Southcentral Community: Eklutna
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Just off the Glenn Highway about 26 miles northeast of Anchorage lies the Athabascan village of Eklutna. Dating back to 1650, Eklutna is the oldest continually inhabited Athabascan site in the region. Much of that history can be seen at the Eklutna Village Historical Park. The park contains a Heritage House with displays on the indigenous lifestyle and art, the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, a hand-hewn log chapel and brightly colored spirit houses in a cemetery nearby. A gift shop offers Native Alaskan baskets and jewelry.
Eklutna Lake Road winds east for 10 miles to the west end of Eklutna Lake and Eklutna Lake State Recreation Area. The lake is the largest body of water (about 7 miles in length) in Chugach State Park and one of the most scenic with the peaks of the Chugach Mountains all around.
Eklutna Lake Road winds east for 10 miles to the west end of Eklutna Lake and Eklutna Lake State Recreation Area. The lake is the largest body of water (about 7 miles in length) in Chugach State Park and one of the most scenic with the peaks of the Chugach Mountains all around.
Skirting along the north side of the lake is Lakeshore Trail, an old road until 1977 when numerous washouts turned it into a route for hikers, horses and mountain bikes. All-terrain vehicles have access Sunday through Wednesday, but it is reserved for non-motor traffic Thursday through Saturday. The entire trail is 13 miles one-way with several campgrounds along the route.
Eklutna Glacier Trail is 0.75 miles and ends at interpretive panels and a view of Eklutna Glacier. Nearby is East Fork Trail, a 5.5-mile walk up the river to a glacial lake surrounded by the highest peaks of the Chugach Mountains. Twin Peaks Trail heads 3.5 miles above the tree line to the passes between Twin Peaks. Halfway up presents great views of the lake and valley. Above tree line, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging. Be sure to keep a lookout for Dall sheep on the mountain slopes.
When you exit the Glenn Highway at Eklutna, take the access road the other direction for 0.3 miles to a parking area and the trailhead for Thunderbird Falls Trail. The mile-long trail is a quick uphill climb to the scenic falls formed by a small, rocky gorge. At the end is a deck with benches overlooking the cascade. It’s a great place to picnic.
Details
Photo By: Frank Flavin
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People walking around spirit houses in Eklutna
Population: 383
Location: Eklutna is located at the head of the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet, at the mouth of the Eklutna River, 25 miles northeast of Anchorage. It is within the boundaries of the Municipality of Anchorage.
Access: By road via Glenn Highway, 26 miles northeast of Anchorage.
Accommodations: Available in Anchorage or Eagle River-Chugiak.