Matanuska Glacier Recreation Site RV & Campground Guide
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Matanuska Glacier is one of the most beautiful sights in southern Alaska, and it's located only 93 miles from Anchorage. It's the largest glacier that's accessible by car in the US. It spans a length of 27 miles and is 4 miles wide. While the glacier is gradually retreating, it's considered to be stable. In addition, the glacier's northerly location means that it receives close to 24 hours of sunlight during the summer months. Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site is located directly across the Matanuska River from the glacier, and you'll be able to enjoy beautiful views of it while you're there. While you are in the area, you may want to take a drive on the nearby Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway, where you can enjoy views of the Talkeetna Mountains.
Spring 7-20 F
Summer 12-31 F
Fall 47-64 F
Winter 26-39 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Matanuska Glacier Recreation Site
Matanuska Glacier Recreation Site offers 12 camping sites on a gravel loop road without hookups. However, there are fire rings, picnic tables, a water pump, and vault toilets. The longest that you can stay at the campground is 14 days. The campground is pet-friendly, but pets must be leashed at all times. While the campground does not offer direct glacier access, the site is located along the Matanuska River, which offers opportunities for whitewater rafting during the warmer weather.
What to Do at
Matanuska Glacier Recreation Site
You'll be able to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities at Matanuska Glacier Recreation Site. It's a great destination for fishing, whitewater rafting, hiking, and mountain biking. In addition, it offers some of the best scenery in the state for nature watching.
Fishing
You'll be able to enjoy world-class fishing in the Matanuska River. It's a great place to catch rainbow trout, grayling, northern pike, and Dolly Varden trout. You will need a fishing license, and you can get one online before your arrival.
Nature Watching
The recreation site is home to a boreal forest, which is home to a wide range of wildlife species, including multiple bear species, moose, caribou, foxes, and other forms of wildlife. Birders can look forward to adding a variety of waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors to their journals, and the glacier viewing platforms provide an excellent vantage point to spot them.
Stargazing
If you visit the recreation area between late April and late August, the skies don't get dark enough to see a full range of astronomical sights, but it's a very different story during other parts of the year. The remoteness of the area ensures that levels of light pollution are extremely low, which means that you'll be able to enjoy incredible views of the night sky.
Hiking
You'll be able to enjoy hiking on the trails of the park throughout the year. In addition, you can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the months that the park is covered in snow. The area is typically excellent for these winter sports from mid-late November through late April.
Boating
You'll be able to enjoy whitewater kayaking on the waters of the Matanuska River during the summer months. The river is rated as a class II to III difficulty.
Climbing
While there aren't any opportunities for rock climbing in the recreation area, the steep faces of the glacier make it a popular destination for ice climbing.
How to Get to
Matanuska Glacier Recreation Site
If you're coming from Anchorage, simply take Route 1, also known as the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway, east until you reach mile marker 101. This is where the park is located. If you're coming from Fairbanks, Alaska, take Alaska Route 2 south. Take this highway until you reach Alaska Route 1. The park is located near mile marker 101.
Entering Matanuska Glacier Recreation Site
There is ample parking space with ADA-accessible sites near the entrance. The site is managed by the Long Rifle Lodge, which is a mile north on Route 101 if you need assistance.
Matanuska Glacier Recreation Site Entry Fee per vehicle : $7.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Matanuska Glacier Recreation Site
While the road that leads to Matanuska Glacier Recreation Site is open year-round, it's best to visit the site during the warm summer months. Temperatures in the area during the winter are frigid, and days are extremely short. However, summer conditions tend to be comfortable, and the region receives 20 hours of sunlight.
The region is extremely remote, and this means that there is a thriving wildlife population at this recreation site. In fact, you'll be able to see moose, caribou, brown bears, black bears, foxes, and even grizzly bears.
There are 12 campsites suitable for RVs at Matanuska Glacier Recreation Site. These sites are located near the Matanuska River, and you'll be able to enjoy stunning views of the glacier from the campground.
You do have to reserve a site at Matanuska Glacier Recreation Site. Campsites cost $25 per night.
Pets are allowed in Matanuska Glacier Recreation Site and on its hiking trails. However, they must be on a leash, and you are responsible for picking up after your furry companions.