lake eklutna

I like to visit Lake Eklutna in the fall months when there are less visitors; a dusting of snow on the mountains in the distance and the light sparkles silver on the lake. Summer brings more users to the lake - with kayaking and hikers - but still awesome. A stop at the little cafe/ice cream up the road where you ring the bell for the owner to come down from her house to scoop up an ice cream or steam a hot chocolate, enjoying the air and immense beauty of the area. The drive to Lake Eklutna meanders through tall trees. We've driven out to the lake in the middle of the night to view the Northern Lights and stars.

We were there in 2005 and it was so, very amazingly beautiful. Must see! So peaceful but be cautious on new born calves.

A must see for locals and visitors. Bring your camera because of the postcard perfect views. Beautiful views of mountains and lake. Great trails for hikes and bikes. Water activities-canoes, kayaks, paddleboard.

We love to visit Eklutna Lake. The campgounds are quiet for the most part, although we haven't camped in a while. We are close enough that we can do a day trip. It is a beautiful place to take pictures, the kids love to walk across the river and play in the mud. It's a great place for them to practice engineering (building bridges and dams on the river). The times we have been there it has been quiet, everyone is respectful. On the west end of the lake is a great place to catch little frogs, but please catch and release.You pay the standard $5 for parking.Of course beware of the bears. :)

This place is gorgeous! We visited here in September and then again this January. Quite a different look to the place in the summer versus winter and I must say both are beautiful. Even if you are not a hiker, which I am not, there are areas to walk around the lake to take in the views. This a must see place!!!

Eklutna Lake is gorgeous! The water and surrounding area is pristine! The water is this beautiful almost turquoise color! We took a trail hiking up the mountain to get a high up view and it was well worth the sweat :)

I spent nine days in February of 1994, climbing ice, and negotiating crevasses on the Ecklutna Glacier, near Anchorage, AK. This small expeditions goal was to climb the "Twin Peaks"; which are located a few miles back, and adjacent to the main glacier. After driving about 17 miles in a 4WD vehicle, on a closed, snow covered road, we get as close to the glacier as possible, prior to setting out on cross country skis'. Our first obstacle was getting across the very cold river; which flows from under the glacier! We sent up a tyrolean traverse; which kept all but one of us completely dry! Next we donned crampons, roped up, into two teams, and began climbing he glacier; which required constantly negotiating open crevasses! After a couple of miles, we ascended a very steep snow slope, and reach a climbers cabin (A-frame); located at the top of the ridge. This is a nice treat, compared to sleeping in a tent on the frozen ice! The next morning we traversed the glacier a few miles, and set up a camp near the foot of the Twin Peaks; and the following morning began our ascent. However; after a few hours, it simply became too steep to proceed any further, the angle of snow, and ice above us was just too treacherous to proceed. Consequently, we descended the mountain, and then spent the next couple of days trekking back down the glacier, and back to civilization, or home in Anchorage!

We rented the public use cabin and enjoyed a few days here. We've seen several bears when biking the trails and saw one at the cabin. Keep your eyes and ears open. It is a beautiful lake and a nice excursion.

Eklutna really has it all. You can go for an easy stroll along the lake, or take a multi-day camping trip using the public-use cabins. You can bike, walk, use ATVs (certain days are motorized and others are non-motorized...making everyone happy), boat, ski, or hike the trails up the surrounding peaks (these hikes are more on the challenging side...make sure you're prepared with water and clothing for if the weather suddenly changes).

I go here to camp or for a picnic with a little hiking. There is kayak rental available to traverse this breathtaking lake. There is abundant wild life, so be bear aware. Less than 45 minutes from town, up a steep mountain road, away from the noise of the highway makes this the perfect weekend get away.

Drove up the winding, scenic road as the sun was setting. What a beautiful view! The lake is peaceful, and a great motorcycle ride from Anchorage. I visit here regularly!

This was a surprise stop on our random drive out of Anchorage. We saw a sign and drove about 10 miles up the road to get there. We were there in October -but breathtaking views - snow on the mountains - leaves were turning- Absolutely beautiful!

So close to Anchorage and yet just in the wilderness. Bring your atv on Sundays and ride. The first half of the week is atv riding and the rest of the week is for non motorized folks. There is a campground with overnight parking and plenty of fishing spots nearby. A safe place to exercise yourself, children and pets.

we kayaked part of the lake. In the summer there is an option to kayak one way and bicycle back. We will do that a next time. The kayaks were in good shape with rudders and sprayskirts. The area is very beautiful.

This is a breathtaking view of the lake and mountains surrounded by the beautiful aspen, evergreen, ash, and may other trees with bright yellow and orange leaves. Easy hiking trails. Much more beautiful than any Massachusetts or Colorado fall. The reflection of the mountain and trees in the lake are a beautiful photographic opportunity. If you want to see moose come after early evening. We saw others arriving as we were leaving and they reported seeing moose here after 6 PM, including hunters. We have had good luck seeing them around 7. Bring mosquito spray. $5.00 parking. Not crowded. Most beautiful fall I have experienced.