Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and a popular tourist destination. It’s located on the Cook Inlet and is known for its glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Anchorage has a population of about 300,000 people and is home to several universities and cultural attractions. If you’re planning a trip to Anchorage, be sure to check out the Anchorage Museum, which houses Alaska’s largest collection of art and artifacts. Anchorage is also a great place to go hiking, camping, paddling, and fishing. And in the winter, Anchorage is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
And don’t forget that we also have an Alaska travel site, MyAlaskaTrip.com. If you’re ever in need of ideas for exploring this amazing place, we have everything from kayaking and hiking to reviews of lodges and full on Alaska itineraries. Check it out!
Easy Kayaking Spots in Anchorage
Anchorage is home to many easy kayaking trails such as Prince William Sound, Eklutna Lake, and Campbell Creek. All of these spots have breathtaking views and a unique way of exploring the local wildlife.
Campbell Creek
Starting in the Chugach Mountains the waters of Campbell Creek traverse their way through the urban setting of Anchorage, Alaska. The float is free of ice starting in May then starts to freeze up again in November. The most popular time for this float is during the summer days. Any time after that should be quite tranquil without much traffic.
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Eklutna Lake
This lake is located about 40 miles north of Anchorage, and it is a popular destination for both residents and tourists. The lake is large and scenic, with mountains and forests surrounding it. There are several easy-to-access put-ins and the lake is calm with turquoise waters making it a great place for beginners.
Where to launch:
Blackstone Bay
Blackstone Bay is a beautiful fjord located south of the town of Whittier. Paddlers here can expect to see whales, seals, sea otters, and of course gulls. You can get taxied into the bay by the Kayak Center in Whittier or just launch from the beach.
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Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound is located on the southcentral coast of Alaska, about a 4-hour drive from Anchorage. It is a popular destination for cruises and offers stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Paddlers will have a truly remarkable seak kayaking experience with the Chugach Mountains in the background providing spectacular views.
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Difficult and Technical Kayaking in Anchorage
With rugged scenery, it’s only matching that there would be some paddling ideal for experienced kayakers. Water and wind conditions should be considered before coming out. Don’t get too close to icebergs and glaciers.
Turnagain Arm
This stretch of water is located just south of Anchorage and is known for its dramatic scenery. The arm is prone to strong tides and currents, so it is recommended for experienced paddlers only. However, the views of the mountains and glaciers are well worth the effort. This is one of those areas where you have to really understand the tidal movement and the mud flats. You should not paddle here if you’re unfamiliar or are not a safety-forward kayaker.
PS: if you’re kayaking at the mouth of Turnagain Arm and heading towards Girdwood, keep an eye out for beluga whales during the salmon runs. I’ve seen many belugas in the Arm, although I’ve yet to come upon one in my kayak.
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Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge
The Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge is located on the outskirts of Anchorage and is a great place to see wildlife. The refuge has a variety of habitats, including tidal flats, forests, and meadows. You might see bald eagles, otters, seals, and a variety of birds.
Where to launch:
Bird Creek
Upstream from Turnagain Arm is the whitewater of Bird Creek. This route gives paddlers 3.5 miles of Class V+ rapids. For those wanting to go fishing, there are healthy populations of salmon. Detailed information for planning and camping can be found here.
Where to launch:
Portage Glacier, Portage Lake
Portage Lake continues to become more and more popular with its easy access to Portage Glacier. The ice is melting and the only way to see the glacier out to kayak. Note that there are often headwinds so you’ll need some experience to reach the glacier.
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National / State Park Kayaking Spots near Anchorage
There are many national and state parks near Anchorage that offer stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Some of the most popular parks include Kenai Fjords National Park, Kachemak Bay State Park, Matanuska Glacier, Portage Glacier, Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, and Blackstone Bay. All of these parks are known for their beautiful scenery and are great for hiking, canoeing, and biking.
Chugach State Park
This stunning park is nestled in the foothills of the Chugach Mountains, about 13 miles south of Downtown Anchorage and offers beautiful hiking trails. It’s one of Alaska’s greatest natural attractions, with a glacier-fed lake for ice skating throughout the winter months. With over 495,000 acres of land, there is plenty to explore. The park offers a variety of trails for hiking and biking, as well as several lakes and rivers for paddling.
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Kachemak Bay State Park
Kachemak Bay State Park is a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Anchorage, this destination is in the Kenai Peninsula. The park has glaciers, forests, and mountains, as well as various species of wildlife. There are also several easy hiking trails. Note this area is only serviced by air and water taxis from Homer. There is no road access.
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Kenai Fjords National Park
This is a beautiful park on the Kenai Peninsula, about a 2.5-3-hour drive from Anchorage. The park is known for its glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. There are also a variety of trails for hiking and biking. Kayaking in the Kenai Fjords is an experience of a lifetime that surrounds you with massive glaciers and icebergs.
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Nancy Lake State Recreation Area
Just a quick 90 minute drive out of Anchorage gets you to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. The lake is home to surprisingly flat waters surrounded by thick forests. The area is is popular for camping, fishing, canoeing, and hiking in the summers. The winters become a haven for cross country skiing and other snow sports.
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Recommended Kayaking Tours in Anchorage
Paddling through Spencer Glacier Lake allows for iceberg and glacier experiences as well as waterfall views. Getting here is half the fun with a train ride on Alaska’s most scenic section, Grandview. Book the Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview Tour here.
The Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure launches out of Seward and gives you a guided tour suitable for both beginners and those with experienced paddling. Wildlife is abundant with sea otters, seals, whales, and eagles frequently seen.
For a fun but chill and predictable kayaking trip (this is a good thing in AK) check out doing a scenic kayak float down the Knik River. We love Palmer and spend a lot of time here, so getting to enjoy the Knik River Valley from the water is awesome. (here’s a great Palmer itinerary if you need one)
Need to Know for Anchorage
Anchorage is known for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. The best time to visit Anchorage is in the summer when the weather is warm and there are a variety of events and activities to enjoy. Some of the most popular annual events include the Anchorage Folk Festival (January), the Anchorage Marathon (June), and the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous (February).
Some of the most popular Anchorage dishes include smoked salmon, reindeer sausage, king crab legs, and halibut. The city also has a number of craft breweries and distilleries that offer tastings and tours. Anchorage is also a great place to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking to work off those calories!
When to Visit Anchorage
The summer months are June through August and are Anchorage’s busiest tourist season. The weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures averaging in the low to mid-70s. This is the perfect time to enjoy all of Anchorage’s outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and more. There are also a variety of events that take place during the summer, such as the Anchorage Folk Festival and Anchorage Market.
The winter months are December through February and are a great time to experience Anchorage’s winter wonderland. The temperatures average in the low to mid-20s, so be sure to dress warmly! This is the perfect time to enjoy Anchorage’s ski areas, ice skating rinks, and snowmobile trails. There are also a variety of events that take place during the winter, such as the Iditarod start. Check out our Anchorage Itinerary here!
If you have any questions about visiting the Anchorage area or finding good spots to kayak, please leave a comment or send us a note. This is one of our absolutely favorite places and we’re always happy to share more!
