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| 123 |    Photos Map |
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| Last Updated: July 21, 2008 | ||
Difficulty |
As easy as walking on ice. | |
Connects With |
None | |
Miles One Way |
About a 1/2 mile to the glacier and then it's mainly walking around. | |
Miles
from
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100; This hike isn't
in the guide books so here's the official directions: Take the Glenn Highway just past the Matanuska Glacier Rest Stop (about mile 100). You will see a small grocery store on your right with a road just after it. Take a right on that road and head down into the valley. It is rough and steep and a bit harrowing but otherwise fine. Continue across the valley and over the bridge. A little ways from the bridge you will see a store. Get your tickets there and continue down the road to the trailhead. |
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General Vicinity |
Matanuska Valley | |
Season |
May to September | |
Description |
This isn't a true hike
per se, but if you want to explore a glacier without having to rent a guide
and be attached to someone with a rope, this is the place. What can I say? It's a really cool thing to do and it |
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Important Information |
You are on private
property and as such, the owner charges January 16, 2007: While proofing this page, I noticed the above link is now owned by someone else. Seems strange and I'm not sure if someone is still there charging a fee. August 18, 2007: There is indeed a new owner and they have increased the fee to $15; "pretty steep" as one anonymous contributor told me. I agree. I went last month. Not only are they charging way too much, I also got a lot of attitude from "Miss Thang" inside the office. Frankly, I can no longer recommend this hike until the new owners get their S*** together and stop acting like greedy bloodsuckers. A little nicer customer service wouldn't hurt either! Until then, go to Exit Glacier and/or Worthington Glacier. ***** The following was submitted by Gary: I thought you might like an update on the fee situation (The entrance fee is $15.00 for adults;$12.50 for seniors; students& Military are $10.00 and children 6-12 are $5.00, under 6 are free.) - about which I share your disdain. It's also interesting the new website doesn't mention this cost or that this is a private enterprise. It's presented to give the impression of a public venue, e.g., state or federal park. Love your site. Thanks for taking
the effort. I have some difficulty walking as I am due for a knee replacement and can not really "hike". We chose to visit Matanuska Glacier because you can "drive right up to it" (supposedly). This is misleading advertising! The uneven 1/2 mile hike through the melt and debris that you have to cross first was never mentioned or explained! We loved exploring the glacier, but found it quite difficult to cross the melt area and actually get to the ice area. The people in the gift shop were very unfriendly and did not answer questions about the real walking distance. We felt it was quite pricey as there were no benches or any conveniences for visitors for the $15.00 cost. The "camping" areas left a lot to be desired, too. The glacier itself was a treat for Floridians as we never thought we would actually get to touch or walk on one! Usually, you only view them from a distance on a boat. We also enjoyed the dining view from the Long Rifle Lodge above it. We had lunch there. The picture windows provide a view that is gorgeous and all of the native animal taxidermy in the restaurant are fun to explore! ***** Bring some kind of
pole or walking stick. |
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Etc. |
Before you head down,
have lunch in the rest stop just before the turnoff. You'll catch a gorgeous view of the glacier
and the valley. The campground is an excellent locale but spots,
first come-first serve, go quickly. If you'd like to educate yourself about glaciers and their awesome power, please visit All About Glaciers, a great introductory website. |
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