The Knik Glacier is the largest glacier in South Central Alaska and is the headwaters of the Knik River.

Duration

Approximately Eight Hours

Activity Level

Moderately Strenuous

Why Kayak the Knik River?

The Knik Glacier is the largest in South Central Alaska and is the headwaters of the Knik River. The river flows through the heart of the Knik River Valley. This glacier-formed valley teems with wildlife such as moose, bears, bald eagles, and salmon. We will try to spot as much wildlife as we can. We will also stop at a viewpoint along the route so that you can snap a photo of the mighty Knik Glacier in the distance. This trip has a diverse set of landscapes, we kayak through a lake, marshlands, and a glacier-formed river.

About this Tour

This tour starts and ends at Reflections Lake; once everyone is checked in, we will transfer everyone to Jim Lake. After paddling across the lake, there is a small, easy portage where we carry our kayaks to the creek. The creek is slow-moving and very relaxing, AKA the Bayou of Alaska. After following the creek, we will come to a river delta and dunes….Depending on the water level, we may need to carry/tow our paddle crafts and hike through loose glacier silt/sand for up to a quarter mile. In this section of the tour, you will have the best view/photo opportunities of the Knik Glacier in the distance. After the dunes, we begin floating down the Knik River back to Reflections Lake. The Knik River is glacier-fed, so no jumping in unless you want a very cold bath. The Knik River has a strong but slow-moving current that takes us back to your car.

What is Included

• Kayak or SUP
• Life jacket
• Paddle
• Waterproof phone case
• Drinks and snacks
• Catered lunch
• Tour guide

What to Expect

This trip requires being able to paddle for long distances. Paddling conditions include lakes, rivers, and against wind and/or currents. There is one vault toilet at Reflection's Lake, otherwise, there are just bushes, so please plan accordingly. This tour takes approximately 8 hours to complete. Completion times can vary depending on natural factors outside of our control, such as water levels, flow rates on the river, wind speed/direction of wind, and sand conditions in the dunes. On this trip, we have seen a variety of wildlife, including river otters, beavers, eagles, salmon, ducks, owls, porcupines, moose, bears, and coyotes. This trip has a diverse set of landscapes we kayak through, from marshlands to a glacier-formed river. This trip takes place in a woodland setting, thus giving the participant a true outdoor Alaskan experience.

What is the Cost

Adult: $380 per person, a minimum of two people, or cash equivalent. Youth 6-17: $350 per person, youth must be accompanied by an adult Child 0-5: free, Per paying adult, one child aged 5 or younger may participate as a free lap rider. Must contact us in advance to schedule a lap rider.

Online reservations must be made by 5 PM the day before the tour. For next-day or same-day bookings, please reach out for availability.

What to Bring

There can be wind blowing off the glacier or coming from the ocean so we recommend that you wear the following:

• Non-cotton base layer
• Quick drying shirt and pants
• Fleece jacket
• Rain/wind outer layer pants and jacket
• Hat with drawstring or a beanie
• Shoes that can get wet and dry quickly (flip-flops are discouraged)

Additional services

A shuttle service is available upon request. The round trip to and from Anchorage is $175 per group