How have I not reviewed this yet?! This is probably one of the top 2 most scenic trail heads I have ever been to!(the other would be the trailhead for Forbidden Peak located in North Cascades National park in Washington, it is MUCH more difficult to access though) You can car-camp here with your bros. You can rent a bicycle and ride along the no-gain trail that runs parallel to the lake. You can canoe and kayak in the lake. You can climb East Twin Peak. You can put on your big-girl boots and climb Bashful! You can just marvel at the bright blue lake, drink a beer, and drive home. It’s up to you. There are also multiple cabins in the area. Some are 3 miles away, some are much much farther. Lots to explore here. BONUS: this place is even accessible in winter, the road to it is plowed!(super deluxe!)
Michela D.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Anchorage, AK
Eklutna Lake ends up being the largest lake in the state and provides hydroelectric power to the Anchorage municipal. It’s crystal blue water comes from Eklutna Glacier and other glacier runoffs. The lakeside trail is 12.7 miles one way. If you’re into geocaching this makes for a great at day of caching considering there are 120+ caches on this trail, which can be accessible by hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATVing in the summer or cross-country and snowmobiling in the winter. Eklutna Glacier is located at the very end of the trailhead. From there it’s less than a mile hike back to the glacier. Starts on a clear marked trail, from there hop across the boulder field and kinda just trails off with some bushwhacking. I have yet to make it back there, however it is there, somewhere. Off the lakeside trail there are alternate trails to explore: bold ridge, east fork and twin peaks for another real challenge. If you really wanted to spend the night, they also have a campgrounds with the basic necessities — water, fire pits, etc. All in all, it’s a great time with great scenery.
Corrie W.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Spokane, WA
Eklutna has options for all outdoors activities: hiking, camping, ATVs/4wheeling, biking. I Hiked from Eklutna Lake to Twin Peaks. It was a beautiful hike moderately difficult. Great way to spend a day :-)
Joy G.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Anchorage, AK
Hiked Thunderbird Falls Trail and afterward decided to head up the mountain to check out Eklutna lake. The ride up is REALLY hairy. The road is really twisty turny and vertigo inducing. NOT a good drive if you’re a nervous driver. And there’s no way in hell I’d drive up there in winter. The road is super narrow and it’s avalanche country too. The road is undeveloped and there’s no houses or business on the way up and no place to turn around if you chicken out. Once you get up there, it’s worth it though. Eklutna is a beautiful glacial lake with a lovely view. The trails around the lake are easy and totally family friendly. They even allow ATVs on some portions of the trail, which is both a blessing and a curse. The Eklutna Lakeside Trail is almost 13 miles in one direction… I’ve never hiked the entire thing but I imagine I will soon. Obviously 26 miles is a lot to tackle in one day, so one would need to be prepared with bear spray, snacks, water, etc. I’ve DEFINITELY seen evidence of bears myself and there have been some notable«encounters» up at Eklunta in the past few years. Off of the main Eklutna Lakeside Trail there are two additional trails at either end of the trail– Twin Peaks and Bold Ridge. I’ve never hiked either because I’m a wuss. They’re known for steep elevation gains in a short time and are classified as «difficult» by the state of Alaska. I hear the berry picking is great though. I’m sure the bears agree.
Becca C.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Seattle, WA
Eklutna embodies all that Alaska can offer: mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, camping, and 4-wheelin. I rode an atv 10 miles from the parking lot to the terminus of the lakeside trail. I suppose if you hiked and camped overnight you could reach the Eklutna Glacier, though it’s retreated so far, it’s probably not worth it. Late summer and early fall bring lots of berries, including raspberries and blueberries. And with berries, come bears, so just be aware of your surroundings. I’ve also passed by some fee-cabins and there are free campgrounds. At the eastern end of the lake there is actually a landing strip for small aircraft, though I don’t know how often(if ever) it’s used. Parking is a $ 5 fee and there is an rental facility that you can rent mountain bikes and kayaks!
