Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site: Things to Do and Camping Info

One of the coolest things about visiting Alaska is getting to see glaciers, whether you’re into geology or you just love a beautiful landscape. The Matanuska Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers from the Anchorage area, but it’s really expensive to get to visit up close due to the access land being privately owned. However, there is a wonderful state park, the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area, where you can take in great views, enjoy some hiking, picnicking and even camping. This is a fun spot to stop when you’re driving the Glenn Highway or in addition to a day exploring beyond ANC.

Have you gotten to see the Matanuska Glacier before? If you’ve had a road trip around Alaska you may have and might not even realize it. We’ve got tips for visiting Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site and other ways to enjoy the area surrounding the glacier (and getting on it if you have the time and budget). If you have any questions about this spot or need additional recommendations for glacier activities in the greater Anchorage area, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great trip to Alaska.

Visiting Matanuska Glacier State Park

The obvious reason to stop at the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site (aka State Park) is for the epic, unobstructed view of the namesake glacier. With sweeping views across the Matanuska River Valley to the Chugach Mountains and Matanuska Glacier, it’s one of the best views along the Glenn Highway. But the view isn’t the only thing to enjoy here.

From the shelter by the parking area to the different exhibits along the viewing area and onto the trail, Matanuska Glacier State Park has a complete guide to understanding glaciation and I’m pretty sure it was made by a 5th grade teacher because it’s both fully scientific and the exhibits are written to be understood by everyone, complete with fun and useful graphics. I’ve been to many glaciers and science museums and the exhibits here did the best job of any I’ve seen to explain how glaciers form, how they impact the landscape, and the process of receding happens. You don’t even have to love geology to think it’s cool and interesting.

So you’re probably wondering about the hike to Matanuska Glacier from the State Recreation Site, right. THERE IS NO GLACIER ACCESS TO THE MATANUSKA GLACIER OUTSIDE OF A GUIDED TOUR. That’s right, you can look at the glacier all you want but you cannot visit it unless you do a guided tour, which can be costly. You can book Matanuska Glacier Hiking through Greatland Adventures or NOVA Alaska Guides. **Use code MyAKtrip10 for a 10% discount on adventures with NOVA Alaska.

Hiking at Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site

There is one hiking trail at Matanuska Glacier State Park, and that is the Matanuska River Loop. This is a short one mile loop trail that’s not terribly difficult, but you do gain/lose 200 feet over the course of the trail. There’s a steep downward if you begin with veering to the right on the loop, and then you’ll have another coming up before the loop turns back. It’s doable, but you’ll break a sweat. For the easiest time managing the descent and ascent, when you come to the Y of the trail loop, go to the right so you can go down first. This will take you to more viewpoints and exhibits, and then you can finish the Matanuska River Loop trail on level ground.

TIP: if you want to hike to a glacier and are heading toward Whittier or the Kenai Peninsula, the Bryon Glacier Trail is easily accessed in the Portage Valley and it goes directly to the toe of the glacier. If you’re heading to McCarthy/Kennicott, you can do guided Root Glacier hikes there.

Is Matanuska Glacier State Park Worth Visiting?

If you are driving on the Glenn highway between Anchorage and Glennallen or Valdez, it’s so easy to stop at Matanuska Glacier State Park because it’s directly along the highway and there is no sort of detour to be able to visit. Should you go out of your way to drive more than an hour east of Palmer to be able to visit? No, it’s not a park / recreation site with tons of things to do, but is primarily just a beautiful view. If you’re trying to find a good place for a picnic and you’re going to be in the area, then stop because it’s perfect for that, but it’s not worth the long drive on its own.

Camping at Matanuska Glacier

Yes! There is actually a campground here at the Matanuska Glacier State Park. It’s very nice and located far enough from the Glenn Highway that it’s pretty quiet. There are nice bathroom facilities, each of the 12 camping sites has a picnic table, tent pad, and fire ring. There is a potable water source and it’s a great place to enjoy camping in Alaska. This is a moose and bear area, so you do need to practice all forms of both wildlife safety and food storage. Camping at Matanuska Glacier State Park puts you in a great place for doing fun activities like whitewater rafting on the Matanuska River, doing a Matanuska Glacier hike and even doing a day trip over to Wrangell-St Elias National Park‘s Nabesna Road and fishing on the Copper River. Staying on this stretch of the Glenn Highways is a great option for being centrally based for all kinds of activities.

Need to Know for Visiting Matanuska Glacier State Park

When you come to Matanuska Glacier State Recreation site there are no services here at all. There are parking, restrooms, picnic tables and exhibits about glaciers, as well as some benches for sitting and taking in the view. And it’s the same with the campground. If you’re spending any amount of time here you need to bring anything you want for picnicking and hiking. The closest services are at the nearby Long Rifle Lodge, which has a restaurant and also manages the state park campground. There is no store nearby, so if you’re camping, you need to arrive fully stocked with all of your supplies for your visit. The closest stores are in either Palmer or Glennallen.

Getting to Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site

Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site sits 1:15 driving from Palmer and 1:30 driving from Glennallen. This is one of my favorite stretches of highway to drive in Alaska, and you’ll have to really focus on the road because the views are incredible. When you arrive, there is ample parking in two long parking rows. This isn’t usually a stop that takes a long time, so if it is really busy, give the parking loop one more go-around and you’ll no doubt find a spot. There is a day-use fee of $5, which can be paid in cash, or you can display your Alaska State Parks pass if you have one.