Eklutna Lake Tours

Eklutna Lake featuring a lake or waterhole and kayaking or canoeing
Eklutna Lake featuring a lake or waterhole
Eklutna Lake showing a lake or waterhole and kayaking or canoeing
Eklutna Lake featuring mountains and a lake or waterhole
Eklutna Lake which includes a lake or waterhole


Kayak on the placid water framed by snow-capped mountains and rent a snowmobile or skis to get around the lake.

Eklutna Lake is a huge body of water surrounded by picturesque trails through snowy mountains in Chugach State Park. The blue ice of a glacier adds to the ethereal glow of this majestic site, where many species of plant grow. Gaze up at Bashful Peak, which looms over the lake as the park’s tallest point.

Hikers are drawn to this part of the state park for its many lakeside trails. Try the 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) Twin Peaks Trail, which is fairly strenuous. Climb up to an alpine meadow to take photos of the snow-capped mountaintops of the Twin Peaks.

Another steep walk is the Bold Ridge Trail, which reaches an elevation of 3,600 feet (1,100 meters). Relish the stunning complexion of the lake, which is a sparkling focus of the snowy countryside. Pick berries and gaze up at Bold Peak, a mountain of 7,552 feet (2,293 meters) that experienced hikers often climb.

For a much easier walk, take your family on the Eklutna Lakeside Trail. The long path continues for 13 miles (21 kilometers) and is perfect for cycling, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Follow the trail around a large stretch of the lake’s shore and reach the Eklutna Glacier.

Stay at one of the 50 campsites situated around the lake. Public use cabins are also available. Sit with a picnic in front of the turquoise water and relish the quiet of nature. Go kayaking on the placid lake with calm winds.

Head north to the small village of Eklutna, which is famous for the Old St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church and its cemetery. Peruse the eerie spirit houses and wooden structures.

Camping, parking and cabin fees vary. Get weather and price information at the Eklutna visitor center, operated by Lifetime Adventures, which is open from morning to evening between mid-May and early September.

Eklutna Lake is in the northern section of Chugach State Park. From the city center of Anchorage, drive northeast for 40 miles (65 kilometers) past the Knik River to reach the lake. Bold Airport is a small transportation hub at the southern point of the water.

Plan a trip to see Eklutna Lake

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Anchors Way Inn
Alyeska Resort
Colony Suites

Reviews of Eklutna Lake

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
24
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
15
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Jess

Just south of Wasilla is a beautiful lake surrounded by hills/mountains, and a great drive. It was frozen when we were there, but just as beautiful! I would love to share a picture of it, but it won't let me right now.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Not to be missed. Worth the trip. Stop for Honey and Fireweed Ice cream at the wayside on the way back.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.