Knik Glacier

The feel

Knik Glacier is an ice field on the northern end of the Chugach Mountains, about 50 miles east of Anchorage. It is over 25 miles long and over 5 miles across, and its face rises 400 feet from a lake of floating icebergs. It is often called Alaska's sunny glacier, because a rain shadow makes a northern desert surrounded by snow covered peaks.

There are no roads to it. The tour boats cruise among blue icebergs, and the glacier once dammed Lake George and flooded the Knik River valley annually until 1967.

What to expect

What it is

An ice field in the Chugach Mountains, over 25 miles long, that feeds the Knik River.

Time

A 30 minute overland safari in 6x6 trucks covers 4 miles, then a 4-mile jet boat ride runs up the Knik River to the glacier face.

Crowds and best time

Tours depart at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm daily from May 15th to Sept 15th.

Parking

Tours start at 26326 E. Buckshot Drive, Palmer.

Fees and passes

Guided tour $150 each adult and $100 each child aged 12 and under.

Kids

A child rate applies to ages 12 and under.

Hazards

The temperature drops 10 to 15 degrees near the face.

Season and access

No road reaches the glacier. Reach it by guided 6x6 and jet boat tour, a 25-mile ATV trail up the Knik River, flightseeing or helicopter, or a long trek from the Knik River Public Use Area.

Mingo says

Book a tour between May 15th and Sept 15th, the stretch when boats run. Wear warm layers, because the boat is open and the air cools near the face.

Before you go

• Call (907) 745-1577 to book by phone or email, which avoids the taxes and fees of online booking.
• Choose the 10:00 am or 2:00 pm tour, which start at 26326 E. Buckshot Drive, Palmer.
• The ATV trail up the Knik River is 25 miles, a 50-mile round trip of 6 to 8 hours.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.