Posted in Alaska
February 28, 2016
The Ultimate Alaska Natural Wonders Road Trip Is Right Here – And You’ll Want To Do It
Sure, there may not be many roads in Alaska, but there are an endless amount of natural wonders that can easily be seen from the comfort of your vehicle. If you’re up for a road trip that leads you to some of Alaska’s most incredible vistas and unique landmarks, then look no further. Our Natural Wonders Road Trip spans the 310 miles of highway between Eagle River to Valdez. It takes approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes to hit all the sights one way, but if you plan a weekend trip and stay the night in Valdez, you can hit half the stops on the way there and half on the way back.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Our road trip starts in the heart of Eagle River at the Eagle Creek Nature Center. Take Eagle River Road through town to the end of the road, there is parking at the Nature Center and a visitor building filled with interesting information. Take a walk through the trails and get great snapshots of the Chugach Mountain Range.
Eklutna Lake is a beautiful glacial lake with tons of surrounding trails and picnic areas. Stop here for a quick snack or take some time following a few of the trails uphill to get better views of the water and surrounding mountains.
There are several overlooks just outside of Chickaloon that offer you incredible views of the Matanuska River and surrounding valley. The river is run off from the well-known Matanuska Glacier and follows along the GLenn Highway draining into the Knik Arm. Either enjoy the drive along the river or pull off the highway and get some breathe taking pictures!
Next stop is the Mantanuska Glacier. There are endless amounts of recreational opportunities from hiking to taking a helicopter over the glacier. Enjoy whatever activity suits you as you take in the massive expanse of one of Alaska's most popular glaciers.
There will be many opportunities to view Alaska's boreal forest along the side of the road but make sure to take note as you drop down into Glennallen after visiting the Matanuska Glacier. You'll see tons of Black Spruce along the highway that grow short and skinny due to the permafrost around their root base.
There are many views of the Copper River once you hop onto the RIchardson Highway in Glenallen. Make sure you stop and walk down to the water for some epic photo opportunities with the Wrangell Range in the distance.
Worthington Glacier can be viewed from many places on the Richardson Highway, most commonly at milepost 28.7, but I recommend taking time to stop at the roadside park, Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site, and enjoying lunch at the picnic site.
Horsetail Falls is quick and easy just like Worthington Glacier. It passes just under the Richardson Highway so you can observe as you drive past or pull over for a great family picture opportunity.
Wrap up your trip, or start off your second day, by kayaking across this gorgeous glacial lake in Valdez. Their are tours that take you through ice caves and around floating bergs from the Valdez Glacier. It's a great experience for all ages!
Let us know what else you would add to this ultimate Natural Wonders Road Trip!
