Palmer Knik River Glacier Wildlife Adventure

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.

Meeting Point

FQP2+PM Butte

FQP2+PMX Butte, AK, USA

We will meet you in the Reflections Lake Trail Parking Area

What's included:

• Your choice of a kayak or Stand Up Paddle board
• All basic paddling gear including life jacket, paddle, and paddle craft

Not included:

• Wetsuit: can be added on for an extra fee

What to expect:

Duration: 8 hours

Reflections Lake

Glen Highway, Palmer, 99645, Alaska

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.

1 hour

Jim Lake

Jim Lake, Alaska 99645, USA

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.

2 hours

Knik Glacier

Knik Glacier, Alaska 99686, USA

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.

30 minutes

Knik River

Knik River, AK, USA

After taking photos we will float in the Knik River to our lunch location of the Old Glen Highway Bridge. This river is glacier feed.

30 minutes

Palmer

Palmer, Alaska

We will stop at the Old Glen Highway Bridge in Palmer/Butte Alaska for lunch and to stretch.

30 minutes

Knik River

Knik River, AK, USA

After lunch we will continue floating on the Knik River back to our starting point of Reflection's Lake where we met you to start your trip.

3 hours