Winter Kayaking on the Beautiful Knik River: Yes! You Can Kayak a Winter Wonderland!

We go kayaking or canoeing at every chance to get, and did you know that it’s even possible to do in the dead of winter in Alaska? It’s true and it’s beautiful. Adventures by True North out of Palmer does a really unique guided kayaking tour on the Knik River in one of the areas that’s not completely frozen. There’s wildlife, there’s ice, there’s a totally different sort of winter experience than you might’ve thought you could have during the iciest months in Alaska.

Have you been kayaking when the world around you is frozen? It’s another world and we’ve got the full scoop on what to expect and just how cold it does get when you’re out kayaking in Alaska in negative temperatures. If you have any questions about this or other unique travel opportunities with Adventures by True North, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan an amazing experience in AK!

Why should I try winter kayaking in the cold weather?

I wasn’t sure what to expect when we decided to try winter kayaking, but it was actually really cool. Being on the water with a guide, seeing a different side of an Alaskan experience we enjoy so much, was delightful. And it was even great with teens. So many of the waterways are completely frozen when you visit Alaska in the winter months, making kayaking a nearly impossible option. Adventures by True North AK has access to a stretch of water that doesn’t freeze in winter, making it perfect to get to kayak through the icy surroundings including a portion of the Knik River. It’s pretty dreamy.

I also was surprised at the wildlife we saw while doing our winter kayaking. Bald eagles (of course), goldeneye ducks and even an otter! We saw lots of tracks too, but didn’t have a moose encounter on the river. The question we’ve gotten the most about winter kayaking in Alaska is just how we were able to do it without absolutely freezing out on the water. We already know how to dress appropriately for being outside when it’s negative temperatures, so that paired with the Adventures by True North crew being ready with additional hand warmers and even blankets really helped.

Once we were seated in our kayaks, they tucked us in well using think blankets to insulate us from the cold while on the water. That made a big difference even though we were already dressed for the extreme cold. Also, the crew had wrapped the kayak paddles to create a warmer place to grip them, which helps a lot when your fingers are just trying to not turn into icicles. Being on the water surrounded by frozen scenery is so pretty and unique.

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Tips for a Great Cold Weather Kayaking Trip

The best thing I can advise as you plan your winter kayaking experience is to accept that it’s going to be really cold on the water, but also that you can prevent it from being a downer. Between the warm supplies provided by Adventures by True North and the cold weather preparation you can do for yourself you’ll be okay. Taking the steps to ensure your comfort and then also listening to the advice and accepting the help from the crew to stay warm and safe will definitely help making cold weather kayaking a fun and special experience.

If you’re interested in adding winter kayaking to your trip and you’re traveling with children, this is indeed a kid-friendly activity. The part of the Knik River you’re kayaking on isn’t a raging rapid at all, but is a peaceful area that includes both the Eklutna Tailrace (a spur of the river) and a level part of the larger river. The current is not so wild that you’ll be swept down river if only the adult in the kayak is paddling, but it is strong enough that the portion where you’re required to paddle against the current is best done with each participant helping. Getting out of the kayaks to explore parts of the frozen river is pretty cool and I think kids will enjoy it (mine did).

With winter kayaking, like with any time you’re going out on the water, it’s always a good idea to make sure all participants are on-board with it. When you’re in a safety situation, you need to know that the people you’re with don’t have an intense fear that could prove a problem. With winter kayaking, fear of both the water and the cold could make this a challenging trip for some people, so double check with your travel buddies to ensure that everyone is down for this sort of fun.

Being Prepared for Winter Kayaking in Alaska

Any time you’re heading out into the cold Alaskan wilderness, with a guide or not, you always need to prepare yourself for the extreme temperatures. You need to dress like you’ll be exposed to the coldest elements possible, meaning a base layer followed by another layer and then lined snow pants (or a similar dressing pattern). We are all about the long johns, whether they’re cotton or a stretchy material, and are careful to ensure when we’re packing for a cold weather trip that everyone has enough layers for multiple days.

Also, wool socks really are key to keeping your feet warm in extreme cold, including when you’re winter kayaking. We pair toe-warmer inserts with wool socks to keep our feet warm inside our cold-rated boots. Blankets are provided to go over your legs while you’re kayaking as well, and that really does help with the cold. You will have to put on a life jacket when you go out on the river with Adventures by True North AK but you won’t need to peel off any layers, and you’ll likely not get too hot. The PFD (life jacket) can go right over it and is adjustable to be comfortable and still provide safety.

Photography while you’re doing your winter kayak adventure is a bit tricky. The scenery is beautiful and the wildlife is such a treat, but it’s difficult to operate a large camera while you’re wearing thick winter gloves and out on the water. It is possible though. I found that using a medium sized lens is a good choice so that you don’t have to switch between lenses, but still have the ability to zoom in on the animals you see. Using a camera phone serves the function of wide angle shots and casual photography, so if you have a wrist strap on your phone and a waterproof case (just for good measure) you’ll be all set. A GoPro will also so a fine job and because it’s set up to be an easy ON/start/photo it’s manageable with thick gloves.

Parking for Winter Kayaking on the Knik River

When you make your way to the launch area for cold weather kayaking with Adventures by True North AK, you’ll be heading to a unique put-in on the Eklutna Tailrace just off the Knik River. This is near Palmer on the Old Glenn Highway. It’s a beautiful drive. You’ll receive specific instructions for where to go and park, but it’s pretty easy. If for some reason you have to launch in a different area, the True North crew will let you know in advance and be sure you’re going to the right place. Because so much of the Knik and Matanuska Rivers are frozen in the winter, where you’ll most likely launch is onto the output spur from the Eklutna Power Plant. This is warm water (and yes, it’s clean water) that doesn’t freeze so provides a wonderful kayaking route in winter. Parking is just across the street from the power plant and you’ll be able to safely park off the road.