Full Day Guided Kayak Tour on Knik River
New in 2023! This full-day tour transverses a glacier feed river as it meanders through a glacier-carved valley. It is not uncommon to see a whole host of wildlife that frequents the river system as we paddle our way through the rivers meandering course. You will find salmon swimming under your paddle craft as they migrate to their spawning grounds. Also, expect to see ducks and eagles fly overhead and maybe even find a moose standing in the water eating a meal.
This tour starts by paddling across Jim Lake and then a short overland portage into Jim Creek. Finally, exit on the beach of the Knik River that flows from the Knik Glacier, and while there get some pictures with the glacier in the background. The Knik Glacier is the headwaters of the Knik River and is the largest glacier in Southcentral Alaska. From there we will continue downriver to the mouth of the Knik arm of the Cook Inlet.
Options
Full Day Guided Kayak Tour on Knik River
What's included in Full Day Guided Kayak Tour on Knik River
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Reflections Lake
This paddling tour will start here and then we will shuttle you up the river system so we can float back to this location. It is approximately 16 miles on a Kayak/SUP from Jim Lake to Reflections Lake. If you want to come early or stay later, this is a great vantage point overlooking the Palmer Hay Flats and looking out to the Knik Arm of the Cook Inlet.
Paddle across Jim Lake to our first portage of this kayak/SUP tour. In Jim Lake we catch our first views of glaciers in the distance. After portaging we will follow McRoberts Creek down to where it empties into the Knik River.
The largest Glacier in South Central Alaska is your backdrop for this paddling tour. This glacier-formed valley is full of wildlife, such as moose, bears, eagles, and salmon just to name a few. Though we can not guarantee you will see wildlife on your tour. We will stop at a viewpoint of the mighty Knik Glacier in the distance. This is a great place for photos weather permitting.
Inclusions
- Your choice of a kayak or Stand Up Paddle board
- Lunch
- All basic paddling gear including life jacket, paddle, and paddle craft
- Parking Fees
- Wetsuit: can be added on for an extra fee
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children 10 and under can ride along in a parent or guardian boat.
- Lap children are a one to one ratio, with their adult, other children can come but will be required to sit in their own seat on the paddle craft.
- This is tour is beginner kayakers; however, you need to be comfortable with paddling your own kayak through cold water, waves, and wind and with walking though mud.
- You will get wet on this tour.
- Must be able to carry 50 pounds
- Must be able to walk on uneven and muddy ground
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- We will meet you in the Reflections Lake Trail Parking Area
