Full Day Guided Kayak Tour on Knik River
Description
New in 2023! This full-day tour transverses a glacier feed river as it meanders through a glacier-carved valley. It is not uncommon to see a whole host of wildlife that frequents the river system as we paddle our way through the rivers meandering course. You will find salmon swimming under your paddle craft as they migrate to their spawning grounds. Also, expect to see ducks and eagles fly overhead and maybe even find a moose standing in the water eating a meal. This tour starts by paddling across Jim Lake and then a short overland portage into Jim Creek. Finally, exit on the beach of the Knik River that flows from the Knik Glacier, and while there get some pictures with the glacier in the background. The Knik Glacier is the headwaters of the Knik River and is the largest glacier in Southcentral Alaska. From there we will continue downriver to the mouth of the Knik arm of the Cook Inlet.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This paddling tour will start here and then we will shuttle you up the river system so we can float back to this location. It is approximately 16 miles on a Kayak/SUP from Jim Lake to Reflections Lake. If you want to come early or stay later, this is a great vantage point overlooking the Palmer Hay Flats and looking out to the Knik Arm of the Cook Inlet.
Paddle across Jim Lake to our first portage of this kayak/SUP tour. In Jim Lake we catch our first views of glaciers in the distance. After portaging we will follow McRoberts Creek down to where it empties into the Knik River.
The largest Glacier in South Central Alaska is your backdrop for this paddling tour. This glacier-formed valley is full of wildlife, such as moose, bears, eagles, and salmon just to name a few. Though we can not guarantee you will see wildlife on your tour. We will stop at a viewpoint of the mighty Knik Glacier in the distance. This is a great place for photos weather permitting.
After taking photos we will float in the Knik River to our lunch location of the Old Glen Highway Bridge. This river is glacier feed.
We will stop at the Old Glen Highway Bridge in Palmer/Butte Alaska for lunch and to stretch.
After lunch we will continue floating on the Knik River back to our starting point of Reflection's Lake where we met you to start your trip.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children 10 and under can ride along in a parent or guardian boat.
- Lap children are a one to one ratio, with their adult, other children can come but will be required to sit in their own seat on the paddle craft.
- This is tour is beginner kayakers; however, you need to be comfortable with paddling your own kayak through cold water, waves, and wind and with walking though mud.
- You will get wet on this tour.
- Must be able to carry 50 pounds
- Must be able to walk on uneven and muddy ground
Reviews(4)
Had a great time kayaking on the Knik. Beautiful trip. Derek with Adventures at True North was an informative Experienced guide. Highly recommend
This was truly terrific ... talk about really spending time in the heart of so much natural beauty a short drive from downtown Anchorage. We took kayaks (single person) and paddled gently downstream for almost 18 miles ... through ponds, creeks and, finally, the Knik River. The views are stupendous (oh my goodness ... the glacier!) and our guide was delightful, helpful, and full of great facts to share. It is several hours of paddling, so it isn't for everyone --- you need to be able to sit in a kayak for that length of time and paddle. But, because it is downstream, it isn't overly strenuous if you're reasonably fit. Halfway through, we stopped for lunch (provided by the good folks at Adventures by True North AK). The team was also super accommodating as we signed up with only a day or two notice, and we had some challenging dietary restrictions. Also, they literally lifted me and the kayak up to launch me ... saving me from getting my feet wet. Same when I disembarked. What service!
The paddle boarding/kayak adventure was incredible. I had not had a lot of previous kayaking experience before. Derek was helpful when it came to myself asking a lot of questions. Heather was great in preparing me before the journey on what to expect. You get to see the beauty of Alaska through a different perspective. It was road less traveled in the best way, if you want to get away from crowds, this is the best way to take in nature and enjoy yourself.
This kayak trip took us through lakes, rivers and past a glacier. The scenery and wildlife were absolutely amazing. Our guide was knowledgeable and went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time. It was truly a highlight of our Alaska trip.
