From Anchorage, head out for a day trip and soak in the beauty of the wilderness just a short drive from the city. There are trails to explore, berries to pick, a lake to canoe on and lots of places for camping and picnicking. Enjoy a beautiful summer day exploring all there is to experience. The stunning Eklutna Lake is so clear, and shimmers with a vibrant blue color so intense, you’ll swear you are in a dream.
From Anchorage, Eklutna Lake is only 27 miles away, perfect for an easy day trip. The lake lies at the base of Eklutna Glacier and bears the signature blue hue of glacial water and the stunning beauty of southcentral.
The lake and the peaks nearby are crisscrossed with an excellent trail system. The Eklutna Lake Trail goes along the edge of the lake and the Pioneer Ridge Trail heads up to nearby Pioneer Peak.
The forests around the lake are paper birch, quaking aspen and white spruce. Higher up above the tree line, Alaskan tundra takes over with low lying plants and shrubs.
In the summer, enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, climbing, picnicking, fishing, and boating. Riding ATV's is also permitted Sunday through Wednesday, April 1 - November 30.
As you rise in elevation on the nearby peaks, wildflowers dominate the tundra. The Alaska State Flower, the forget-me-not, dogwood and fireweed all take their turn covering the hillsides.
This area is abundant with berries in the late summer and a great place to pick. Make sure to correctly identify berries before eating as some varieties are poisonous.
Highbush cranberries, lingonberries (lowbush cranberries), redcurrants, and blueberries grow along the lakeside trails and alpine blueberries, crowberries, and bearberries all grow up in the hills.
Eklutna Lake Campground offers 50 campsites, water, latrines, picnic tables and fire pits. The campground is comfortable and well-maintained, and you can stay up to 15 nights.
If you crave a little more solitude than the main campground provides, there are two remote campgrounds in the area open during the summer and two public use cabins are available for rent on the Lakeside Trail.
Learn about the natural history of the area with the interpretive displays and use the telescope for viewing wildlife, both located near the trailhead and parking area. There are two picnic shelters for gatherings and BBQ parties.
Visit the glorious Eklutna Lake this summer, just a short drive from the city. The crystal waters, stunning peaks and fresh air are the perfect way to spend a day in Alaska, a day so unbelievably beautiful you'll swear it was a dream.
