Hike the braided Knik River to the glacier terminus, then inflate packrafts to float among icebergs on the terminus lake. This hike-and-float pairs route-finding on an outwash plain with beginner-friendly paddling and glacier-side views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step onto a braided riverbed and the valley opens—cold air moving off banded ice, the Knik River daring you to follow its channels. The hike toward the glacier’s terminus is more route-finding than trail, a wide, stony plain framed by jagged ridgelines and the blue-white face of Knik Glacier. At the lake beneath the terminus, icebergs bob like slow, honest ships; you’ll eat lunch here, then inflate a packraft and learn the small, efficient art of paddling a boat designed for Alaska’s mixed terrain.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and comfort hiking over uneven, wet gravel for several hours; ability to carry a small daypack.
Wildlife
History
Knik Glacier and valley record post–Little Ice Age retreat; the outwash plain and braided channels reveal decades of melt and sediment transport important to local Indigenous travel routes.
Conservation
Stick to durable surfaces on the outwash, pack out all waste, and avoid approaching ice near the terminus—glacial lakes and shorelines are sensitive to trampling and disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Introduction to Packrafting Knik Glacier Hike and Float today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in waterproof layers
Weather changes quickly near the glacier—wear a breathable waterproof jacket and quick-dry base layers to stay warm when wet.
Wear boots that drain
Expect shallow river crossings and wet gravel; mid-cut boots with good tread and drainage speed up travel and reduce blisters.
Respect ice and water
Keep a safe distance from the glacier face and icebergs—calving and undercut ice can produce sudden waves and unstable chunks.
Hydration and calories
Cold conditions can mask thirst—carry insulated water and calorie-dense snacks for the multi-hour outing.
Waterproof breathable jacket
Blocks wind and rain while remaining breathable during active hiking.
spring
Sturdy hiking boots with good tread
Provide ankle support and shed water during braided river crossings.
summer
Dry bag (10–20L)
Keeps clothing and electronics dry in the packraft and on damp riverbanks.
Insulated water bottle or thermos
Helps maintain fluids in cold conditions where water can chill quickly.
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