Southcentral Community: Matanuska Glacier
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Matanuska Glacier is located in the Mat-Su Valley, northeast of Anchorage and Palmer, and is the largest accessible glacier by road in Alaska. Matanuska Glacier is a stable ice floe that is four miles wide at its terminus and extends 27 miles back into the Chugach Mountains. Alaska is glaciers, wildlife and scenic beauty and you will find it all right here and accessible by road.
Access is at Glacier Park, Milepost 102 of the Glenn Highway. The land is privately owned and admission is charged. The parking area takes you within 400 feet of the ice and a 15-20 minute hike gets you to the ice. Several companies offer guided hikes and ice climbing trips.
To the south of the Glacier Park Access you will find Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site providing a campground and rest area with scenic views of the glacier. The Edge Nature Trail is a 20-minute walk through boreal forest to glacier viewing platforms with interpretive signs.
A number of lodges and bed and breakfasts are located within several miles of Glacier Park, most offering views of the glacier.
Details
Photo By: Frank Flavin
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A couple enjoying the Matanuska Glacier
Population: Not a community.
Location: Mat-Su Valley, off Glenn Highway at Mile 102, 94 miles from Anchorage, 53 miles from Palmer, 42 miles from Sutton and 23 miles from Chickaloon.
Access: By road via the Glenn Highway, access at Mile 102.
Accommodations: A number of lodges and bed and breakfasts within several miles, most offering views of the glacier. Accommodations and services are also available in Chickaloon, Sutton and Palmer.
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