Alaska Helicopter Tours in Palmer: Exciting Views and Knik Glacier Landing

Flight seeing is a very popular activity on an Alaska trip. There are lots of ways to do it with different destinations to choose from, but for epic scenery and a unique experience, Alaska Helicopter Tours out of Palmer is a great pick. I went out with them visiting the valleys East of Palmer, seeing wildlife and glaciers, and landing on Knik Glacier. It was awesome and not as scary as I expected. Here’s what YOU can expect and what to plan for with an Alaska Helicopter tour.

Icebergs in River from Knik Glacier From Helicopter Palmer Alaska Helicopter Tours 1

Highlights of Alaska Helicopter Tours with Knik Glacier

We’ve done so many unique tours around the world, from doors-off helicopters in Kauai to puffin watching in Maine (they have them there too!), but nothing has been quite so dramatic as flightseeing with Alaska Helicopter Tours. While Kauai shows you turquoise waters and rugged tropical cliffs, doing the multiple landing helicopter tour departing from the Alaska Glacier Lodge was really impressive.

We landed on a peak overlooking several rivers and glaciers with mountain goats on the cliff above. We flew to a moraine cliff where we stood across from an enormous glacier face watching it calve onto the land. To finish we did an incredible helicopter flight across Knik Glacier and landed at an icy blue pond in the middle of an ice field. Exploring the air and glaciers with Alaska Helicopter Tours was one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve had in Alaska.

I normally am quite nervous in helicopters, but I think that’s due to my doors-off experience. The process and smoothness of the flightseeing here put me very at ease. Yes, initially I was nervous because that’s just me, but by the time we were breezing across the braided rivers leading to the glaciers, I was very much comfortable and enjoying the experience.

Book this tour here!

Fall Colors and Knik Glacier From Helicopter Palmer Alaska Helicopter Tours 2

Being Prepared for an Alaska Helicopter Tour

Much like with a seaplane tour, you can’t bring a lot of gear on a helicopter flight. With Alaska Helicopter Tours you get to make landings and walk around, so you’ll need to dress warmly for that, but besides that, the only gear is just light camera gear that you can wear around your neck. I brought my DSLR with a medium lens and my GoPro, and with my phone camera, I was well covered for photography needs. There was a moment when I wished I brough my biggest lens as there were mountain goats on the cliffs above us during one of our landings and I would’ve like a good photo. Oh well, next time…

Rob Taylor on Knik Glacier Alaska Helicopter Tours Palmer Alaska 1

Tips for Helicopter Flightseeing with Glacier Landing

The best tip I have to doing flightseeing with Alaska Helicopter Tours (or any flight outfitter) is to trust the pilots to show you the best views and to wear DARK COLORS on your flight. The reason for the dark colors is because light colors reflect on the windows of the helicopters and will show up in all your photos. Dark colors allow you to see very clearly without reflections, thus making both your views and photos much better. This is our advice for the Godwin Glacier helicopter/dogsled tour too.

Another great idea for a fun helicopter glacier landing is to wear solid shoes that work well with crampons. Wearing sturdy shoes or hiking boots is a good way to ensure the crampons can easily go onto your shoes for walking on the glacier. Some guests don’t want to do a lot of exploring when landing on Knik Glacier, but how often will you actually be in such a cool place? I absolutely recommend walking around a bit with recommendations and guidelines from the pilot. There are a lot of glacier lakes and streams flowing on the Knik Glacier in summer or fall, so there’s a lot to see. Get guidance on what/where to poke around during your landing for a safe, one-of-a-kind experience.

Glacial Lake on Knik Glacier From Helicopter Palmer Alaska Helicopter Tours 1

Getting to Alaska Helicopter Tours in Palmer

If you’re driving yourself to Alaska Helicopter Tours there’s plenty of parking, but also if you’re staying in Anchorage and don’t have a car or just don’t want to drive, they can pick you up. There is a fee, but if it’s the right way to go for you, then book it that way. For driving, it’s about an hour drive from Anchorage, but the drive is beautiful. If you’re staying in Palmer, or even better, at the Alaska Glacier Lodge (adjacent to the helicopter pads) then you have a much shorter drive.

Office and launch point address: 29979 E Knik River Rd, Palmer, AK 99645

Book Alaska Helicopter Tours to pick you up in Anchorage

Transfer Van for Alaska Glacier Lodge and Alaska Helicopter Tours Palmer Alaska 1

Tour Operating Info

To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and book your adventure.

  • Operating Dates/Season: year-round, depending on the tour (glacier landing is weather dependent, but year-round)
  • Tour office phone number: 907-272-7777
  • Company website: Alaska Helicopter Tours
  • Tour check-in address: 29979 E Knik River Rd, Palmer, AK 99645
  • Tour booking links: Helicopter Tour w/ Glacier Landing
Doing flightseeing with a glacier landing is pretty amazing with Alaska Helicopter Tours. From the views with multiple landings to walking around on Knik Glacier right from the helicopter, see what to expect and if this activity is right for you when you visit Palmer, Alaska.

More Things to Do around Palmer

Palmer is a really cool, beautiful town. Located in the MatSu Valley northeast of Anchorage, you’ll find a very walkable downtown area with parks, shops, galleries, three breweries, bars and restaurants. Here are a few additional things you can add to your time in Palmer to make the most of your visit:

  • hiking – between state parks and forest lands, there are lots of trails
  • fishing – from salmon to trout, there are plenty of options for rivers, lakes and guided trips
  • ATV tours – the Knik River is a local favorite for off-road exploring
  • Matanuska Glacier – not far from Palmer is the only glacier you can drive directly up to
  • Agritourism – Palmer is farm country, from musk ox and reindeer to giant prize winning vegetables
  • Kayaking tour or rentals – there are lots of great paddling spots around Palmer

Dining in Palmer

I’ll be honest, Seward is not my favorite town for cuisine in Alaska. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, but its options are limited. I always like to set realistic expectations for anyone visiting a place for the first time. Having said that, here are our top picks for dining in Palmer:

  • Feather and Flower – farm to table dining w/ a prix fixe menu
  • Palmer Ale House – awesome pizza and more
  • Turkey Red – great deli sandwiches and to-go meals
  • Matanuska Brewing Co – burgers, salads, beer and more
  • La Fiesta – a good solid Mexican restaurant

More ideas for your visit to Palmer:

Where to Stay Around Palmer

Use the map below to find a good spot to stay for your time in Palmer, from a cabin to a lodge, a treehouse to a hotel.

I hope you’re excited to experience Alaska Helicopter Tours and landing on Knik Glacier. Between the beautiful views and sense of Alaskan adventure, I know you’ll love it. If you have any questions about visiting Palmer, helicopter flightseeing, or the MatSu Valley please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help with travel planning for an Alaska Trip!

Doing flightseeing with a glacier landing is pretty amazing with Alaska Helicopter Tours. From the views with multiple landings to walking around on Knik Glacier right from the helicopter, see what to expect and if this activity is right for you when you visit Palmer, Alaska.

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