding out to see about this hole, I felt the familiar giddiness. How wrong we were. Our tour guests often see moose, bear, mountain goats and Dall sheep. And for a rare lifetime opportunity, land on a glacier via flightseeing plane at Denali's base camp, or helicopter onto the timeless blue ice of Matansuka Glacier. The ride out the Glacier consisted of about ten miles of snowmachine packed trail that’s pretty flat because it follows the frozen Knik River out to the Glacial Lake and the face of the Glacier. Air Taxi is also an option. The truck drive thru the wilderness was a blast especially when it drove thru a river!! See crystal-blue glaciers up-close with a stop at Glacier Camp where you learn about the immense processes that resulted in these stunning ice formations ; ... Great panoramic view of the Knik Glacier and distant higher-elevation glaciers in surrounding mountains. Best Alaska Experience for tourists as well as locals! Getting There. It looms 13,000 feet high over the Glenn Highway, is 27 miles long, stretches four miles across and is easily seen at Mile 101 Glenn Highway. Trekkies take note: Knik Glacier is best known as the setting where a portion of Star Trek VI was filmed. This huge river of ice was born 600,000 years ago at the beginning of the Ice Age. Suddenly, Knik Glacier appears in the distance, starting out as a strange gray striation in the distant mountains but as you get closer blue hues slowly shimmer into focus. It is an easy ride in winter, but only for a few short weeks or months, usually late in the season. Call our friends at Anchorage Helicopter Tours, or visit their website to get more information on helicopter charter rates. All tours include a glacier landing right in the middle of Knik Glacier, where you can get out of the helicopter and spend about 30 minutes exploring ice thousands of years old with your pilot/guide. Once at the glacier, there is adequate time to walk moraine trails and take photos. It really is a great trip. In our app you will find pictu… Find Shore Tours to Book. We first rode here in 2012, at the end… Its source is at Knik Glacier, from which it flows northwest and west and empties into the head of Cook Inlet's Kn Book Now. Depart Knik Valley on this truly Alaskan helicopter experience. McKinley Glacier with Chris from Talkeetna Air Taxi. Tom was great at helping us plan her wedding on location. Over 28 miles long and 5 miles across this is one of central Alaska's greatest rivers of ice. Depart Knik Valley on this truly Alaskan helicopter experience. For the best views, a flightseeing tour of the glaciers surrounding Denali, including Ruth Basin and Tokositna Glacier is the way to go. Often referred to as Alaska's 'sunny glacier', a unique microclimate or "rain shadow" has created a truly diverse ecosystem. The Knik Valley is one of the most beautiful spots in Alaska, in our opinion. Helicopter tours offer a unique way to explore these glaciers. Hubbard Glacier. The pictures at the. Helicopter tours offer a unique way to explore these glaciers. It was our kid’s first glacier experience And they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. In Kenai Fjords National Park, Exit Glacier was a popular attraction for just this reason. During certain times of the year, pilots land on the Kahiltna and Ruth Glaciers, allowing passengers to walk safely on the icy rivers below. No roads lead to the Knik Glacier! Bring some trash bags to cover your boots during the water crossing. Matanuska and Knik glaciers can be explored via helicopter for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is a good chance we’ll see bears foraging along the hillsides during the flight. View Mat-Su Valley's Visitor... Read More, Find lodging, dining, activities, attractions and more in each... Read More. • Conditions : Warm weather could cause the ice to deteriorate on the river in the coming weeks, so be aware. This glacier used to wreak havoc on the Mat-Su Valley, advancing every winter and … For a safe alternative and the best visitor experience, hire a local guide who can outfit you with proper gear and lead you on a glacier trek to blue lakes and ice caves. Riding out to see about this hole, I felt the familiar giddiness. Check the weather forecast before you go. Knik River - The Knik River is a 25-mile-long (40 km) river in the U.S. state of Alaska. Cathy exploring icebergs at the end of the Knik Glacier. Our guide was Maddy. (If there are still any glaciers … It just seemed so low-key. Thomas and BJ on the Knik River. Be sure to drive slowly, and keep an eye out for moose on your way to the lodge – we see several almost every time we leave the lodge! Do dress in layers it is breezy when on the river boat heading towards Colony and Knik glaciers. See the azure blue melt pools, crevasses, and the bizarre ice formations created by water, wind, and the sun. I was able to hop out with spikes on and walk around for a while and get some really cool photos. This hidden gem of the Mat-Su Valley is an adventure seeker's delight, as you'll find everything you dreamed Alaska would be - wilderness, outdoor recreation opportunities, mountains, glaciers, rivers and wildlife.